Michel, you are a very active resident in the neighbourhood. Many people know you from your neighbourhood bulletin. Could you briefly tell us about it?
I send out a weekly neighbourhood bulletin in which I share news, developments and initiatives from the area. The idea is to keep residents involved in what is happening in De Plantage and in our own surroundings. In this way, we try to make the neighbourhood a little better and more liveable together.
You are now actively involved in the initiative Amsterdam Ademt. Can you tell us more about that?
Amsterdam Ademt is an initiative by the Municipal Health Service (GGD) with the goal of making Amsterdam – and therefore our beautiful Plantage – nicotine-free by 2040. That may still seem far away, but becoming smoke-free doesn’t happen overnight. An important part of the initiative is the idea of a smoke-free generation: if children today are less exposed to smoking, the chances increase that we can truly achieve a smoke-free Amsterdam in the future.
There is already a concrete initiative in De Plantage: the Smoke-Free Roetersstraat. How did that come about?
In our neighbourhood, the Smoke-Free Roetersstraat started as a forward-thinking initiative that grew out of the weekly neighbourhood consultation hour. In the first months we have already seen many positive reactions and, encouragingly, there is already less smoking taking place in the street.
What does less smoking, or a smoke-free environment, mean for the neighbourhood?
Less smoking – or even a completely smoke-free environment – improves the quality of our neighbourhoods. Many visitors, employees and residents really appreciate this. It also helps create a healthier environment, especially for children. If they are not confronted with smoking, the goal of Amsterdam Ademt – a smoke-free generation – becomes achievable.
What can organisations in De Plantage do if they want to participate?
Organisations can sign up with Amsterdam Ademt and become a partner in the initiative. This can be done directly through the Amsterdam Ademt website.
Anyone who would like more information first can also contact me via mbvanwijk@live.nl or visit www.bewonersamsterdam.nl.