Cindy et Benoit / en-US Pink October: Alle vereint im Kampf gegen Brustkrebs 08/09/2025 What is Pink October?

Pink October is the annual communication campaign to raise awareness among women about breast cancer screening and also to raise funds for research . It is important to advance medicine by mobilizing everyone against this disease.

This month is not only a month of awareness but also a month of hope and unity . It reminds women and their loved ones of the importance of early detection and support for people affected by breast cancer.

This campaign, created in 1985 in the United States, runs from October 1 to October 31 each year . In most municipalities, actions are put in place during the month of October (walking, running, sale of goodies, etc.). Check with your municipality if you would like to participate in one of them.

Why is it important to advance research?

  • 1 in 8 women risk being affected by this cancer during their lifetime
  • More than 60,000 women are affected by this cancer each year
  • 12,000 deaths per year in France
  • 88% survival rate if detected early, at the localized stage.

Key dates from 25 years of medical advances:

  • 1998 : First targeted treatment against HER2+ breast cancer.
  • 2004 : Generalization of organized breast cancer screening in France.
  • 2011 : First result on the effectiveness of hormone therapy in preventing recurrence of hormone-dependent breast cancer.
  • 2016 : Targeted therapy for women with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer, positive for hormone receptors and HER2.
  • 2018 : A first specific targeted therapy for BRCA1 and BRCA2 breast cancers.
  • 2019 : Discovery of immune cells that attack cancer cells. Female survival improved by up to 80%.
  • 2022 : First immunotherapy for locally advanced triple-negative breast cancers.

If you want to know more about the breast cancer screening campaign, go to the League Against Cancer page.

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The “Ch’ti Coureurs” association:

For our second year of participation in Pink October, we have once again chosen a local association very involved in the fight against cancer: the "Ch'ti runners".

The objective of this association created in 2007 is to improve the daily lives of people affected by cancer in the Hauts-de-France region . The actions carried out aim to raise money which will then be used to finance palliative care. This palliative care is active and continuous non-medical care which is provided and practiced by an interdisciplinary team. They complement medical care and are treatments that serve to relieve the patient's pain and soothe their psychological suffering.

Each year, several actions are put in place, including Roparun, the Caudry urban trail, the Playmobil exhibition, quiz evenings, etc. in order to raise as much money as possible to help the sick.

For them, nothing is impossible . There is no such thing as small gestures and each gesture, no matter how small, can have immense consequences and can even change a life!

If you would like to know more about this magnificent association, do not hesitate to visit their website !

“Adding life to their days when it is no longer possible to add days to their lives”

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Essence box and Pink October

Pink Ribbon Pin

Essence Box

€2.99
(18 reviews)
Quick view

Throughout the month of October, we will be selling pins bearing the image of Pink October and all the amounts collected will be donated to the association at the end of the campaign.

In addition, for each order that you place on our site during the month of October, €1 will be donated to this association.

We are all mobilizing during this month of October for this good cause!

  

   

   

 

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Some useful illustrations for breast cancer screening:

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]]> Earth Overshoot Day 2025 24/07/2025 Overshoot Day: When Humanity Lives on Credit

Every year, a symbolic day marks a worrying turning point for our planet: Earth Overshoot Day ( EOD ). This day corresponds to the date of the year on which humanity has consumed all the resources that the Earth can regenerate in a year.

What is Earth Overshoot Day?

It is calculated by the American NGO Global Footprint Network and aims to visualize and raise awareness about our consumption. Earth Overshoot Day is an estimate based on the global ecological footprint.

It compares human demand for natural resources (food, wood, fiber, CO₂ absorption, etc.) with the Earth's capacity to renew them.

Since the 1970s, this date has continued to move forward in the calendar, a sign of ever-increasing consumption and increased pressure on ecosystems.

Growth that makes you think

  • In 1971 , Earth Overshoot Day fell on December 29 .
  • In 1990 , it was already October 16 .
  • In 2023 , it took place on July 25 .

This acceleration shows that humanity currently uses 1.7 Earths to meet its needs. For example: If everyone lived like a European, it would take 2.8 planets , and like an American, it would take 5 planets !

The main causes

Several factors explain the advancement of this date:

  1. Overconsumption : Food production and waste, fashion, electronics, etc.
  2. Fossil fuels : The CO₂ emitted exceeds the absorption capacity of forests and oceans.
  3. Deforestation : The destruction of ecosystems reduces the capacity for regeneration.
  4. Intensive agriculture : It depletes soil and water resources.

How can we move this date forward?

Everyone can contribute to reducing their ecological footprint:

  • Food : Reduce meat consumption, favor local and seasonal products.
  • Energy : Opt for renewable energies, limit polluting travel.
  • Responsible consumption : Buy less or buy better (second-hand). Don't hesitate to give your items a second life rather than throwing them away or repairing them (repair cafés are a good way to learn, share, and save money).
  • Awareness : Educate and inform about ecological issues.

Conclusion

Earth Overshoot Day is a reminder of our impact on the planet. For us and future generations, it reminds us that our planet is not eternal and that it is important to measure every action we take. Solutions exist, and every action counts.

And you, what are you doing to reduce your ecological footprint? Feel free to share your tips with us in the comments.

]]> Preparing Tea: A Simple but Demanding Art 13/06/2025 Tea is much more than just a beverage. It's a ritual, a suspended moment, a sensory journey with every sip. The most consumed drink in the world after water, it transcends cultures and traditions, from the Indian plains to English parlors, from Japanese ceremonies to Moroccan tea breaks.

We offer you a range of organic and fair trade teas that cultivate both tradition and creativity. Healthy and delicious blends that are good for both your health and the planet, preserving tomorrow’s treasures.

However, choosing a prestigious tea alone is not enough to ensure a successful tasting experience. Even the noblest vintage can disappoint if poorly prepared. Conversely, a more modest tea can reveal its full finesse if a few essential rules are followed. Some speak of the “art of tea,” but this know-how is not reserved for an elite: it relies above all on four fundamental elements.

The 4 Key Elements to Brewing Great Tea

1. Choosing the Right Water

Tea is primarily… water. And not just any kind. Water that is too hard or strongly flavored (chlorine, iron, etc.) will mask the aromatic subtleties of the tea. Ideally, it should be pure, tasteless, and odorless.

  • To avoid: highly mineralized waters or water that has been boiled multiple times.
  • To favor: filtered water or neutral mineral water. Filtered tap water is often an economical and effective option.

2. Choosing the Right Teapot

The teapot is not just a container. It influences the temperature, the brewing time, and sometimes even the taste.

  • Basic rule: reserve your teapot exclusively for brewing tea. Avoid saucepans or multi-use utensils.
  • Maintenance: rinse with clear water, no soap or brush. The inner patina – known as "seasoning" – is valuable.
  • Types of teapots: Enameled Japanese cast iron: perfect for green teas, excellent heat retention. Yixing clay: ideal for retaining aromas (one teapot per tea type). Glass, porcelain, silver, or pewter: choose according to your preference and tea style.

Need a teapot?

3. Respecting Infusion Time and Temperature

Each tea has its own requirements. The most common mistakes? Water that's too hot or steeping too long.

Some practical guidelines:

Type of TeaTemperatureSteeping Time
Japanese Green Tea 70°C 2 min
Chinese Green Tea 70-80°C 3 min
Black Tea (broken leaves) 90°C 3 min
Black Tea (whole leaves) 90°C 5 min
Flavored Black Tea 90°C 4 min
Oolong 90°C 7 min
White Tea 75-80°C 10 min

All of these instructions are listed on the back of our tea packages, so you can easily find your way without wracking your brain!

Discover our teas and infusions

Best Practices:

  • Scald the teapot before brewing.
  • Moisten the leaves briefly while the water is heating.
  • Use about 2 to 2.5 g of tea per 25 to 30 cl cup (roughly one heaping teaspoon for whole leaves).
  • Remove the leaves or filter at the end of the steeping time to avoid bitterness.

4. Choosing the Right Filter

A good-quality filter allows the leaves to fully open and the infusion to reveal its full potential.

Preferred: Large built-in teapot filters. Unbleached paper filters: biodegradable and hygienic. Cotton filters ("socks"): perfect for large leaves or herbal infusions.

Bonus: A Few Practical Tips

How to Remove Caffeine from Tea?

Want to enjoy tea without the effects of caffeine? It’s possible to partially "decaffeinate" it at home:

  • Make a very short first infusion (30 seconds to 1 minute), then discard the water.
  • Then brew as usual.
  • This method removes a good amount of caffeine while preserving the flavors.

Should You Add Sugar, Milk, or Lemon?

Traditionally, purists swear by plain tea, with no additions. But every culture has its own customs:

  • English and Indian people add milk.
  • Moroccans heavily sweeten mint green tea.
  • Tibetans add yak butter!

In the end, it’s a matter of taste. Tea is universal precisely because it adapts to everyone’s traditions and preferences.

Conclusion

Tea is demanding, but it rewards those who give it attention and care. No need for fancy equipment or expert training: by simply respecting the four pillars of preparation – water, teapot, time, and filter – you’ll discover the full richness and subtlety of this ancient beverage.

So, kettle on!

]]> World Environment Day: a call to action for the planet 05/06/2025

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Every year on June 5, we celebrate World Environment Day. This day was established by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in 1972 in Stockholm. Its goal is to raise public awareness of the importance of protecting our environment, as well as to encourage concrete actions for its preservation. More than 150 countries take part in this day every year.

The first celebration took place in 1973 under the slogan "Only One Earth". Over the years, this day has mobilized millions of people and helped influence our consumption habits and environmental policies, both nationally and internationally.

Each year highlights a specific theme. For example, in 2023, the theme was "Land restoration, desertification and drought resilience", which helped shed light on the current issues related to climate change.

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The 2025 Theme:

This year, the chosen theme is: "Beat Plastic Pollution".

Plastic pollution is now everywhere — it affects oceans, soils, and even our bodies, with traces of microplastics found in drinking water and food. Each year, nearly 11 million tonnes of plastic end up in aquatic ecosystems, threatening biodiversity and worsening both climate and health crises.

In 2025, the Republic of Korea will host the official World Environment Day celebrations on Jeju Island, which is committed to eliminating plastic pollution by 2040. The country stands out for its comprehensive life-cycle approach to plastic, involving producers, consumers, and local authorities in reducing, reusing, and recycling.

This edition comes at a crucial time, as negotiations on a legally binding international treaty to combat plastic pollution are making progress. The second part of the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee will take place in Geneva in August 2025.

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Why take part in this day?

Nature is in danger and time is running out! If we want to keep global warming below 1.5°C this century, we must halve annual greenhouse gas emissions by 2030!

If we don’t act now, exposure to air pollution above safety standards will increase by 50% this decade, and plastic waste entering aquatic ecosystems will triple by 2040!
We must take urgent action to address these challenges!

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Key figures:

  • 40% of the planet’s land is degraded, directly affecting half of the global population (according to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification).
  • Without urgent action, droughts could affect more than 3/4 of the world population by 2050.
  • Every 5 seconds, an area equivalent to a football field is eroded.
  • Over the past 20 years, terrestrial water reserves have decreased by 1 cm per year.

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Conclusion:

This edition of World Environment Day comes at a key moment, as negotiations for a legally binding international treaty on plastic pollution are advancing. The second part of the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee will be held in Geneva in August 2025.
]]> 30/04/2025 Discover the benefits of Sommières land 12/12/2024

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Sommières earth, often little known, is a fine and natural clay powder which proves to be a true ecological ally for the home. Originally from the village of Sommières (near Montpellier), this clay is famous for its exceptional absorbent properties as well as its multiple uses.

Let's discover together its advantages and uses and why we should all have it at home.

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What is the land of Sommières?

Sommière earth is a very fine beige-colored smectite clay which was discovered in the 19th century. It is known for its absorption capacity, it is capable of absorbing 80% of its weight in water . It is extracted from quarries in the Mediterranean basin and is untreated, unrefined and non-toxic for the environment.

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The advantages of the land of Sommières

The advantages of Sommières land are multiple:

  • Natural and ecological : unlike industrial household products, Sommières soil does not contain harmful substances. It is environmentally friendly and biodegradable.
  • Non-abrasive and gentle : Sommières earth will act effectively and without damaging delicate surfaces such as textiles, leather or carpets.
  • Versatile product : this clay will be able to remove grease stains, absorb odors and clean gently.
  • Economical : a small amount will be enough to treat major stains. You will therefore keep your pot for a very long time.

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What are the uses of Sommières land?

Here are some examples of use of Sommières soil:

  • Dry stain remover for textiles : Sommières soil will be very useful on grease, oil or wine stains on clothes, carpets or sofas.
  • Odor neutralizer : it will effectively absorb bad odors. For example, it can be used to deodorize shoes, carpets and also animal crates.
  • Leather care : it will remove grease stains from leather accessories without damaging them.
  • Cleaning floors and fragile surfaces : Sommières earth will remove stains from tiles, marble and even raw wooden furniture without scratching or damaging them.
  • Absorb an oil stain on the floor : Have you spilled oil on the floor? Don't panic, immediately sprinkle with Sommières soil. It will absorb the liquid before it penetrates.

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Some examples of uses of Sommières soil:

Here is how you can use Sommières soil:

  • To remove greasy stains : sprinkle generously on the stain and leave to act for several hours, or even overnight. Then vacuum up the powder and brush.
  • To eliminate odors : apply a thin layer to the affected area, then leave for a few hours. Finally, remove the powder.
  • For fragile surfaces : test on a small area first to check that there is no adverse reaction.

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Conclusion :

In conclusion, Sommières soil is an ecological and natural product which will have multiple uses . Whether for stain removal, absorbing odors or cleaning, this product is an excellent alternative to industrial household products.

Integrating this product into your everyday products will allow you to take a further step towards ecological and more environmentally friendly housekeeping.

 

 

What stains can be removed with Sommières soil?

Sommières soil will be particularly effective on grease, oil, makeup, wine, urine and even wax stains. It will also be effective on old and encrusted stains (with a longer exposure time).

Can Sommières soil be used on all textiles?

Yes, it can be used on most textiles, even delicate ones (wool and silk). However, it is advisable to test on a small, inconspicuous area before treating a large area.

How does Sommières earth work to neutralize odors?

Thanks to its absorbent properties, Sommières soil will capture the molecules responsible for bad odors. It will be effective in deodorizing carpets, shoes and animal crates.

Can Sommières earth be used on fragile surfaces like leather or marble?

Quite ! Sommières earth is a non-abrasive powder, so it will clean delicate surfaces such as marble, leather or raw wooden furniture without damaging or scratching them.

How long should Sommières soil be left to act?

The exposure time will vary depending on the importance of the stain. For recent stains, a few hours are enough. For older and more stubborn stains, it is best to leave it on overnight.

How to remove Sommières soil after use?

Once the powder has absorbed the stain or odor, simply brush the surface gently or vacuum with a vacuum cleaner.

Is Sommières soil reusable?

No, once used, Sommières soil cannot be reused because it is saturated with fats or liquids that it has absorbed.

Is Sommières soil toxic for animals and children?

No, Sommières soil is a natural and non-toxic product. However, to avoid accidental ingestion, it is best to keep treated areas out of the reach of children and animals.

Are there alternatives to Sommières land?

Yes, other absorbent powders such as baking soda can be used for stains and odors but Sommières earth remains much more effective, especially on grease stains.

]]> Pink October: Breast Cancer Awareness Month 26/09/2024 What is Pink October?

Pink October is an annual communication campaign to raise women's awareness of breast cancer screening and also to raise funds for research . This campaign, created in 1985, runs from October 1 to October 30 each year.

According to the League Against Cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer in France and the leading cause of cancer death in women. It is therefore important to talk about it and get tested as soon as possible.

In 2021, only half (50.6%) of the women concerned took part in organized breast cancer screening. However, when detected early, breast cancer is cured in 90% of cases.

This is why it is important for everyone to mobilize during this month of October in order to raise awareness about breast cancer screening but also to raise money to advance research.

If you want to know more about the breast cancer screening campaign, go to the League Against Cancer page.

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Living the future with the CBD Team:

For our 1st year of existence, it was important to get involved in the Pink October campaign. We have therefore chosen an association in our region that is particularly close to our hearts: "Living the future with the CDB Team".

The association, located in Caudry (Nord), brings together people who are or have been affected by cancer around physical activities, such as the Dragon Boat.

But that's not all, it also and above all offers its members the opportunity to create, maintain and develop a friendship, a solidarity by providing support for the purpose of well-being.

Who better to talk about the association than its president, who for the occasion, gave us the pleasure of providing us with a nice illustration to present the CDB Team:

mot-de-la-presidente.jpg

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Essence box and Pink October

Pink Ribbon Pin

Essence Box

€2.99
(18 reviews)
Quick view

Throughout the month of October, we will be selling goodies bearing the image of Pink October (pins and necklaces) and all the sums collected will be donated to the association at the end of the campaign.

In addition, for each order you place on our site during the month of October, €1 will be donated to this association.

We are all mobilizing for this good cause!

]]> European Sustainable Development Week 18/09/2024

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Man "consumes", each year, 5 times the resources that the planet can produce without being exhausted...

This is why it is important to act NOW and all together!

Each year, the European Sustainable Development Week (ESSD) takes place from September 18 to 28 , bringing together stakeholders from all backgrounds to promote sustainable development in Europe. This event, at the initiative of the European Commission, aims to raise awareness among the wider world and mobilize all economic, social and environmental stakeholders around the issues linked to sustainable development.

During this week, events highlighting sustainable development are organized by associations, schools, communities, students, etc.

Did you know that this event was initiated in France in 2003? It only became European from 2015!

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Goal of this week:

The SEDD aims to raise awareness of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda and thus encourage the realization of concrete actions by citizens, administrations and businesses.

These goals constitute a global call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all.

Each year, the SEDD addresses diverse and varied themes, such as:

  • Fight against climate change : Raising awareness of the impacts of climate change and promoting initiatives aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Circular economy : Encouragement to adopt recycling and reuse practices to minimize waste.
  • Biodiversity : Protection of ecosystems and promotion of biodiversity as a lever for sustainable development.
  • Social inclusion : Promotion of equal opportunities and fight against inequalities.

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What are the 17 sustainable development goals?

Here is the list of the 17 goals of the 2030 agenda:

  • No poverty : ending extreme poverty and hunger.
  • “ZERO” hunger : eliminate hunger, ensure food security, improve nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture.
  • Good health and well-being : enable everyone to live in good health and promote the well-being of all at all ages.
  • Quality education : ensuring equal access to quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities.
  • Gender Equality : Achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls.
  • Clean water and sanitation : guarantee access to water and sanitation for all and ensure sustainable management of water resources.
  • Clean and affordable energy : guarantee access for all to reliable, sustainable and modern energy services at an affordable cost.
  • Decent work and economic growth : promote sustained, shared and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.
  • Industry, innovation and infrastructure : building resilient infrastructure, promoting sustainable industrialization that benefits everyone and encouraging innovation.
  • Reduced inequalities : reduce inequalities within and across countries.
  • Sustainable cities and communities : ensuring that cities and human settlements are inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.
  • Responsible consumption and production : establishing sustainable consumption and production patterns.
  • Actions to combat climate change : Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
  • Aquatic life : conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.
  • Land life : preserve and restore terrestrial ecosystems, ensuring they are exploited sustainably, sustainably manage forests, fight against desertification, halt and reverse the process of land degradation and put an end to the loss of biodiversity.
  • Peace, justice and effective institutions : promote the advent of peaceful and inclusive societies for the purposes of sustainable development, ensure access to justice for all and establish effective, accountable and open institutions at all levels to everyone.
  • Partnerships for achieving the goals

Here we provide you with the link to these objectives in the form of a diagram , produced by the Ministry of Ecological and Inclusive Transition.

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How can you contribute to this day?

In 2023, the SEDD has identified more than 5,000 projects at European level and 400 in France. And you too can propose a project this year. To participate:

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Conclusion :

This European Sustainable Development Week is much more than just an event: it is a call to action to build a future where sustainability is at the heart of individual and collective choices.

By participating, each of us has the power to contribute to positive change. By joining forces, we can work together for a fairer and more environmentally friendly world.

]]> My 10 ecological challenges for back to school! 24/07/2024

The start of the school year is approaching so why not take on new challenges in terms of ecology ! These are not the New Year's resolutions (that we keep for 2 days) but rather new habits to try and adopt.

We know it well, it is not always easy to change your (bad) habits but we think that you can succeed in checking a few challenges off our list. We even give you this list to download if you want to always have it at home ;).

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1: Do your laundry at home

This may seem insurmountable to you, but you will see that it is very easy to do your own laundry and what's more, it's very quick!

But before giving you the recipe, we explain to you why it is better to make it yourself:

  • First of all, we only use natural and simple ingredients , unlike industrial detergents which often contain chemicals which can be irritating or allergenic.
  • Then, making your own laundry detergent at home is very economical because the basic ingredients are inexpensive.
  • We also reduce our waste , because we always reuse the same container to do our laundry. No more plastic thrown in the trash!
  • It also provides personal satisfaction and we educate our children to preserve the planet.

Discover our homemade laundry detergent recipe.

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2: Buy second-hand

This could be clothes, toys for your children or household appliances, etc. There are now many sites where you can buy second-hand (Vinted, Marketplace, Le Bon Coin, etc.) or directly in thrift stores.

There are many reasons why it is better to buy second-hand:

  • First of all, you will save a lot of money ! Why pay more for an object or item of clothing if you can avoid it?
  • You will do good for the planet . Indeed, the production of clothing (for example) requires a large quantity of water, not to mention the quantity of CO2 emitted during transport.
  • We also avoid overconsumption (especially Fast Fashion) and overproduction.
  • Finally, there is a nice little side to looking for the right opportunity, to going hunting.

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3: Replace the shower gel with solid soap

Every year, millions of plastic bottles are thrown away in our bathrooms! And it's not us who say it but the Planetoscope website . Nearly 6 bottles of shower gel are sold every second in France , which corresponds to 511,000 bottles per day ! No no, you're not dreaming, more than half a million bottles of shower gel are sold every day. Of course, these are all bottles that will be thrown in the trash once finished!

Imagine the amount of waste we could avoid if we all used soap! Soap, shampoo, facial cleanser and toothpaste , these are all products that you can find in solid versions (and with a much more natural composition) and thus avoid millions of waste!

So, are you ready to go solid?

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4: Stop using stretch film or aluminum foil

There are now so many alternatives to plastic wrap and aluminum foil. We know that all the habits we have had for years are difficult to change. But here are some ecological alternatives to these everyday objects:

  • Airtight boxes : most of the time, your boxes are enough to store the rest of your food. Choose glass because, over time, plastic wears out and can release harmful chemicals (like bisphenol A or phthalates) into your food.
  • Cotton lids : these lids are a perfect replacement for stretch film and aluminum. They adapt to all shapes of dishes (round, square, oval, rectangular) and are machine washable for a long life.
  • Bee wrap : these are food wraps made from cotton and beeswax. They will be perfect for a family picnic to wrap sandwiches, fruit or cover your pasta salad.

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" 

5: Take showers of 5 minutes maximum

According to ADEME (Ecological Transition Agency) , 40% of our water consumption is linked to our personal hygiene . Extended showers will weigh heavily on the water bill but also on the environment.

Of course, it is better to take a shower rather than a bath (35 to 60 liters for a shower versus 150 liters for a bath). But it is preferable not to stay more than 5 minutes in the shower if you want it to remain much more economical than a bath.

Some tips to successfully meet this challenge:

  • Set the timer on your phone or place a shower hourglass.
  • Listen to music that does not exceed 5 minutes. As such, Spotify has launched a playlist of 40 tracks lasting 4 minutes to fight against water waste (Four minute shower hits).
  • Use a shower head that limits the water flow in your shower. The technique consists of injecting air at the same time as the water to reduce the flow rate. This reduces the flow rate by between 50 and 75%.
  • Turn off the water when soaping.

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6: Organize an aperitif without any waste

Aperitif time with friends is a sacred moment! So let's not waste it with piles of plastic bags that we'll throw in the trash. Here are some ideas to stop creating waste:

  • Buy your aperitif biscuits in bulk : in various local product stores. You can even bring your own glass jars.
  • Buy returnable bottles : you will find them at brewers or on sites like Le Fourgon which delivers directly to your home. Otherwise, prefer glass containers, they are much easier to recycle than plastic.
  • Make it 100% homemade : prepare quiches and savory tarts yourself.
  • We put cloth napkins for the guests : we replace the famous paper towels with washable napkins. It will be much prettier and more environmentally friendly.

The best waste is that which is not produced.

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7: Prepare homemade snacks

Preparing homemade snacks has many advantages, both in terms of health and personal satisfaction:

  • We avoid all packaging and excess packaging of industrial cakes.
  • This allows us to control the ingredients that make them up and thus be able to limit the sugar and fat that our children eat.
  • You can adapt your snacks according to the specific needs of your children, whether for special diets (gluten-free or lactose-free for example) or for food allergies.
  • It is also very economical to prepare snacks at home.
  • This is an opportunity to bake with your children to teach them the basics of cooking but also healthy eating habits.
  • This finally allows you to choose local and seasonal ingredients , which will be beneficial for the environment and the local economy.

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8: Pick up trash around my home

In the evening after eating for a digestive walk or on the weekend morning to get into shape early in the morning: combine business with pleasure! Why not bring a trash bag and a pair of gloves to collect trash during your walk. You can even do it with your children, they will love making it useful and what's more you are making them aware of ecology.

This may make your neighbors want to do the same and you can even invite them to accompany you.

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9: Drink tap water

We had already addressed this subject in a blog article: PGE n°2: No more plastic bottles!!! . On average, a French person will consume 180 single-use plastic bottles per year (imagine, there are just over 67 million of us in France today...)!

There are many alternatives to plastic water bottles:

  • Plant charcoals : they will purify your water by absorbing residues contained in the water and giving it a better taste.
  • Ceramic beads : these beads will have the same role as plant activated carbons.
  • Filter jugs: the filters will remove impurities such as chlorine from tap water.

You will see that you will gain space in the cupboards, you will save money and you will also do good for your back!

It’s up to you to make your choice!

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10: Place a book in a book box

What is a book box? It is a small public space that can be found in the form of a shelf or library (very often old telephone booths are reused as book boxes) near parks, schools or various public places. This allows passers-by to drop off or pick up books for free.

Book boxes are vectors of social connections . They help create solidarity and sharing and thus democratize access to literature. They open a door to reading for those who do not necessarily have the means to afford books.

These boxes also have an ecological aspect , since it gives a second life to our books (which are often read only once and then never opened again). This goes against overconsumption and gives the book a more sustainable appearance.

Don’t hesitate to slip a little note into the book you leave to make another person want to read it.

]]> Tips for spending an eco-holiday! 23/07/2024 It's vacation time! You may have already packed your suitcase and prepared your program like a chef for a dream vacation with family or friends. But if you're out of inspiration for this summer, we'll help you plan an eco-responsible vacation. This is called "slow tourism". This practice encourages more ecological travel, with low CO² emissions and which respects biodiversity and heritage.

A few golden rules

  • Avoid flying at all costs. Air traffic represents more than 7% of the French carbon footprint, and this figure is only increasing. [1]. Choose the train, which remains the least polluting means of transport.
  • Support the local economy. There are so many beautiful things to discover in our country. Discover the 4 corners of France.
  • Avoid crowded places so you don't overload sites even more.
  • Respect nature. Do not degrade the flora and do not disturb the fauna.
  • Do not throw anything in nature (waste, picnic leftovers,...)

Eco-responsible holiday ideas

We have unearthed some sites that offer unusual stays for an ecological holiday:

  • The site We Go GreenR lists accommodations committed to the ecological transition. Make the choice to travel differently by choosing one of these accommodations.
  • La via natura is a website for booking camping trips throughout France. Come and discover exceptional and preserved places to reconnect with nature.
  • Green Go selects authentic accommodation for you in all regions of France. The goal: to reduce the carbon footprint of tourism while combining pleasure and respect for the environment.

And since it's near us, we'll give you the link to an eco-place in our region:

  • Ecoland is an eco-place located in Pas-de-Calais which offers unusual accommodation. It is considered a new generation park where man and nature develop in harmony. Come and enjoy the yurts, tepees or bubble cabins while discovering the micro farm and its various activities.

Activities to do as a family

Because holidays do not necessarily rhyme with going far away but rather spending time with the people you love, we offer you some activities to do with your family with zero carbon impact:

  • Visit an educational farm. This will be an opportunity for you and your children to learn more about the life of farm animals and agricultural trades.
  • Take long bike rides to better discover and observe the superb landscapes around.
  • Picnic by the lake, remembering to throw your rubbish in the trash.
  • Test plopping: This practice comes from Sweden and consists of running while picking up litter that you find on your way. You can of course do this by running or walking. A garbage bag in hand and let's go to clean up our planet.

Prepare your zero waste suitcase

Here, your destination has been found and your holiday program is well put together. All you have to do is pack your suitcase.

We naturally favor solid cosmetics which do not take up space in your suitcase and which create no waste when finished. On top of that, there is no risk of a bad surprise by opening the suitcase with a bottle of shampoo that has spilled on your clothes.

Don't forget the sunscreen to avoid bad sunburn, and we favor sunscreens that are not toxic for the planet (we prefer mineral UV filters and we ban chemical UV filters).

To keep well hydrated during the trip, we also think about bringing your gourd with a cold drink inside (it can also be used during your hikes or bike rides).

References:

[1] BL evolution report.

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