Minimise (new) raw material use
At NS, we want to manage materials more intelligently and reduce the use of new raw materials. That is why we design and purchase circularly. For example, when acquiring new trains or workwear, circularity is considered during the selection and awarding process. During renovations of various NS offices, we reuse as many existing materials and train components as possible. This includes furniture made from old train floors, partitions created from glass train doors, and desks crafted from train ceiling panels. In this way, we support not only our own colleagues but also retail tenants and travellers in reducing waste.
Bring your own cup
Millions of people enjoy coffee, tea or hot chocolate at our stations every year. Many of these drinks are served in disposable cups, but there is a better way. If you bring your own cup, you will receive at least €0.25 discount at over 200 shops across the stations.
Are reusable cups more sustainable than disposable ones?
Yes, definitely. Research by Milieu Centraal shows that a reusable cup becomes better for the environment than a disposable cup after about 25 uses. From that point on, the materials, production and cleaning of your cup outweigh the repeated manufacturing and disposal of disposable cups.
Tip: Use your cup multiple times without washing it after each use. Simply rinse it with cold water. When you do wash it, use a full, energy-efficient dishwasher (energy label A) or wash it by hand in a basin. This keeps the environmental impact as low as possible.
Water points at stations
You will find free drinking water at our water points on around 255 stations. This means 90% of our travellers pass a water point during their journey and can fill their own bottle. To find the locations of water points, visit Station Information, search for your station and look under ‘Facilities’.
If you do not yet have a refillable bottle, no worries – you can buy one at many stations with a shop.