On Friday, 21 November, three Arnhem-based initiatives received the Dirk Zeldenrust Sustainability Award at Arnhem City Hall. Jury chair Frank Croes, who has worked in higher education for many years, was visibly moved. “These are young people taking responsibility to leave the planet in a better state,” he said.
Dirk Zeldenrust passed away in 2017. After his death, those close to him founded the Club van Dirk, which is now presenting the award for the eighth time. Alderman Cathelijne Bouwkamp emphasized that people like Dirk Zeldenrust are essential to keep issues such as climate change and environmental pollution on the agenda — and to inspire real action. She praised all participants: “In the end, we all benefit from your efforts for a better world.”
Third-place winner and clothing librarian Maria Kooper has creative and ambitious ideas to improve clothing recycling even further than she already does. The gardeners of Hof van West, an experimental and herb garden in Malburgen, received the second prize.
The entire JiTiBa team is incredibly honored by this recognition! Co-founders Bas Emaus, Ricardo Guanella Cronenbold, and 🚀 Leon Schipper are deeply grateful and give a special shout-out to colleague Anne van der Heidefor her strong pitch this evening! And of course, this is a team achievement, so heartfelt thanks also go to Jilles Vink, Daniël Groenendijk, Jeroen Berrevoets, and Bendegúz Turi.
