Amsterdam is renowned for its stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene. From the iconic canal houses to world-famous museums like the Rijksmuseum and the Anne Frank House, the city offers an unforgettable experience at every turn. Yet beneath this beauty lies an often-overlooked challenge: the pollution of its historic canals. Large amounts of plastic waste and litter, left behind on the streets, eventually find their way into the waterways. From there, they can travel further into rivers and oceans, contributing to the growing global problem known as “plastic soup.”

This is not just a minor issue. Organizations like Plastic Soup Foundation continue to raise awareness about the long-term environmental impact of plastic pollution. Back in 2016 alone, an astonishing 200,000 kilos of waste were removed from Amsterdam’s canals—an eye-opening figure that highlights the scale of the problem.

Despite ongoing efforts, keeping the canals clean remains a continuous challenge, and the city deserves collective action to preserve its beauty and ecological health.
That’s where Amsterdam Plastic Fishing comes in—an engaging and meaningful activity that allows participants to be part of the solution. Rather than simply sightseeing, you actively contribute to cleaning the canals while enjoying a unique experience on the water.

Equipped with nets, you’ll cruise through the waterways, collecting plastic and other debris, all while taking in the city from a fresh perspective.

This activity is ideal for a wide range of groups. Whether you’re planning a corporate outing, a team-building event, a family day, or simply a memorable experience with friends, Amsterdam Plastic Fishing combines purpose with enjoyment. It fosters collaboration, raises environmental awareness, and creates a shared sense of accomplishment. There’s something uniquely satisfying about physically removing waste from the canals and seeing the immediate impact of your efforts.

Beyond the environmental benefits, it’s also a chance to slow down and truly appreciate Amsterdam’s charm—from its picturesque bridges to its lively neighbourhoods—while doing something that matters. By participating, you’re not just exploring the city; you’re helping protect it for future generations.

1. Shared Purpose and “Social Pride”

Employees today—especially younger generations—want to work for companies that care. Seeing the tangible impact of their work (like a pile of plastic removed from the canal or a child receiving a bike) creates a powerful emotional connection to the company.

2. Breaking Down Silos

On a boat or at an assembly station, job titles disappear. A junior intern might be the one holding the net while the CEO steers the boat. This levels the playing field and allows for authentic communication that rarely happens in a formal office setting.

3. Immediate Gratification

Unlike long-term office projects that can take months to finish, these events offer “instant wins.” Completing a bike or clearing a section of water provides a dopamine hit and a sense of collective accomplishment that re-energizes a team.

4. Developing “Soft Skills” in a New Environment

These activities require unique collaboration:

Plastic Fishing: Requires coordination between the “fisher,” the “spotter,” and the “navigator.”Build-a-Bike: Requires clear communication and problem-solving under a time limit.

These skills translate directly back to better workplace teamwork.

5. Combatting “Zoom Fatigue”

Especially for remote or hybrid teams, an outdoor, hands-on activity is a high-value way to reconnect. It moves the focus away from screens and onto shared physical movement and fresh air, which is proven to lower stress and improve team morale.

Plastic fishing is an environmental activity where participants head out onto the Amsterdam canals in boats to “fish” for plastic waste using nets. It is a proactive way to keep the city’s historic waterways clean while enjoying a unique view of the canals.

Amsterdam’s canals are a UNESCO World Heritage site, but they are also open waterways where plastic litter can accumulate. By plastic fishing, you help prevent waste from flowing out into the North Sea, protecting local wildlife and maintaining the beauty of the city for everyone.

No experience is necessary. Plastic fishing is designed for everyone—from locals and tourists to corporate teams. You will be provided with all the necessary equipment, including specialized fishing nets and gloves, and a professional skipper will guide your boat through the best “fishing” spots.

The goal is to turn waste into value. Most of the plastic collected during these trips is sorted and recycled. In many cases, the high-quality plastic is transformed into new products, such as office furniture or even the very boats used for future plastic fishing trips.

Yes, it is one of the most popular CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) activities in Amsterdam. It encourages teamwork and communication in a relaxed, outdoor setting while allowing companies to make a tangible positive impact on the environment.

We recommend wearing comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and flat shoes with good grip. Since you will be on the water, a windbreaker or raincoat is always a good idea in the Netherlands. We provide all the “fishing” gear, so you just need to bring your enthusiasm!

Most trips last between 90 minutes and 2 hours. This provides ample time to navigate different canal rings, collect a significant amount of waste, and learn about the history of the city from your guide.

Yes, our team would be happy to arrange food and beverage for you to celebrate with your team.

Amsterdam is renowned for its stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene. From the iconic canal houses to world-famous museums like the Rijksmuseum and the Anne Frank House, the city offers an unforgettable experience at every turn. Yet beneath this beauty lies an often-overlooked challenge: the pollution of its historic canals. Large amounts of plastic waste and litter, left behind on the streets, eventually find their way into the waterways. From there, they can travel further into rivers and oceans, contributing to the growing global problem known as “plastic soup.”

This is not just a minor issue. Organizations like Plastic Soup Foundation continue to raise awareness about the long-term environmental impact of plastic pollution. Back in 2016 alone, an astonishing 200,000 kilos of waste were removed from Amsterdam’s canals—an eye-opening figure that highlights the scale of the problem.

Despite ongoing efforts, keeping the canals clean remains a continuous challenge, and the city deserves collective action to preserve its beauty and ecological health.
That’s where Amsterdam Plastic Fishing comes in—an engaging and meaningful activity that allows participants to be part of the solution. Rather than simply sightseeing, you actively contribute to cleaning the canals while enjoying a unique experience on the water.

Equipped with nets, you’ll cruise through the waterways, collecting plastic and other debris, all while taking in the city from a fresh perspective.

This activity is ideal for a wide range of groups. Whether you’re planning a corporate outing, a team-building event, a family day, or simply a memorable experience with friends, Amsterdam Plastic Fishing combines purpose with enjoyment. It fosters collaboration, raises environmental awareness, and creates a shared sense of accomplishment. There’s something uniquely satisfying about physically removing waste from the canals and seeing the immediate impact of your efforts.

Beyond the environmental benefits, it’s also a chance to slow down and truly appreciate Amsterdam’s charm—from its picturesque bridges to its lively neighbourhoods—while doing something that matters. By participating, you’re not just exploring the city; you’re helping protect it for future generations.

Building or assembling a bicycle is the best way to understand how your ride works. Whether you have a bike-in-a-box or a collection of new parts, this guide will walk you through the essential steps to get you from the workshop to the road safely.

Step 1: Organize Your Workspace and Tools

Before touching the bike, clear a flat space. Organizing your parts now prevents frustration later.

You will generally need:
Hex Keys (Allen Wrenches): Specifically 4mm, 5mm, and 6mm.A 15mm Wrench: Necessary for pedals and some wheel types.
Bicycle Grease: To protect threaded parts from rust and seizing.
Floor Pump: To set your tire pressure.

Step 2: The Fork and Cockpit

If your bike is partially disassembled, the first goal is to get the “steering” set up.

Slide the Fork into the Frame: Ensure the bearings are sitting flat in the head tube.

Attach the Stem: Slide the stem onto the fork tube and tighten it slightly to hold everything together.

Mount the Handlebars:
Center the bars in the stem clamp. Ensure your brake levers and shifters are angled so your wrists stay straight when riding.

Step 3: Installing the Front Wheel

Most bikes come with the rear wheel already attached. For the front:

Align the Disc or Rim: If you have disc brakes, carefully slide the rotor between the brake pads.

Secure the Axle: If using a quick-release lever, tighten the nut until the lever leaves a faint imprint on your palm when closed.

Step 4: Mastering the Pedals

Pedals are the most common place for beginners to make a mistake.

Identify Left and Right: Look for an “L” and “R” stamped on the axle.

he Right Side: Tightens normally (clockwise).The Left Side: This is reverse-threaded. You must turn it counter-clockwise to tighten it.

Pro Tip: Always apply a small dab of grease to the threads first. This ensures you can actually remove them in the future!

Step 5: Seat post and Saddle Height

Grease the Post: Apply a thin layer of grease to the seat post before sliding it into the frame.

Level the Saddle: Ensure the seat is level with the ground. A tilted seat can cause discomfort or numbness during long rides.

Step 6: The Pre-Ride Safety Check

Never skip the “Bolt Check.” Work your way from the front of the bike to the back:

Handlebar Twist: Hold the front wheel between your knees and try to twist the bars. They should not move.

Brake Squeeze: Pull both levers hard. They should stop the wheels and should not touch the handlebars.

Air Pressure: Ensure your tires are firm. Low pressure is the leading cause of “pinch flats.”

A Build-a-Bike program is a CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) team-building event where employees work together to assemble bicycles for children in need. It combines hands-on mechanical skills with teamwork and problem-solving, culminating in a heart-warming donation to a local charity or school.

By donating high-quality bicycles to underprivileged children, your company helps promote physical health, independence, and outdoor play. For many children, these bikes provide a vital mode of transport for school and a sense of pride and ownership.

No. The program is designed for all skill levels. Every team is provided with professional tools, easy-to-follow instructions, and expert facilitators who oversee the builds to ensure every bike is safe and fully functional.

Safety is our top priority. Once the teams have finished assembly, every single bicycle undergoes a rigorous safety inspection by a certified mechanic before it is handed over to a child. We ensure that brakes, gears, and tires meet all safety standards.

We partner with a variety of local organizations, including foster care agencies, youth centers, and schools in the Netherlands. You can choose a specific charity that aligns with your company’s values, or we can recommend a partner in need.

Safety is our top priority. Once the teams have finished assembly, every single bicycle undergoes a rigorous safety inspection by a certified mechanic before it is handed over to a child. We ensure that brakes, gears, and tires meet all safety standards.

Whenever possible, we organize a “Big Reveal.” After the build is complete, the children are invited to the venue to meet the teams and receive their new bikes in person. This is often the most emotional and impactful part of the CSR event.

Our comprehensive package typically includes:
Brand-new children’s bicycles (various sizes).
High-quality safety helmets for every child.
Professional tools and assembly stations.
Expert facilitators and safety mechanics.
Coordination with local charities and logistics.

CSR programs like Build-a-Bike boost morale by giving employees a shared sense of purpose. It moves beyond traditional office interactions, allowing teams to collaborate in a high-energy environment while making a tangible difference in a child’s life.