Zero waste: what if we tried?

I've been learning about the zero waste movement for more than two years, and a little over a year trying to apply all of this on a daily basis with my boyfriend. It was the meeting with the beautiful Mélissa de la Fontaine, when she was just starting out four years ago, that gave rise to the idea. Today, I gave you a little "crash course" of my vision of this way of life as well as some suggestions for companies and products.

Foundations

At the base of the principle, it is necessary to follow the rule of the five Rs:

• First, refuse what we don't need. By accepting what is superfluous or unnecessary, one indirectly creates a demand.
• Then reduce our needs. Get used to thinking about every purchase you make, but also to regularly clean up your surroundings.
• From there, reuse what you already have and maximize the purchase of products in returnable containers.
• In the same vein, recycle and prioritize containers that go for recycling, if they cannot be reused. Go for glass, metal or cardboard and avoid plastic as much as possible.
• Finally, compost (from the English “ rot ”) as much as possible. There are several composting systems, whether in the city or at home if you have a garden. Awesome natural fertilizer!

1st step: our way

In everyday life now, the important thing is to go step by step and create simple habits. Start by refusing restaurant straws or promotional items that will only pile up or end up in the trash as soon as we get home. Personally, I also get into the habit of getting rid of one thing every time I bring another into the house. It avoids accumulating superfluous things and it allows me to declutter my space. The so beautiful sweater that you love with love, but that you have never worn? Believe me, give it away and it will surely make someone happy!

2nd step: small gestures

Next, bulk grocery stores are increasingly present in Quebec. For example, Vrac & Bocaux , in Montreal, which conveys environmental, local and zero waste values. Also, I try to maximize the usefulness of everything I have at home. All my Mason jars are used to buy solid ingredients in bulk, I use my beer bottles that recap for liquid ingredients and my airtight containers, when I go to the butcher or the fishmonger. I also get into the habit of always carrying a cloth bag and a reusable cup with me, just in case. The principle of recycling, I do not apply it only at home; when I see waste on the floor or in the wrong compartment, I make sure to find it the place it deserves.

Photo credit: In the bag

And those who think big...

We try to apply all that as much as possible, but it's far from perfect! When the time comes to consume, we opt as much as possible for a company that has the same mentality. For the past two years, all our body products have come from La Savonnerie des Diligences . They are zero waste oriented and use returnable containers for their deodorant. In collaboration with Les Trappeuses, they have just released a line – just in time for the Expo Manger Santé et Vivre Vert – whose components come mostly from Quebec soil. In the same vein, Maya's products also offer the possibility of buying in bulk.

Then there are LOOP juices. The company uses the ugly fruits and vegetables to make YUMMY juices and then donates the fiber to a dog food company. Making the most of your process, I love it! Finally, there is Intermiel which offers its honey in bulk! Just bring your pots from home.

Photo credit: La Savonnerie des Diligences

The important thing is to try to change your habits, little by little. Nobody is perfect! Getting into the habit of thinking about small details and questioning the impact that each gesture can have on the environment, our well-being and the people around us is already a big step towards a better quality of life!

Coverage: Bulk & Jars

Reviewed by Marie-Eve Cyr