Want to adopt a zero-waste lifestyle? Here's how to get started!
Do you know the 4R rule?
Moving towards a zero-waste lifestyle can sometimes be a bit confusing. Today, we'd like to take a look at this principle and its four key words.
Towards a zero-waste lifestyle
The principle of zero waste is, of course, to produce less waste. On paper, this may seem simple, but in practice it's less so. In fact, it's an action that allows us to reflect on the impact of our lifestyles on the planet. It's quite possible to change the way you live and consume. Become zero waste, simply means opening our eyes to the contents of our garbage bag, and understanding where our waste comes from and what it will become. It means no longer considering waste as something we throw away and forget about, but as something we try to understand and therefore avoid. One way of doing this is to apply the famous rule of the 4R.
1. Refuse
Say no to superfluity, It's all about what we don't really need, or what pollutes too much. A sample, a receipt, a plastic cup... Why? refuse ? To produce each of these objects, a huge amount of resources and energy was used. And yet, when they're in your hands, they only last 40 seconds before ending up in the garbage can. Now you can simply say “no thanks, I don't need it” and/or “I'm trying to reduce my waste”.
2. Reduce
This principle is based on the adage “Living better, with less”. Why reduce ? The world is always producing more, and we sometimes wrongly believe that we always need more objects, more items in our wardrobe, more household appliances... And sometimes we forget what's essential: being instead of having. It sounds very spiritual, but all the happy sages will tell you! So now's the time to clear out your home, give away those knick-knacks, sell the clothes you won't be wearing any more, and rent or borrow instead of buying.
3. Reuse
Reuse, The first step is to choose sustainable products with multiple functions. Like glass jars for storing leftovers or your dried foods, newspaper pages for wrapping gifts, or even white vinegar for cleaning the house from floor to ceiling. Reuse, It also means repairing instead of throwing things away. At Naéco Hostels, we've already tried our hand at repairs, during a “Repair Day”A day dedicated to restoring our visitors' bikes. This principle also involves turning to the second hand. Books, clothes, small appliances, cars... there's no shortage of options for giving your objects a second life.
4. Recycle
Visit recycling is the ultimate stage in the waste reductions, not the first! If you've already applied the first three R's, you shouldn't have much left to put in your garbage can. If you buy in bulk or at the market, you're already free of unnecessary packaging. If you've said no to plastics, even less. All that's left is to throw away a few envelopes or receipts... In any case, if you absolutely need a packaged product, always use cardboard packaging, as it consumes the least CO2. And if you feel like reuse the container, so always choose glass. Glass may be the most polluting in terms of CO2, but it's strong and durable, and will allow you to replace lots of packaging!
The 4 Rs at Naéco Hostels
At Naéco Hostels, we do our best to promote sustainable tourism. Thanks to our association Naéco1TP5Responsables, At the same time, we strive on a daily basis to reduce the impact of your stay on the planet. We have a commitment charter which sets out the broad outlines of our commitments. Our actions are based on preservation, discovery and ecology and nature awareness. Since December and through our ethical advent calendar, we invite you to discover our tricks to tend to the "green". green tourism, but also to discover several eco-responsible tips to apply to your daily gestures at home.
