At e-zabel, we've been committed to protecting our planet for years, even as world leaders discuss global initiatives. From basic practices—like addressing the litter challenges in Paris (follow me on Instagram for unfiltered stories from the city's streets)—to bolder changes, we're proud to adopt sustainable habits at our own pace amid busy family life.
Sri Lanka's plastic-polluted beaches were a stark wake-up call, reinforcing why we prioritize reducing plastic in our purchases.
Here's our practical list of eco-friendly gestures at home:
- Waste sorting. Essential in our kitchen with two bins. We sort diligently and look forward to recycling more plastics, like yogurt pots, which isn't yet possible in Paris.
- LED bulbs. My partner replaced all our lights with energy-efficient LEDs. We also unplug devices and aim to power down computers fully.
- Annually, we don our gloves to clean the gardens around our building. This year, we filled three bags, including countless cigarette butts.
- Cotton reusables over disposable wipes. For years, we've used kits from Les Tendances d'Emma: cotton pads for makeup removal (some dedicated to remover), washable wipes for kitchen cleaning, spills, and more. They go straight into the wash after use.
- No store-bought laundry detergent: For two months, we've made our own homemade laundry. It's simple, cost-effective, and effective—win-win!
- Minimal household cleaners: Black soap, white vinegar, baking soda, and Brill'tout for streak-free windows.
- We invested in bicycles. Living in Paris means minimal car use already, and bikes make it even easier.
- In the bathroom, we're simplifying: vegetable oils and essentials. Jojoba oil for makeup removal, followed by cold-process soap. Nighttime moisture with jojoba or argan oil; daytime AVRIL cream. Transitioning to solid shower gels and shampoos. Coconut oil for hair and lice prevention, shea butter for body, lips, and noses.
- I refuse all checkout bags, carrying a reusable or my purchases by hand.
- Latest change: No more plastic water bottles! Using a glass filter carafe from without-bpa to improve Paris tap water (chalky and off-tasting in our area). Options include fridge storage, but we prefer quick methods.
1. Activated carbon: The stick purifies by reducing chlorine, mineralizing, and balancing pH. Change every 6 months (boil every 3); action time: 1hr good, 4hr better, 8hr optimal. Don't use beyond 48 hours.
2. Purifying ceramic beads: Simpler—15 beads for 1L, neutralizes chlorine, lime, impurities in 30 minutes. Unlimited use.
Next: Homemade yogurts! No electric maker needed—we found a great blog tutorial. Sourcing equipment is the challenge, but updates coming.
What eco-habits are you adopting?
