In his book "My 100% green house", ed. Dessain and Tolra, Claire Hémery Poirier gives us her advice on how to gradually switch to a zero waste lifestyle. To achieve this, we must follow a method that meets the rule of 5 "R": Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Return to nature and Recycle. Explanations.
1 – Refuse the unnecessary
We refuse what we don't need! Indeed, as the author reminds us "The best waste is the one that is not produced". Elementary! So we start by refusing all small samples, whether cosmetic or food, we avoid all gadgets, especially if they are plastic. We never use it, do we? By accepting them, we encourage the manufacture of new products, thus the production of waste, etc.
2 – Reduce the quantity of products
We reduce our purchases by simplifying our way of life. We think about our real needs, this will make your daily life easier by not having to deal with bulky items and / or items that are only used once a year. Think about renting, helping neighbors …
3 – Reuse
We reuse as much as possible, that is to say that we gradually ban disposable items. The author reminds us that " reuse makes it possible to avoid unnecessary consumption (…), it is also to divert objects that we already have from their function in order to avoid purchasing "
4 – give back to nature
Think compost! Indeed, organic waste represents a third of our bins, while it is quite easy to compost in your garden, on your balcony and even indoors. You will see, you will be surprised at the reduction in your waste and you will "return" this vegetable waste to nature.
5 – Recycle
Because there are things that are hard not to throw away. Be careful, says the author, "zero waste is not 100% recycling, quite the contrary: this process consumes energy and generates greenhouse gases (transport, treatment). If you have no choice, prefer glass, paper, cardboard and metal packaging, as they are recyclable multiple times unlike plastic.
Read also :
⋙ Testimonial: "My zero waste family"
⋙ Zero waste Cultura tutorial: the reusable paper towel
⋙ Testimonial: "My zero waste family"