Overall, the 8.2 billion human beings inhabiting the planet generate some 2.1 billion tonnes of waste every year. According to the World Bank, this figure is projected to reach 3.4 billion tonnes per year by 2050 if nothing changes. Although some countries are more affected than others, let's face it, we're all in the same boat.
France is one of the largest waste producers in Europe: in 2022, France generated around 345 million tonnes of waste, or 5.1 tonnes per person. However, when considering waste production per person, France is within the European average, or even slightly below
These figures seem staggering, even appalling, but think about the amount of waste we produce in our daily lives: paper towels, plastic wrap, disposable water bottles, packaging… The list is long. Fortunately, with a few simple adjustments, we can all reduce our production and live a waste-free life.
The Meanwhile Boutique team has its best tips for you!
Here are 10 simple measures to adopt to finally break free from waste !
#1 Establish the [ why ]
At the beginning of 2025, we were already offering you 7 eco-responsible habits easy to adopt without breaking the bank, which you can very easily integrate into your routine.
Indeed, it is said that it takes 21 days to create a habit. This may seem like a short time, but thinking systematically about reducing waste for almost three weeks can quickly become tedious.
As with any significant lifestyle change, it is essential to clearly establish the motivations that drive you to stay on track: are you a hiker exasperated by finding waste on your trails? Do you have a loved one whose health has been affected by toxins present in everyday products? Do you need to save money? Is it an educational project for the family?
Take time to think, then write down your "why" in a visible place, such as your refrigerator, so you can refer back to it often.
#2 Recycle properly
According to the most recent data from Citeo for the year 2023, the French people sorted an average of 72 kg of packaging and paper per person. This sorting allowed for the recycling of 67% of household packaging and 63% of graphic paper, marking a notable improvement compared to previous years.
In terms of environmental impact, the recycling of 4 million tonnes of packaging in 2023 helped avoid the emission of 2.3 million tonnes of CO₂, which is equivalent to removing approximately 1 million cars from the road.
These figures testify to the growing commitment of French citizens to sorting and recycling, thus contributing to the reduction of emissions of greenhouse gases and the preservation of natural resources.
To push this rate even higher, report on your sorting at home, and above all, be honest with yourself: Could you recycle more? More conscientiously?
An important pillar of a zero-waste lifestyle consists of encouraging companies that incorporate recycled materials into their products. Although recycling is not a perfect solution, it remains far preferable to landfilling or incinerating waste.
And if you really want to get rid of overly worn clothes, we give you our best sustainable tips and good deals to dispose of your clothes.
#3 Reduce your clothing consumption
According to a study by the government ecology-solidaire website, nearly 600,000 tonnes of textiles, household linen, and shoes are placed on the market for households, or nearly 10 kilos per year per person.
Most are thrown away and not recycled despite their particularly heavy ecological impact.
To lighten this consumption, nothing is easier than using the simple rule:
1 new garment = 1 garment resold or recycled.
Sites like Vinted or eBay make the resale of clothes easy and eco-responsible! We have also made our selection of the 10 best applications for selling second-hand items.
Obviously, it is essential to take care of your clothes: introduce yourself to the art of clothing repair - sewing up a sock, redoing a hem, or even transforming an old t-shirt into a tote bag. By choosing better quality pieces, by buying less, but keeping them longer, you considerably reduce your waste… while making savings and cultivating a useful and sustainable know-how.
At Meanwhile Boutique, we offer you numerous workshops in our boutique in Marseille ranging from clothing repair to upcycling. Don't hesitate to take a look!
#4 Organize virtual swaps
Want to do a major cleanup of your wardrobe? Adopt a capsule wardrobe?
Why not create a giant swap with your friends ? Clothes, kitchen utensils, books, vinyls, or homemade products: everything is possible. Create a group on a free online sharing platform like a private Instagram or Pinterest, and take photos of the items you could part with, and start negotiations !
#5 Rediscover the pleasure of cooking
Raise your hand if you are used to ordering Deliveroo or Uber Eats at least once a week ?
These services are undeniably convenient, but they have a hidden cost. The majority of takeout dishes are delivered in disposable packaging: plastic, single-use cutlery, sauce packets… A mountain of waste for a few minutes of mealtime.
And beyond the environmental impact, we must not forget the social impact. The majority of delivery drivers work in precarious conditions, often without social protection or stability. Behind the speed and convenience of the service lies a business model that weakens those who make it work.
Reducing our orders, cooking more, or picking up your dish directly at the restaurant not only limits waste, but also supports more ethical and more humane practices.
What if cooking also became an engaged act for the planet and the animals?
Adopting a more plant-based diet – or even vegan – is one of the most effective ways to reduce your carbon footprint. Industrial farming is responsible for a significant part of greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and water overconsumption.
At Meanwhile Boutique, many of our items are 100% vegan — no product of animal origin enters our selection. We believe that ethics and style can go hand in hand, without compromise on animal welfare.
#6 Reuse used containers and glass jars
You go grocery shopping once a week, vou have gotten into the habit of making your own dishes and are a composting pro. BRAVO!
And now?
Rather than buying overpriced glass containers, reuse the ones in your fridge ! Wash them, remove their labels, and give a second life to your tomato sauce or pickle jars. Unobtrusive, they will allow you to keep food fresh without using plastic wrap.
#7 Reorganize your dental hygiene routine
Every year, around 100 million plastic toothbrushes are thrown away in France, generating more than 3,000 tonnes of plastic waste . These toothbrushes, difficult to recycle due to their small size and complex composition, often end up in landfills or, worse, in our oceans.
An easy alternative? Switch to a compostable bamboo toothbrush, and to complete the set, 100% natural dental floss and solid toothpaste.
On our site, you will find many eco-responsible items for an impeccable oral hygiene.
#8 Use a safety razor
Speaking of hygiene, did you know that only around 21% of the French correctly sort their bathroom packaging? Many scientists denounce the most polluting waste, such as disposable razors, toothpaste tubes, or cotton swabs.
An easy solution: switch to an all-metal safety razor with recyclable blades. Not only do you get a close shave but you will save money, and do good to the planet !
You will find on our site a solid shaving soap with vegan and organic shea butter, super useful and eco-responsible.
Solid shaving soap with shea butter I Lemon green tea - LAMAZUNA
€12.50
#9 Make your own cleaning products
Have you ever taken a look at the label of your household cleaning products ? Filled with chemicals, they are very often highly toxic to you, your family, and even your pets.
There are many alternatives just as effective as these products bought in stores, to make yourself, for an effective and eco-responsible home.
On our site, you can find many eco-responsible home maintenance products.
#10 Say no to ads!
One last easy step you can take at home?
According to Wedemain, 12 kilos of advertising are placed in our mailboxes and then thrown away every year.
A quick and easy step: a simple sticker or piece of paper stuck on your mailbox that says "No junk mail". This small act is a big step towards more environmentally friendly mail management, without unnecessary waste!
Want to take action now?
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Sources:
https://www.radiofrance.fr/franceinter/podcasts/la-terre-au-carre/la-terre-au-carre-du-mardi-28-janvier-2025-2419025
https://datatopics.worldbank.org/what-a-waste/
https://www.statistiques.developpement-durable.gouv.fr/la-production-et-le-recyclage-des-dechets-en-france-extrait-du-bilan-environnemental-2024
