15 good resolutions for more responsible consumption

More responsible consumption: a daily way of life

On a population scale, environmental protection is becoming a matter of conscious awareness. Every gesture requires constant reflection, to limit our environmental impact and promote sustainable development.

1. Thou shalt reduce waste

A survey of the fridge and pantry

We can be quite impressed by our ability to store. To avoid turning your cupboards into bunkers, draw up a shopping list before you set out on the road.

One expiration date can hide another

The Best Before Date (“à consommer jusqu’au”) applies mainly to fresh produce. The Best Before Date (“Best before”) generally applies to dry products. You can enjoy them without danger, after the indicated deadline.

Batch cooking practical, ecological and economical

Originating in the United States, this trend is slowly beginning to conquer the hearts of the French. Prepare menus and meals in advance, estimate quantities, reduce trips to the supermarket, freeze… Everything you need for tasty, anti-gaspi meals! We recommend, easy to store.

2. Thou shalt curb water consumption

No more H24 taps

It’s possible to live on love and fresh water, without making them flow freely. For your morning ablutions, washing up or washing your fruit and vegetables, take it easy!

The ultimate shower

Avoid black cats, mirrors… and bathtubs. Hard to resist temptation? Soak yourself in a small hot bath (emphasis on the “small”). A fan of express showers? You’ve got it all!

The washing machine: neither half-empty nor half-full

Your washing machine needs to be filled (without exploding). If you have the Eco function, don’t hesitate to activate it. Run your machines during off-peak hours (if possible between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.) and at low temperatures (between 30 and 40°). Save money for your wallet and give the Earth a break!

An eco-friendly garden

Make an appointment with your garden very early in the morning, or very late at night. We suggest you grow aromatic plants that are easy to care for and full of health benefits! Lavender, thyme, oregano and rosemary are little drinkers. What’s more, some of them attract pollinating insects, guardians of our galaxy (and our survival). If you can, install a water collection system: rain will be your most precious ally!

3. Thou shalt adopt a do-it-yourself approach

Consuming more responsibly also means taking pleasure in doing things yourself. Are you interested in making decorative objects or jewelry, making your own clothes or cosmetics (using chicory vegetable oil, for example), or becoming a DIY whiz?

4. Thou shalt avoid garbage bag frenzy

It’s the 5th time in 2 days that you’ve had to deal with your rubbish. But how can you reduce your waste at source?

Say no to packaging and over-wrapping

So as not to harm Mother Nature, make the most of reusable products. To liven up your storage space, glass jars can be used to hold a host of ingredients. They’re visually appealing and fashionable too.

Avoid single-use products

Disposable tableware is a green faux-pas! Limit the use of paper napkins and plastic plates, which are extremely harmful to the environment.

Make way for composting kitchen waste!

Recycling food waste is possible and even recommended. Think of eggshells, vegetable and fruit peelings, and even meal leftovers. This organic waste is biodegradable and makes an ideal natural fertilizer.

5. Thou shalt tidy the fridge

Just like your washing machine, your fridge shouldn’t remain empty for too long. This king of temperatures regulates itself once you fill it… And organize it! The coldest zone (top or bottom of the fridge) reaches a maximum of 4°C.

Door and bins

So you don’t get your fingers tangled! Eggs can be stored in the fridge’s storm door, and there’s usually a storage compartment for them. Make room for butter, milk and fruit juices that have already been started.

Zone between 0 and 4°C

Here you’ll find the most fragile products (fresh meat or fish, dairy products, fresh fruit juices or ready-made meals).

Zone between 4 and 6°C

There, you can divide up the cooked meats, fish, fruit and vegetables, as well as the cheeses (including your beloved Écume du Touquet, rubbed with chicory for 21 days).

Buying responsibly, despite the distance

6. Thou shalt give preference to cycling and walking

It’s invigorating, invigorating, soothing… And it’s good for the environment. Cycling and walking are ideal physical (and sporting!) activities for combating pollution, especially on short journeys. Ready for a healthy walk?

7. Thou shalt forget compulsive shopping

Transporting goods requires a lot of fuel, which means that vehicles (such as trucks) consume a lot of fuel. Upstream, your web orders can be greatly optimized. Say goodbye to express deliveries and impulse purchases, which generate a lot of returns to sender. Yes to grouped purchases in a single order and delivery to a relay point!

8. Thou shalt choose short circuits

We can’t rely exclusively on the local, but we must give a voice to local agriculture and food autonomy, without going through a multitude of intermediaries. Take an interest in local producers and associations for the preservation of peasant culture (AMAPs). By supporting them, you encourage the local economy and a virtuous consumption pattern.

9. Thou shalt avoid rare commodities

Like avocados (a real disaster for the environment), coffee is transported by plane, crossing the oceans. All the way to the other side of the world, our carbon footprint takes a big hit. Not to mention the fact that coffee requires a lot of water… The perfect alternative? Chicory!

Good consumption means asking the right questions

10. Thou shalt select brands and labels

Numerous labels guide us step by step towards responsible consumption. They ensure compliance with health, ethical and environmental standards. You can also find a much more detailed guide, covering different product families.

11. Thou shalt moderate the carnivorous diet

If you take a close look at what’s on our plates, you’ll quickly realize that the quantities of white and red meats are rather excessive (often exceeding nutritional requirements). Their consumption, recognized as carcinogenic, is also responsible for some of our greenhouse gas emissions. How about a gradual rethink of our eating habits, with a little more vegetarian in the balance?

12. Go for local, seasonal products

” Y’a plus d’saison ma bonne dame ” is not a saying that applies to responsible consumption. We avoid the pitfalls of heated greenhouses, long-distance shipping and energy-hungry cold storage. Fill up on the fruits and vegetables in your current baskets – your taste buds will thank you!

13. You’ll be passionate about green tourism

Consumerism also means responsible travel, whether in France or around the world, to protect our ecosystem and its inhabitants! Ecotourism is blossoming, much to the delight of nature lovers. So why not give green gites, eco-friendly accommodation or camping a try? It’s time for a backpacking adventure.

14. Extend the life of your purchases

We don’t know if McGiver is green, but he certainly wouldn’t appreciate seeing you throw away electronics, electrical equipment or even your entire wardrobe. Can you still rekindle the flame of your used purchases? Call on networks or workshops that can repair your items! Donate those too-small jeans or that old-fashioned dress to charities that won’t let an opportunity like this go to waste. If you prefer, you can give them a second life by reselling them on platforms like Vinted!

15. Thou shalt sort thy garbage

Do you know about selective sorting? Your waste ends up in separate garbage cans. One for newspapers, paper and plastic packaging. Another for vegetable waste and one for other waste. By sorting your waste, you’re helping to protect our planet and simplify the recycling process. And don’t forget the waste collection centres for bulky waste! In doubt? Click here!

Adopting new habits and optimizing our consumption patterns means acting every day to improve our well-being and that of the planet.