Towards zero waste: a true way of life

354 kg is the number of waste produced on average by a French person in 2019. This figure alerts you to the quantity of waste produced on a country and global scale.

Waste is still not recycled enough, which heavily pollutes our planet. In an effort to preserve the environment, we suggest you go zero waste.

We explain here why it is important to consider it. We also offer you everyday actions to put it in place as well as some accounts, podcasts and books so you never lack inspiration.

Why go zero waste?

Zero waste means choosing to reduce all possible sources of waste. Both in terms of production and consumption. It means choosing to gradually move to a more responsible and more sustainable mode of consumption in an approach to preserving the planet. We can practice zero waste on several scales: in everyday life but also within businesses and communities.

Zero waste can be summed up in 7Rs:

• Refuse: say no to products that produce too much waste
• Reduce: Use only what is necessary and do not consume excessively
• Repair: Avoid throwing away and try to repair whenever possible
• Reuse: Giving a second life to objects that we no longer need
• Recycle: Sort your household waste and place it in recycling bins
• Reinvent: change your polluting habits
• Claim: Talk about zero waste to loved ones, friends, colleagues, acquaintances to raise awareness

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A post shared by Sarah 🐚 zero waste (@green_etudiant)

Because there is still too much waste

As you know, waste of any kind is still very present. According to ADEM , in France in 2018 nearly 343 thousand tonnes of waste were produced. In two years, this number of tonnes of waste increases by 6.4%.

Even if 66% of this waste is recycled, it is not enough. Remember that recycling requires additional resources. It is less effective than lasting change.

To save the planet, it is more important than ever to reduce our waste. Even though the majority of them come from industry, we can act as an individual to reduce our impact through a zero waste lifestyle.

How to become zero waste?

You can choose to reduce your impact today, here’s how:

With small actions every day

It is thanks to these small actions every day that you can gradually achieve zero waste. By starting with simple things, which are not very restrictive.

Start by paying attention to the packaging around you for a day. You will quickly realize that they are everywhere, for everything and in large quantities.

Small actions, if done by many people, have a big impact. In addition, they can lead to lasting changes at the societal level.

Through 5 everyday gestures

1- Limit plastic

For that, nothing could be simpler:

• use a tote bag instead of a plastic bag
• Use a reusable water bottle instead of a plastic bottle

2- Limit paper waste

To do this, put a “Stop Pub” sticker on your mailbox.

3- Buy second hand

Thanks to platforms like Vinted or Vestiaire Collective you can buy second-hand items. Not buying new is giving a second life to goods that would surely have been thrown away.

4- Say goodbye to packaging

To reduce your waste, you can start by limiting unnecessary packaging . This involves consuming solids : toothpaste, soap and even cosmetics.

In stores like Biocoop or La Vie Claire you will easily find bulk items. But also in so-called classic supermarkets, we find more and more bulk items: fruit and vegetables, pasta, rice, seeds, oilseeds, etc.

Don't forget to bring your containers!

5- Promote Do It Yourself

The principle of Do It Yourself (DIY) is simple: do it yourself instead of buying. You can also stop consuming household products or industrial cosmetics and make them yourself. Turn to white vinegar as a household product: it is natural and effective. This limits packaging and chemicals dumped into the water. Also try making your own deodorant with essential oils, baking soda and coconut oil.

By following tips to never run out of inspiration
We have prepared a selection of Instagram accounts, podcasts and even books for you. We invite you to follow them, listen to them and read them for more information and advice.

5 Instagram accounts to follow urgently:

@mum_en_transition is Julie, a mother who shares her daily tips for a step towards zero waste. “Less but better” is his philosophy of life!

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A post shared by 🌱JULIE🌱 (@mum_en_transition)

@maman_zerodechet is also a mother, she shares many anti-waste, zero waste, recycling, and DIY tips and tricks. There is something for all tastes and needs.

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A publication shared by Maman Zero Déchet Officiel (@maman_zerodechet)

@korai_zerodechet is Johanna, green content creator. She shares green advice and advocates for a “slow life” with a smile and good humor.

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A post shared by Johanna - Quotidien Green 🌿 (@korai_zerodechet)

@ladelicieuse_ is Daphnée, she shares her ecological transition on her account. It is logical that she approaches zero waste.

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A post shared by Daphné 🤍 | Zero Waste 🌍 (@ladelicieuse_)

Sarah is the communications student behind the @green-etudiant account. She raises awareness, gives advice and tips for a responsible lifestyle thanks to zero waste.

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A post shared by Sarah 🐚 zero waste (@green_etudiant)

The podcast to listen to without moderation:

Aude Jatteau explains to you through this podcast the benefits of zero waste: food, cosmetics and health.

A few pages to leaf through to get involved:

Zero waste - Béa Johnson

Explanations, simple and practical tips, this book allows you to take a first step towards zero waste. All explained by Béa Johnson , a French woman living in the United States. She and her family have gone zero waste for 7 years now. Her Instagram account and blog, @zerowastehome , are also full of tips.

Zero waste: room by room - Claire Do

Tips, advice and DIY for every room in the house. This zero waste “manual” will teach you how to implement it easily in all areas.

At Meanwhile Boutique we are convinced that we can consume everything responsibly. We want to limit the impact of consumption on the planet, which is why we offer you zero waste items.

To conclude, we emphasize the importance of zero waste. It’s simple to set up and your everyday actions can carry weight on a large scale. So why not start now?