A question that comes up very often. The transition to Zero Waste sometimes seems insurmountable. Loss of bearings, fear of the unknown and so on. By the time you read me you have surely already had an awareness. But this is not enough. You need a few tips to start your Zero Waste transition with peace of mind. That's good, I'll give you some today!

The Powerful Why

You want to reduce your ecological impact, reduce your waste in short, you want to change. It's ok, but why? A simple but yet fundamental question. This "why?" will push you forward even when the desire is no longer felt. The transition, the change of habits are accompanied by periods of doubts, misunderstandings and even sometimes a desire to give up. And you know what ? This is completely normal. In these moments, knowing the source of your desire for change will help you to continue. This is why it is essential to ask this question. And for the record, it is the same in all areas of your life.

Trash Autopsy

Analyzing what you throw away is the best way to figure out what's going on. Throwing has become an automatic gesture, or even considered as facilitating. Dissecting your trash is then an important step in making an inventory. This allows you to have a basis for reflection, to put your habits in order to restart on good practices.

What is my trash can made of? What do I throw away most often? Can I do without it? Is there a reusable alternative? A few simple questions to have a real awareness.

Thinking by spaces in the house

After understanding why you want to start your Zero Waste transition and analyzing your household waste, it's time to get organized. I advise you to move forward in stages, focusing on the different spaces and areas of the house.

Spaces: Kitchen, Bathroom, Toilet, Bedroom, Exterior, etc...

Areas: Food, Kitchen Accessories, Shopping, Cosmetics, Bathroom Accessories, etc...

By operating in this way, it will seem easier for you to set yourself "small gestures" to put in place. By "small gestures" understand the actions implemented to reduce your waste. Every gesture counts, no matter how small, know it!

The Legend of the Hummingbird

You know how much Retour O Naturel loves this story. The Hummingbird is even the emblem of the logo ;) Let me tell you this Native American legend for the umpteenth time:

One day, says the legend, there was a huge forest fire. All the terrified animals, terrified, watched helplessly as the disaster unfolded before their eyes. Only the little hummingbird was busy, fetching a few drops with its beak to throw them on the fire. After a while, the armadillo, annoyed by this agitation which seemed ridiculous to him, said to him: “Colibri! You're not crazy ? It is not with these drops of water that you will put out the fire! And the hummingbird replied, "I know that, but I'm doing my part." »

Gradually by integrating small or large changes in your daily life you will see the results. And then you want more, it's the snowball effect. Opting for a reusable flat cover cap to replace plastic cling film may be considered minimal, but it is not.

This gesture reflects the firm desire to no longer want to use single-use products. It is to refuse the consumption of elements having a lightning lifespan which is sometimes counted in a handful of seconds.

Want to start from zero

Zero Waste in the literal sense is a utopia. Zero waste does not exist. The goal is to try to tend towards this ideal in the way you consume. But when you start, sometimes extremist ideas can cross your mind. Like the desire to throw everything away to start from scratch. This contradicts the very essence of Zero Waste. Finishing your cosmetics, reusing your plastic containers,... it's ok. And ditto not everything must necessarily be replaced by an alternative. It is possible to eliminate things. It's time to sort out and really know your needs.

Wanting to eliminate everything all at once can create frustrations which then turn into impulses and it is at this moment that the urge to capitulate appears.

Surroundings

The last advice for the road and not the least, the entourage. To move forward serenely, it is always good to surround yourself with people who have the same centers of interest. It's very helpful. If it's not close people, it can be people far away by the virtual I think. How do you think the Instagram page @retour.o.naturel was born 3 years ago? I needed peers and found support and kindness through the screen ;)