By adopting responsible consumption habits, everyone can actively contribute to protect the environment. Here are a few things you can do in your daily life.
Purchasing power
Choose robust and repairable IT products and household appliances. while checking the availability of spare parts. Check the availability of spare parts and choose products that are adapted to your real needs. This can help limit overspending on future purchases.
To maintain your purchasing power, it's also essential to resist impulse buying, which can lead to over-indebtedness. Before you buy, ask yourself whether it's really necessary to buy the latest mobile phone, for example.
It's also advisable to pay attention to the warranties available, some of which offer additional repair times on top of the mandatory legal warranty.
Repairing
Repairing our goods extends their lifespan, reducing waste and over-consumption. This applies as much to household appliances and machinery as to clothing.
Opting for repair instead of buying new is therefore a responsible approach to consumption.
Second hand
In the quest for responsible consumption, buying second-hand is emerging as a relevant alternative, all products included, including clothing. This eco-friendly option extends the life of existing items, reducing the demand for new production and minimizing environmental impact. Opting for second-hand means choosing originality and actively contributing to waste reduction. A simple gesture for more responsible consumption.
Energy-saving products
Choose energy-efficient appliances that consume little energy or water. Energy labels, which specify the energy consumption of household appliances, are compulsory for many items of equipment (washing machines, electric or gas ovens, fridges, televisions, etc.) and can help you make an informed choice.
Products made from renewable materials or, failing that, recycled or recyclable materials, are good choices for protecting the environment. You can also opt for rechargeable products (batteries, pens, printer cartridges, soap dispensers, etc.).
Food
When it comes to food, opt for seasonal fruit and vegetables, local produce, and short distribution channels. Seasonal fruit and vegetables are often cheaper, tastier and more energy-efficient to produce.
Reduce waste by organizing your fridge efficiently, indicating the opening dates of products and respecting the best-before dates. When it comes to best-before dates, only the best-before date (BBD) applies to perishable foods. It is indicated by the words "Use by...". Beyond this date, the food may present a health risk. For canned food, groceries and frozen foods, the words "Best before..." indicate a date of minimum durability (DDM). These foods can be consumed after the best-before date, provided they have not been opened and have not deteriorated.
Clothing
It's essential to stress out the importance of resisting the temptation of fast-fashion. Behind the glittering displays and attractive prices often lie realities that are ignored: precarious working conditions, exploitation of natural resources and a disastrous carbon footprint.
Responsible consumption means choosing quality over quantity, and encouraging brands committed to transparency and sustainability.
Modes of transport
Make the most of your journeys by doing big shopping trips in one go if you use your car. Explore options such as public transport, cycling or walking to local shops. When ordering online, avoid express deliveries in favor of longer delivery times for more efficient logistics.
Recycling after use
Remember to sort your waste according to the instructions on the packaging. For foodstuffs, empty the containers correctly, and use the organic waste for composting.
Don't forget to give a second life to your products in good condition by giving them away, exchanging them or selling them.
Finally, for those products that really must be thrown away, follow the sorting instructions for products that must be thrown away, favoring the recycling of materials such as glass, metals, plastic and paper.
Final note
The aim of this dossier is not to pass judgement on consumer habits, but rather to provide information and encourage positive change. It is essential that consumers understand the impact of their consumption choices in order to make informed consumer decisions.