The new year is approaching. It’s time to take stock and think about the aspects of your life you would like to improve. Getting back into reading, eating healthily, quitting smoking… the list can be long. What if this year you changed some of your habits for eco-friendly alternatives?
As it is not always easy to know how or where to start, we invite you to discover 7 simple, eco-friendly habits to adopt every day for a greener year.
#1 - Consume local and seasonal products
The color and appearance of a Brazilian avocado or Costa Rican oranges sell a dream… But their ecological footprint tells a different story.
To reduce the carbon footprint of your food, it is best to prioritize local products. Consuming food from your region or that is made in France has its advantages: eating fresh, more flavorful products and knowing where they come from.
But that’s not all. Fewer transport miles also mean a shorter supply chain and a reduced carbon footprint. Buying from your local greengrocer also supports the local economy.
To reduce your environmental impact, it is also recommended to eat seasonal food. To find out which foods are in season each month, simply use a seasonal fruit and vegetable calendar.
The Public Health website offers one that can be consulted free of charge on its website.
#2 - Shop more thoughtfully and avoid overconsumption
Revisiting the way you shop is a simple eco-friendly habit to adopt. To be more environmentally responsible, make a list of everything you need before going to the supermarket. If you hesitate over a product, ask yourself: "Do I really need it?". If the answer is no or maybe, it is probably not a priority. This helps you avoid filling your cupboards and spending money unnecessarily.
In the store, also opt for items that do not have plastic packaging. It is possible to buy in bulk in many stores and supermarkets. Some are even specialized in bulk sales! All you need to do is bring your own containers and fill them.
Shopping thoughtfully and ethically also means prioritizing "short-dated" products. Many stores and apps like "To Good To Go" use this concept to limit food waste. Buying products that are close to their expiration date also allows you to save money, as they are often accompanied by attractive discounts.
After shopping, you need to carry your purchases. For this, nothing beats a reusable bag. Cotton tote bags come in different sizes and are very sturdy for carrying bulky items.
#3 - Reduce your energy consumption
Lowering the thermostat in your home is a small step against global warming. Far from being insignificant, lowering your heating by 1°C in a room saves an average of 7% in energy**. And at the same time, it results in greenhouse gas savings !
The same goes for electricity: leaving your charger plugged in when no device is attached to it still consumes energy. According to an Engie study*, this type of accessory can consume an average of 0.3 watts. Thus, turning off outlets and unplugging unused devices are small eco-friendly actions that can easily be incorporated into your daily life. Here are a few examples of how to reduce your electricity consumption: turn off your dishwasher after use, unplug a power strip at night or your television...
And if you are forgetful or afraid of forgetting, simply stick a reminder on the fridge and you are good to go!
Water consumption is also something to consider. Not letting the tap run unnecessarily and choosing showers over baths are also habits to adopt to protect your wallet and the environment.
#4 - Embrace zero waste
The zero-waste lifestyle consists of reducing your waste production as much as possible, eventually producing none at all. To do this, you can find more ethical alternatives to certain everyday items. Products such as toothpaste or shampoo can do without plastic packaging when they are solid. At Meanwhile Boutique, the Lamazuna and Al Mansoura brands offer a range of zero-waste solid cosmetics. For your kitchen, use reusable bamboo straws, fabric sandwich wraps instead of aluminum foil, or even a bamboo dish brush to replace your sponge.
#5 - Prioritize second-hand
When we talk about second-hand, we immediately think of clothing. Yet, absolutely everything can be bought second-hand. We were already talking about it in our top second-hand apps :books, toys, home décor, furniture, and even plants—you can buy it all second-hand. As long as you find the right apps to discover hidden gems!
Why prioritize second-hand? First, buying second-hand allows you to make big savings. An item that looks like new at an attractive price is truly worth considering. However, it is above all a great thing to do for the planet. By buying an old trinket or a refurbished phone, you help extend its lifespan. A virtuous cycle!
#6 - Make it yourself instead of buying it
Whether in the kitchen or the bathroom, there are products you can do without buying. All you need to do is tap into your inner handyman or woman and have a few tools to make them yourself. Tutorials are easy to find online, so you should easily be able to find DIY videos to make your own décor or moisturizing cream. One of the benefits of doing it yourself? You control the origin of the ingredients and their composition, and develop new skills. And of course, you save money and do something good for the planet.
#7 - Declutter your computer and phone
Just like the planet, the digital world is polluted by various types of waste. Unread emails, video files, duplicate photos and videos… Without realizing it, this data creates digital pollution and consumes energy. That is why it is important to regularly declutter your phone and computer. Spend an afternoon, alone or with your friends, cleaning up the digital world and our planet at the same time.
There you have it: 7 great eco-friendly resolutions for a more responsible lifestyle!
The Meanwhile Boutique team has already made its own and, like you, we fully intend to stick to them. We are also taking this opportunity to wish you a wonderful 2023!
And what about you—what are your resolutions for this new year? Share your thoughts in the comments. 👇🏼
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* Engie, The impact of chargers left plugged in, October 2022.
** French Agency for Ecological Transition (ADEME), Everything you need to know about heating, November 2021.
