Essence box et l'Environnement /

Dans cette catégorie, nous vous parlerons de sujet sur l'écologie pour contribuer à notre niveau à rendre notre planète plus verte.

 en-US World Environment Day: a call to action for the planet 05/06/2025

Table of Contents

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.

essence-box-separator_1.png

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.

essence-box-separator_1.png

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!

essence-box-separator_1.png

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.

essence-box-separator_1.png

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

Table of contents

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!

essence-box-separator_1.png

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.

essence-box-separator_1.png

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.

essence-box-separator_1.png

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:

essence-box-separator_1.png

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 ;).

essence-box-separator_1.png

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.

essence-box-separator_1.png

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.

essence-box-separator_1.png

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?

essence-box-separator_1.png

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.

essence-box-separator_1.png

" 

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.

essence-box-separator_1.png

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.

essence-box-separator_1.png

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.

essence-box-separator_1.png

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.

essence-box-separator_1.png

essence-box-drink-water-du-robinet.jpg

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!

essence-box-separator_1.png

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.

]]> World Plastic Bag Free Day 2022 02/07/2024 How are plastic bags made?

Originally, it was most often made of polyethylene of petroleum origin. At the start of the 21st century, it even represented up to 4% of oil consumption!

They are made by extrusion followed by inflation. A thin, hyper-thin film of plastic is extruded, which is then inflated to give it its shape. We then obtain a kind of long plastic pipe which, once cooled, can be rolled up, printed, cut and heat-sealed to form the plastic bag in the form we know it.

Today, it is found in paper, compostable, biosourced or even in fabrics.

The impact of plastic bags on the environment

Having become a true symbol of a consumer society, today 500 billion bags are used worldwide.

And even if in our hands their lifespan is short, it is not finished for all that. They inevitably end up finding themselves in nature, buried in the sand, in the middle of a lake or even a marine space. And they will stay there for a while! Because they take between 100 and 500 years to completely decompose.

They therefore have a profound impact on the environment. Fauna, flora, everyone toasts, including us. During its decomposition, it is animals, particularly marine animals, that ingest it and it is ultimately on our plates that we find our famous plastic bags.

And France in all this?

He made a long way for our plastic bag! Over the years, its composition and use have changed. No more free distribution at the end of the checkout to load the shopping there. We see it more reusable, we think it partly vegetable, sometimes we also image it in paper. Its consumption in France rose from 15 billion units in 2003 to around 800 million in 2010.

  • 2005: A law is passed to ban all non-bio degradable plastic bags on January 1, 2010.
  • 2006: This law is questioned by the European Union.
  • 2014: France taxes non-biodegradable single-use checkout bags and votes to ban single-use checkout bags on January 1, 2016.
  • 2017: Prohibition of single-use bags for fruits and vegetables. Manufacturers are required to use at least 30% bio-based plastic.
  • 2018: Manufacturers are required to use at least 40% bio-based plastic.
  • 2020: Manufacturers are required to use at least 50% bio-based plastic.
  • 2025: Manufacturers will be required to use at least 60% bio-based plastic.

The alternatives

The reusable shopping bag

We all know him. But if ! The blue bag of this Swedish brand! You have it ? Ikea is not the only brand to offer a bag that you buy once and then change if they end up getting damaged. Auchan, Carrefour, Leclerc, Super U, to name a few, also offer this kind of service. Maybe not the best solution but I dragged my blue bag for so many years, whether for shopping or moving: it's worth it! Practical and resistant.

The fabric bag

We combine fashion with practicality! We choose it resistant with straps that do not hurt the shoulders, it is useful for small races. Ideally, we leave one in the car, it's so practical!

Collapsible crate

They will find a place of choice in your trunk. Whether it's for a stop at the greengrocer or for larger shopping, they fold and unfold as needed and you unload the trunk of the car as a family because it goes faster.

The backpack

It's the choice of mobile people. Those well attached to their bicycle handlebars, they collect the bread and go to the grocer and they leave as quickly as they arrived. We choose it according to the size of the wand mainly, but we choose it comfortable. We will bring it out for hikes and family picnics.

]]> Happy birthday Essence Box ! 09/02/2024

To celebrate the second anniversary of Essence Box, we have prepared a little surprise for you...

Who will be lucky enough to discover a golden ticket?

We have made you pretty golden tickets with our little hands which will be hidden in some of your packages. In total, there are 3 golden tickets with a respective value of €10, €20 and €30 which will take the form of a voucher to be used on your next order.

In fact, each golden ticket comes with a reduction code that you simply need to enter when placing your next order.

The game will take place throughout the month of February, so you will have until February 29 to have the chance to discover a nice golden ticket.

Keep your eyes peeled when opening your next package, good luck to everyone!

]]> Compulsory composting for 2024? 21/12/2023

We've been talking about it for a while now, composting will become compulsory from January 1, 2024 . Indeed, each household, industrialist and community will have the obligation to sort their food waste and green garden waste so that they can be used as composting solutions. This measure is part of the AGEC law, relating to the fight against food waste and the circular economy.

At a time when environmental preservation is at the heart of global concerns, France is taking a further step towards a more sustainable future with this law.

You certainly have a lot of questions about this new law and you may also have concerns about its implementation or facing possible fines if you do not respect it. We are here to answer together any questions you may have.

essence-box-separator_1.png

New law on composting in 2024:

The new law is based on 5 main axes :

  • Get rid of disposable plastic
  • Better inform consumers
  • Fight against waste and for solidarity reuse
  • Acting against planned obcolescence
  • Produce better
The objective is to put an end to all forms of waste. This is why, from January 1, 2024, all homes, communities and industries will be required to compost their organic waste. So, of course, individuals will not be required to have a composter at home. It is up to the municipalities to organize collections: either by collection by dedicated dump trucks as for other sorting bins, or via collective collection points.

Many municipalities offer subsidies or composters at reduced prices to encourage the implementation of this measure. Do not hesitate to contact yours to find out what is in place if you wish to have your own composter at home.

essence-box-separator_1.png

Why switch to compost?

Composting is a significant contribution to preserving the environment. We give you some reasons why composting is beneficial:

  • Waste reduction : by composting organic waste such as kitchen scraps, fruit and vegetable peelings, garden waste, you reduce the amount of waste that will be sent to landfill.

Did you know that 26% of our gray bins are filled with food waste which will be incinerated or buried?

  • Soil enrichment : Compost is rich in nutrients and by adding it to your garden you improve the structure of the soil and increase its water retention capacity. The compost will act as an organic fertilizer, eliminating the need for chemical fertilizers.
  • Water conservation : as said before, soils enriched with compost have better water retention. As a result, it reduces the need for irrigation and is crucial in drought-prone regions.
  • Reduction of carbon footprint : by reducing waste sent to landfill, this reduces methane emissions (a powerful greenhouse gas) produced during the decomposition of organic waste.
  • Energy saving : waste collection, transportation and management represent a huge energy expenditure. By composting directly at home, you reduce the quantity of waste to be processed and at the same time energy consumption.

In summary, composting is a simple action to implement at home, but which has a huge impact on the environment. In addition, you educate your children about positive actions for a more sustainable future.

essence-box-separator_1.png

What is the principle of compost?

Compost is the result of a fermentation of organic or plant waste, thus obtaining a natural fertilizer for plants and soil.

The compost can be used once it no longer smokes and has become brown and grainy with an earthy smell. At this stage we can no longer recognize the original elements.

essence-box-separator_1.png

How to compost properly?

Composting is not very complicated in itself, provided you follow certain rules. Indeed, piling up organic waste at the bottom of your garden is not enough to create compost. You still need to know what you can put and what you should avoid putting in your composting bin.

First of all, you must place your composter in a shaded place and it must be in contact with the soil of your garden. Insects, earthworms and bacteria will be able to nestle in the compost. They will promote aeration of your compost, degrade waste and improve the quality of the compost.

Then make successive layers of fresh elements (peeings, grass clippings, etc.) and carbonaceous elements (dead leaves, plants, etc.). The compost should be neither too wet nor too dry.

A little advice: do not put waste that could attract dogs and cats on the surface of the compost.

If composting is carried out in good balanced conditions (heat, ventilation, humidity), you will be able to use your compost within six months to a year to enrich your vegetable patch, flowers or garden with a completely natural fertilizer!

In your composter, you can put:

  • Your kitchen waste : fruit and vegetable peelings, cheese rinds, leftover meals, coffee grounds, filters, tea bags, crushed egg shells, stale bread, etc.
  • Your garden waste : grass clippings, weeds, wilted flowers, dead leaves, small branches, etc.
  • Your household waste : paper towels, paper tissues, unprinted cardboard boxes, etc.

By mixing all these types of organic or household waste, dry or wet, you will optimize the compost manufacturing process. You will have quality compost and it will take less time to form.

Composter.png

essence-box-separator_1.png

What I should not put in my compost:

As stated just above, your composter needs several things in order to create quality compost. But there are things which, on the contrary, will cause your composter to lose its effectiveness, or even destroy it.

  • In kitchen waste : leftover meat and fish, frying oils, kernels and shells of oilseeds, citrus peels, dairy products.
  • In garden waste : large branches, sand, stones, gravel, waste treated with chemicals.
  • In household waste : animal excrement, coal ashes, cigarette butts.

essence-box-separator_1.png

How to use your compost?

Compost is a real gold mine for your garden. There are several ways to use your compost once it is ready:

  • Garden Fertilizer : Mix compost with your garden soil to enrich the soil with essential nutrients. This will promote plant growth and improve water retention.
  • Mulch : Place a layer of compost around your plants as mulch. This will help retain moisture, control weeds and also regulate soil temperature.
  • Fertilizer for potted plants : as for your garden, mix compost with the soil for your plants to provide it with nutrients.
  • Soil activator : add compost to clay and heavy soils to improve their structure and drainage.
  • For vegetables : add compost between the rows of vegetable plants to promote good harvests.

What can I compost?

Kitchen waste such as fruit and vegetable peelings, leftover meals, coffee grounds, etc. as well as garden waste such as cut grass, branches and dead leaves.

What should I compost?

Avoid leftover meats, dairy products, fats, large branches, animal droppings and diseased plants.

How long does it take to get compost?

It all depends on the conditions, but, in general, you have usable compost in a few months to a year.

Can I compost if I live in an apartment?

It is entirely possible to do this using special composters to compost indoors without having unpleasant odors.

How do I know if my compost is ready?

Compost that is mature will have a crumbly texture and a dark color as well as an earthy smell. At this stage, you can no longer recognize the original elements. And the compost no longer gives off smoke.

Does compost smell bad?

If it is carried out in good conditions, the compost does not give off any particular odor (except that of humus).

]]> Is van travel eco-friendly? 28/07/2023

Occasional means of transport for some, wheeled house for others, in recent years, the converted van has been fashionable. Allowing a great autonomy and a real feeling of freedom, it has many advantages: sleep where you want, change your itinerary at the last minute, etc.

So to follow up on our article on vacations in a converted van , we looked at the question: is traveling in a van ecological?

Fuel

The first point to address is fuel-related CO2 emissions. Even if it is never easy to navigate and really know a carbon footprint, you can get an order of magnitude with online comparators like ImpactCO2

ImpactCO2 tells us that 1 km by car is equivalent to 1.9 km by bus or 92 km by TGV. The van meanwhile is located just above the car. If there are several of you in your van, that already lowers the carbon footprint. However, it remains important, especially if your van or motorhome is old.

Where the van stands out from the ecological point of view, it is on the impact of its way of life which encourages a minimalist approach:

food

Whether it's the quantity, the cooking times or the origin of the food, in a van, you will tend to simplify your lifestyle, especially when it comes to food. You will certainly eat less, more local and more simply. The bulk department is ideal for taking only what you need.

Waste

The same goes for waste. Consuming less also means generating less waste. By buying local, you will quickly notice that overpackaging is much less present than in supermarkets.

Hygiene and maintenance

With limited water autonomy, you will quickly find that every drop counts and beyond the awareness of the preciousness of water, you will consume it strategically during your trip.

Ditto for cleaning or hygiene products. Solid cosmetics are unbeatable in this kind of situation. They take up less space and their composition is simpler and cleaner.

Slow tourism

Traveling by van does not imply driving day and night, on the contrary, it is a real religion that encourages you to take the time for things, to appreciate the simple things. We sit down and enjoy!

Conclusion

If the emission linked to the fuel of traveling in a van remains a major problem, living there, even for the duration of a stay, remains less energy-intensive than housing. It is also an excellent awareness-raising experience and an opportunity to change habits that will be good to keep once you get home.

Obviously, this varies from person to person, but generally speaking, it incites and involves so much more. Whether it's the use of solid cosmetics, paying attention to your water consumption or your diet while promoting local and less industrialized products, traveling by van can be a trigger for many and an awareness of our daily.

Also read:

Holidays in a camper van: a taste of freedom

gasoline-box-travel-in-van-amenage.jpg

Last year, we returned to Ecoland, an eco-place for alternative lifestyles. This year, we're doing it again with: vacations in a van!

READ MORE

]]> Holidays in a camper van: a taste of freedom 27/07/2023

Contents

Last year, we gave you a feedback on Ecoland , the eco-place that offers to experiment with alternative lifestyles. We suggest you put the cover back because this year, we tested: vacations in a van !

I have been following the adventures of many Youtubers for several years for whom this is the main way of life. Far from simple nomadic vacations, these people who have chosen a way of life at odds with the standards that we know fascinate me. 4x4s, converted vans, campervans or trucks with all-terrain equipment, it seemed to me as close as possible to nature and that's what I wanted.

This year, the pretext was therefore all found to try it during the holidays. After coming across several van and motorhome rental services, I admit I was put off by the prices. I turned to rental services between individuals. But there, between the security deposit, the insurance, I was not reassured, even less for a first time.

That's when I came across the My Big Little Van site . I then contacted Christophe who was able to answer all my concerns and advised me on the choice of vehicle. We recommend!

What is My Big Little Van?

My big little van logo It was in 2021 that Christophe, 50 years old and a fan of road trips, created his own independent service for the rental of My Big Little Van fitted vans. The idea came to him during a trip to the American national parks where he came across many small vehicles and converted vans. Mobile and easy to drive, these means of transport have enough autonomy and comfort to enjoy mobile holidays.

On his return to France, he must make up his mind on the question. He then equips himself with an old motorhome and that's when his adventure begins. Belgium, Switzerland, Italy, his road trip takes him to many border countries. It's obvious, the experience is conclusive and the memories are magical.

It was then that he decided to launch his independent My Big Little Van rental service. The motorhome being particular to handle and its parking not always easy, it is towards the fitted out vans that he turns.

Small, handy and equipped with all the necessary comfort, they can accommodate up to 4 people. They even offer a 4x4 for the more adventurous!

The stay

It is therefore towards the Volkswagen California of 2022 that I turned. Perfect for 4 people, it has a convertible bench seat to make room for a first berth for 2 people and also a roof tent with one and only access from inside the van: perfect if the children want to go there. sleep: it's reassuring!

For the rest, it has all the necessary comfort. A small kitchen area with fridge, sink, 2 gas burners (crockery is also provided), but also a roof tent, which, once raised, allows you to stand up for cooking. The two front seats can be turned over and a table can be deployed to enjoy a family meal indoors. Practical when the weather is not suitable for outdoor meals! And if the weather is good, an outdoor table accessible in the sliding door and two foldable seats can be found in the cover of the rear trunk! A little extra: My Big Little Van provides 2 additional small foldable stools in the boot of the van. All you have to do is unfold the awning to enjoy a meal or a moment of relaxation in incredible and improbable comfort. For the view,

On the autonomy side, the van has a 30 liter water tank which serves the interior sink as well as the exterior shower at the rear. Convenient both for the toilet and for cleaning your things back from hiking. In addition, the van has about 2/3 days of autonomy in electricity.

The beginnings

The first fear that may arise is the place to sleep. Obviously, for my part, it was out of the question to opt for a campsite or an RV parking area. Nevertheless, they are a security if you can't find anything better.

We follow Christophe's advice to find our “spots” to sleep using the Park4night application . It is a parking zone sharing application, whether for overnight or a shorter stop. Each user shares a place that he found pleasant and adds some photos. Other users will in turn be able to leave comments and photos. Result: Park4night is a real guide based on a community of enthusiasts that makes it easy to find cool places!

This is how we discover the first spot as close as possible to Mont Saint-Michel. Honestly, I couldn't have dreamed of better, we are in the middle of the fields, no houses: it's quiet! And what a pleasure to see the sky ignite at the end of the evening with a breathtaking view of the Abbey ! I'm not left out when around 6am, the morning mist lets it appear little by little! Magic !

The revelation

Meeting other van users helps to better understand the situation. The profile is often the same: nature lovers who like to wander from right to left. The Vanlifers share some good places with us, give advice and explain where we can park with this type of vehicle.

Now that it's clearer, all that remains is to enjoy and the following days really allow you to get a taste for adventure. We move from one place to another according to our desires. We crisscross Brittany following in the footsteps of King Arthur while telling children the stories of this great legend. The sleeping spots are all more beautiful than the other. Full forest, lakeside, near a river, etc: a real feeling of freedom! This is the advantage of the van: you sleep where you go and you go where you want!

Where can we park a van?

The answer is simple, you can park overnight absolutely anywhere an automobile can. However, you should know that the law makes a difference between parking and camping.

A vehicle is therefore considered to be parked when:

  • Its wheels are placed on the ground, without wedges or jacks.
  • No installation is made and does not extend to the outside (awning, step, etc.).
  • No act of camping is practiced (no table or chairs outside, etc.)

By respecting its rules, you are therefore certain to be within the rules. However, pay attention to the signage which may be an exception and prohibit parking at specific times.

With

Campervan trips offer the opportunity to reconnect with nature, see things from a totally different perspective and put everyday comfort into perspective. Living with less has allowed me to enjoy so much more!

I wouldn't have thought I would enjoy my stay so much and when I get back, I just want to do it again! So if you're looking for adventure and want to see some scenery: Give it a try!

Also read:

Is van travel eco-friendly?

Occasional means of transport for some, wheeled house for others, in recent years, the converted van has been fashionable, but is traveling in a van really ecological?

READ MORE

]]> Everything you need to know about sunscreens 05/07/2023 Summer is approaching and you are surely looking at the destination of your next vacation. Beach, mountain, countryside, in France or abroad everyone finds the place that suits them. But who says summer also says sun! We tell you more about the sunscreens sold on Essence Box and give you some tips for spending a peaceful summer.

Some explanations

We are talking about sun creams index 30, 50 or even SPF 30, SPF 50... There are UVA and UVB. But what does all this mean? We'll tell you more right after.

SPF

The acronym SPF stands for "Sunburn Protection Factor", its French translation is FPS "Facteur de Protection Solaire". You will also find on some creams the acronym IP "Index of Protection". There are 4 levels of SPF:

  • SPF 6 to 10 : low protection
  • SPF 15 to 25 : medium protection
  • SPF 30 to 50 : strong protection
  • SPF 50+ : very strong protection

Each sunscreen index corresponds to a percentage of UVB blocked. For example: an index of 30 blocks about 95% of UVB rays and an index of 50 will block 98% of these rays. You will tell me that the difference is not very big between the two, but greater protection will be more effective and above all more suitable for fair and sensitive skin like the skin of children. But in any case, no sunscreen can guarantee total protection against UVA and UVB rays, which is why certain golden rules of application must be respected. 

UVA / UVB

UVA and UVB are ultraviolet rays that come from the sun. 95% of the rays that reach the Earth's surface are UVA and 5% are UVB. There are also UVCs, but they are blocked by the ozone layer.

UVA rays have high wavelengths, ie they have a fairly low energy. They are therefore, in the short term, less dangerous than UVB rays. But being in larger quantities, these UVA rays will penetrate deeper into the skin. They are responsible for the immediate tan. If you expose yourself for too long, you risk damaging your skin, accelerating its aging and even developing carcinogenic cells.

UVB rays have medium wavelengths, so their energy is greater than UVA rays. Unlike the latter, they stop at the level of the epidermis. These rays will stimulate the production of melanin and are therefore responsible for a long-lasting tan. It is the UVBs that will be responsible for your big sunburns if you expose yourself for too long. And in the long term, they can be at the origin of the appearance of cancer.

What is the sun capital?

According to the definition of the CNRS (National Center for Scientific Research), the sun capital is "all the means of defense of the skin against the harmful effects of the sun. This capital is acquired at birth, non-renewable, and depends on the phototype of each individual. Each type of skin corresponds to characteristics and a type of reaction to aggression, in particular that of the sun."

In summary, this sun capital would be like a reservoir that we would have from birth and which would decrease with each exposure to the sun. Nowadays, more than 50% of our sun capital is consumed before we turn 18. This is why it is important to preserve this capital in order to avoid any risk of melanoma. But we are therefore not all equal in the face of the sun. The skins react and tan differently depending on the individual. For example, fair skins have a lower sun capital than dark skins.

It is difficult to calculate your sun capital but all skins must be well protected and this from an early age.

Focus on Essence Box sunscreens

Products "Ouate"

Ouate sunscreens are specially designed for children aged 4 to 11. The 1,2,3 sun mist and the face screen have an index of 50 to best protect your children's fragile skin. They protect against UVA and UVB. The bottles have been chosen so that children can use them independently. They learn from an early age to protect themselves from the sun and wear sunscreen.

The products are formulated without allergens and rated "Excellent" by Yuka. They are also tested under dermatological, pediatric and ophthalmological control to ensure high quality products for your children.

Products "Endro"

Endro's sunscreen is certified organic and index 50 to ensure better protection. It is designed for face and body and is fragrance free. They use mineral sunscreens that will have good skin tolerance. They do not allow UV rays to enter the epidermis and their effect is immediate. We offer this sun protection in two formats 50ml and 100ml in order to choose the format best suited to your needs.

Tips for a peaceful summer

So, of course, we're not telling you not to enjoy the sun. It is good for morale and it is also essential for the synthesis of vitamin D (which is essential for the proper functioning of our body). But here are some rules to follow to enjoy the benefits :

  • Avoid exposing yourself between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. which are the hottest hours and therefore the most harmful for your skin.
  • Stay mostly in the shade. To tan, a short exposure is enough. You avoid wasting the sun capital of your skin.
  • Use sunscreen each time you expose yourself to the sun, and reapply it every 2 hours, and especially after swimming or sweating.
  • Don't think of your sunscreen as a way to extend your time in the sun.

Special precautions for children

plage fille.jpeg

Because children have fragile skin, we must be even more careful about their exposure to the sun:

  • Never expose a child under 2 to the sun
  • Protéger le corps de vos enfants avec des manches longues et un chapeau
  • To limit the application of sunscreen, you can use a swimsuit or an anti-UV suit
  • Always use sun protection factor 50 or 50+
  • Children's eyes are also very sensitive. In order to avoid any eye damage, wearing sunglasses is essential. Check that the glasses bear the CE mark and favor a brightness classification of 3 or 4 to ensure better protection.
]]>