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Why Grocery Shopping is Better in Amsterdam

Not Just Bikes · explainer · Watch on YouTube

Transit, cities & urban planningEnvironment, agriculture & food systems

What it is

A four-minute Not Just Bikes comparison of grocery shopping in Amsterdam versus car-centric North America, arguing that frequent small fresh-food trips beat bulk shopping. It ties this to land use and reduced food waste.

Why Hacker News recommends it

Linked in urbanism and car-dependence threads as a concise case for walkable fresh-food shopping.

  • 7 people recommended it
  • 7 different months
  • 2 strong recommendations
  • first 2020, last 2025

What HN commenters said

  1. “had me pretty convinced land use was the key to breaking through a bad food waste vs shelf-stable food trade-off.”

    Land use as key to fresh food and less waste.

    Ericson2314, 2021-09 · Strong recommendation · in “Spain will ban selling fruit and vegetables in plastic containers starting 2023”

  2. “I think this video sums up how I, and most europeans, feel about it”

    Captures how Europeans feel about shopping without a car.

    scrollaway, 2023-07 · Strong recommendation · in “If we want a shift to walking we need to prioritize dignity”

  3. “Check out this Canadian talking about his grocery trip in Amsterdam”

    A Canadian shows grocery shopping in Amsterdam.

    Flobin, 2020-08 · Recommendation · in “Interchange in Houston is the same size as an entire city center in Italy”

  4. “NJB conveniently has a video on this topic as well.”

    Grocery shopping becomes a quick detour in the commute, with healthier produce and less waste.

    trinovantes, 2022-06 · Recommendation · in “We Won't Raise Our Kids in Suburbia”

  5. “I’d be very curious what you think of any specific points made in the video.”

    Argues small grocery stores are better, asking for engagement with its points.

    TaylorAlexander, 2022-09 · Recommendation · in “KittyHawk air taxi startup is winding down”

  6. “has a 4 minute video on grocery shopping in Amsterdam, compared to when he lived in London, Ontario”

    Four-minute comparison of grocery shopping in Amsterdam and London, Ontario.

    jodrellblank, 2023-05 · Recommendation · in “How to Quit Cars”

  7. “I would recommend looking at this video[0] from NotJustBikes on the subject.”

    Shows the mindset behind urban design and zoning that supports dense grocery stores.

    MrDresden, 2025-03 · Recommendation · in “Stockpile 72 hours of supplies in case of disaster or attack, EU tells citizens”

Excerpts from Hacker News comments, linked to the originals. Summaries and labels were written by a language model from those comments.

Topics: netherlands, walkable cities, car dependence, food waste, not just bikes

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