Dertien cares about the world. And let’s be honest, it’s in trouble. Part of the challenge is that sustainability is a journey, no one has all the answers. But we have to start somewhere.

For me, sustainability isn’t about being perfect, it’s about the thoughtful changes that, over time, add up to something meaningful.

Small choices can make a big impact

I love my small company just as much as I love cooking, food and tableware. But I don’t want this love to come at the expense of people or the planet. 

Dertien was born from personal experience. Many women live in a constant struggle with food. Each day starts with rules and restrictions; each meal comes with doubt or guilt. The obsession with nutrition trends, “healthy” challenges, and a slim appearance grows stronger by the day, along with the distance from our own bodies.

Dertien creates a safe space for others because I missed one myself. It is here for women who want to heal their relationship with food and their body. 

My big bold fantasy is to create a diet-free world. A world where food is not some health goal but a positive source of nourishment and care.

Do you want to be part of this mission? Your support is welcome. Companies can also get involved to help drive change. Feel free to reach out to me at nikki@dertienvoedingenbeweging.nl. 

I cook from scratch. That means unprocessed, home-cooked and as close to kilometro 0 as possible. When food is grown nearby and eaten in season, it simply… tastes better. What happens if an ingredient isn't in season? Well, I simply don't eat it for a while. 

I have my own little vegetable garden, make a lot of things by myself and with a little help from nature. I try to avoid ultra-processed foods 85% of the time. After all, I’m a nutritionist, but also just a human enjoying life to the fullest. So yes, I eat ultra-processed foods from time to time too. 

Timeless and mindful purchasing

Then there is my webshop. Filled with tableware, found here in Italy.  I believe in a world that values longevity and purposeful design. The goal is to offer a collection, carefully curated to outlast fleeting trends. 

My collection combines vintage and handmade products with a carefully selected range of new items. Skipping unnecessary large inventories is a deliberate choice that reduces waste and prevents overproduction.

Every product deserve a second life, which is why I encourage you to buy vintage or second-hand items. By passing on or swapping items, we reduce fast consumption and experience mindful purchasing.

I strive to select items made from sustainable raw materials, such as organic cotton or 100% linen. Grown without chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or insecticides. By choosing organic, Dertien helps conserve natural resources.

To be honest, I sometimes do struggle with product packaging. Plastic is occasionally necessary to protect items during transport. I am constantly looking for recycled alternatives, but they aren’t always available.

Got a solution for me in mind?