It’s actually not allowed, but anyone who practices ‘guerrilla gardening’ has no business doing so. 21-year-old Luuk Slootweg from Heerhugowaard is one of them. Armed with plants, bulbs and self-made seed bombs, he tries to make his neighborhood greener. His work has not gone unnoticed, as Luuk has been nominated for a Young Impact Award.
“It’s quite a dirty job, but that’s part of it,” says 21-year-old Luuk, laughing as he rolls balls with clay, compost, water and flower seeds. “I throw them under trees and on roadsides where it is still bare. In the spring they produce flowers that are very good for bees, butterflies and other insects.”
Bare roadsides, dreary city parks and boring petrified parking squares are the target of guerrilla gardener Luuk. De Heerhugowaarder came into contact with the movement when he was doing a social internship. Such an internship means that students do volunteer work as part of the educational program.
Green oases
Luuk stayed at his internship address because he really liked the initiative. “It is also really necessary to transform gray neighborhoods into green oases. It is not only good for biodiversity, but it has also been proven that people are happier with greenery in their environment. I also like making the world a better place. instead of complaining that things aren’t going well.”
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In addition to his volunteer work, Luuk’s regular work is in construction, where he specializes in ecological gardening and creating sustainable roof gardens. For his commitment to a greener environment, he has now even been nominated for one Young Impact Award. This award places young people in the spotlight who make a positive difference in society.
The 21-year-old has been nominated in the climate category. If he has enough to vote Luuk will receive a check for 2,500 euros that he can spend on his project. “I’m quite proud that the work is recognized. You put time and effort into it. The fact that other people appreciate that is really great.”