We all have a role to play in protecting the planet. Achieving an ecological transition is not easy, but some habits are quite easy to change. Advice from Cyrielle Blazy, author of 31 days to progress in my ecological transition.
Concerned about the environment? Do you want to protect the planet? But you don’t know what to do concretely? You can improve your carbon footprint by changing your daily habits!
“There are a lot of things to question: cosmetics, hygiene and maintenance products, how to wash clothes, to eat… and even the management of your emails, emphasizes Cyrielle Blazy, professional who supports people and organizations in their ecological transition. It is difficult at first to shake up your habits a little, but everyone can find suitable solutions. Making an ecological transition does not mean giving up modernity or well-being. It is ultimately opting for a new way of living, more in line with our deep needs and our values ”, she reassures.
The first step is to identify what Cyrielle Blazy calls your motiv’actions to help you change your habits: protect the future quality of life of your children and subsequent generations, preserve your health, rediscover the pleasure of simple things. … Don’t think your lifestyle change isn’t important. “As in the philosophy of the Native American hummingbird tale, you are doing your part. In addition, you are sowing seeds and will positively influence the people around you”, indicates Cyrielle Blazy.
We tell you 9 things easy enough to change without disrupting your habits too much, such as changing the model of toothbrush, giving up cleaning products that are toxic for the planet and for you, or even sorting your emails. It’s your turn !
I swap my cleaning products for two basics
Many household cleaning products contain chemicals that are harmful to health and the planet. “All your cleaning products can be replaced by two basic ones: white vinegar and Marseille soap (yellow)”, informs Cyrielle Blazy. Marseille soap can be used for laundry, for dishes and for cleaning everything and white vinegar can be used for these household tasks and in addition to clean toilets and floors. Marseille soap has the advantage of foaming so it won’t change you too much from foaming sprays!
I opt for a wooden toothbrush or one with interchangeable heads
“It is estimated that almost 5 billion the number of plastic toothbrushes roaming the oceans,” reports Cyrielle Blazy. This is a very simple gesture to do because you keep the same utensil: replace your disposable toothbrushes with a wooden or bamboo toothbrush whose handle is biodegradable or compostable or with a toothbrush with interchangeable heads.
I give up shower gels
Shower gels are plastic. No longer buying it means eliminating waste from the bathroom! “186 million bottles of shower gel are sold in France each year”, informs Cyrielle Blazy. It is also to protect oneself from chemicals including synthetic fragrances and preservatives. “We replace them with soap, which has a less heady scent, which foams on a washcloth,” recommends Cyrielle Blazy. Give preference to artisanal bulk soaps, including Marseille soap enriched with olive oil.
I sort through my cosmetics
At the rate of 16 cosmetics per day, women put 160 components on their emptying or body skin. However, a certain number of ingredients are dangerous for health: endocrine disruptors, carcinogenic substances … “The first step is to consider and eliminate the most toxic products by using an app, such as yuka or Quelcosmetic “, indicates this professional in ecological transition.
I use a safety razor
Eliminating disposable razors is an important ecological objective. “The disposable razor has a lifespan of about 6 shaves, which brings the consumption of razors to about 50 per year for a person using it almost every day”, informs Cyrielle Blazy. His green proposition: use a safety razor with interchangeable blades. “The only waste will be the blade,” explains the professional. To be combined with a soap rather than a spray foam, the soap having the advantage of being able to be purchased in bulk. Even less plastic!
I reduce my consumption of meat and fish
It sounds silly and yet reducing this consumption has a significant impact. “The consumption of meat destabilizes ecosystems, but it also creates human inequalities in terms of access to food”, underlines Cyrielle Blazy.
I empty my house
“It’s good to start your ecological transition by decluttering your interior. Once you have just the essentials, you have less objects to maintain and store. You save space and time and then you can devote this time to changing your habits, “advises Cyrielle Blazy.
I drink tap water
We are fortunate to have clean drinking water. Let’s take advantage of it! “By giving up plastic water bottles, we are eliminating an incalculable amount of waste”, indicates Cyrielle Blazi, who recalls in her book that “every minute, the equivalent of a garbage truck of plastics is dumped into the ocean, ie between 8 and 12 million tonnes per year “. This advises you to invest in gourds that you like. It is certainly a little heavier to transport than a bottle but what a saving in plastic!