Chapter 1.4 The sustainability challenge of Texel

Problem statement for sustainability transition

Current System

• Production of certain foods (Texel’s specialties)
• Import of luxury products
• Processing of products (sugar) takes place on the main land

Future system

• Closed circle? Eliminating import
• Self-sufficient
• Local production on existing areas..
• Community effort
• Creating a food route?
• Promote the cuisine of Texel (changed diet) is it possible to create a day to day diet with foods only produced on the island?
• Food processing on the island, new jobs?
• Export remains (income)

Differences

• Diet of the people will be changed, not all products will remain available

Sustainability criteria

• Closed loop? No import > reducing food kilometres/ environmental impact
• Preserve the nature
• Focus on specific products that are suitable for Texel
• Focus on local production and consumption.
• Should be integrated part of the tourism

Research question & design challenge

Research Question

How to make the current food system a closed loop one, which focusses on local production and consumption, but can still answer the peak demands caused by tourists?

Design Challenge

• Food route
• New places for food production?
• New techniques
• To make the residents enthusiastic for customizing their diet.