11 responsible drinking trends that are here to stay.

In Quebec, new responsible consumption trends have been on the rise for the past decade. We have decided to prepare a top 11 for you to illustrate these habits that are most likely to stick and to inspire you to take small daily actions that ultimately have a big impact!

1. The disappearance of plastic bags

With the arrival of recyclable bags in grocery stores and for purchases in shopping malls, the disappearance of plastic bags is progressing more and more worldwide. In Europe, China and even Quebec, several municipalities have already implemented or planned a complete ban on these bags. Although this is good news, we will still have to choose our recyclable bags carefully!

2. “ Zero Waste ”

Also called Zero Waste , this concept has seen its popularity rise in recent years, although its application requires a greater amount of change than other responsible movements. As the name suggests, it's about living with as little waste as possible, whether it's everyday waste that goes in the bin or recyclable waste. To achieve this, you have to change the way you consume. For starters, you'll need to buy more durable items, eliminate purchases of over-packaged products, and most importantly, replace your one-time-use items (yes, yes, we're talking about Kleenex and toilet paper). Although it takes a lot of work to set up, people are definitely drawn to this alternative way of life!

To learn more about this movement, this Radio-Canada report might interest you!

3. Organic farming

With a growing forum, organic farming has existed since the dawn of time. Society in general seems to have a nostalgia for this time when it was understood that the food consumed came from the fields next door and above all, was grown without chemicals. Nowadays, it is indeed much less obvious to know what is really on our plates and we are seeing a remarkable return of passion for cooking and health. Organic baskets and community gardens are a great way to grow your own vegetables or support a local farmer! To learn more about organic certification in Quebec, Équiterre has made a good summary .

4. Local purchase

Simple, often more ecological than mass purchases and above all good for the economy, local purchases have good press in Quebec! More and more, we are aware of the difference it can make around us and several initiatives, to simplify access to local products, make this trend much easier to execute. If only to change the contents of your grocery basket or to buy products made here, you know that your gesture will have a concrete impact! To easily find quality products made in Quebec, you will find more than 150 companies that offer them on our site !

5. Decrease transportation pollution

Public transport, carpooling and cycling are often the preferred means of transport for savvy city dwellers, thus allowing them to avoid traffic and reduce our ecological footprint! Although it is sometimes more complicated to get around the suburbs without a car, several alternatives are now available to give our little planet a chance to breathe easier!

6. Renewable energy

We have known about the environmental damage caused by fossil fuels for a long time, but it is only recently that the information seems to have caught on. It is now a necessity to innovate in the field of renewable energy in order to offer green energy sources. Among the most noted innovations, we find solar energy (it is accessible and economical to install solar panels on your roof!), kinetic energy (among others, wind turbines or ocean currents), and finally, alternative fuels such as those made from algae and corn. Let's hope these big expected changes come soon!

7. Compost

Well known in the agricultural community, composting is gaining more and more followers thanks to the reduction of waste generated and the reuse of plant matter. In addition, the number of Quebec municipalities offering the collection service is now increasing, even in the neighborhoods of Montreal where we plan to collect everyone's compost by 2019.

8. “DIY”

DIY or " Do It Yourself " is a movement that encourages people to build, modify or repair something without the help of a professional. You don't know how? No problem, you can find a multitude of tutorials on the web in the form of videos or articles with images that will teach you everything you need to know to carry out your project! Since this is a trend that encourages creativity and saves a lot of money, it is certainly not going away!

9. Sharing Economy

A great alternative to mass consumption, the sharing economy is a way to save money while sympathizing with your neighbors! Indeed, you will see more and more groups on social media that offer people from the same neighborhood or lovers of the same passion to exchange tips, tricks, products and help. It's more user-friendly and often free or more affordable than in stores!

10. Bulk Consumption

Buying your products in bulk not only reduces your waste production, but it's also much more economical since you don't pay for the packaging! In more and more commerce, one can see the adoption of this trend. In our Signé Local stores , a few bulk body care products are available.

11. “S low made”

The fashion industry has not always been what it is today. Globalization has led many companies to turn to industrial producers and low production costs, at the expense of often miserable working conditions. Fortunately, many Quebec companies rely more on the quality of their products than on the quantity . They favor local tailoring by skilled employees who take their time.

In the end, there are hundreds of new responsible practices that we can integrate into our lives! While it is undeniable that we must change the way we consume as a society, you still have the luxury of choosing the one that suits you best!

Consuming less, and above all consuming better, is now within everyone's reach. Are you boarding?

by Eliane

revisited by Ariane Lessard in March 2021

Header photo credit: Abitibi&co