An ambitious zero-waste, zero-waste initiative that prioritizes reduction at the source.

Our production and consumption patterns are no longer sustainable. On the one hand, because they consume more resources than the planet can provide, which puts part of humanity—both present and future—at risk. On the other hand, because they generate polluting waste, even when properly collected (in France, most of it is still incinerated or sent to landfills).

It is time for a paradigm shift to address these two issues. The zero-waste, zero-waste approach goes beyond simple recycling, which is essential but not sufficient.

Producing Differently

To reduce our waste, we must start by changing our production methods so that they become frugal and efficient in their use of natural resources and energy, thereby reducing the use of raw materials. We must avoid wasting resources through advances in eco-design to transition from linear and toxic production methods to circular and resilient systems.

Optimizing and extending use

The use of a product is limited or discontinued not because it is “broken” but for reasons related to our consumption patterns. In a Zero Waste approach, we seek instead to maximize use by reusing, sharing, and pooling access to goods. When it comes to packaging, distribution methods based on “disposable” items are therefore set aside in favor of systems based on reuse (deposit-return systems, bulk sales, etc.).

Preserving materials

Composting and/or recycling allow materials to be recovered as efficiently as possible. This means that each waste stream must be separated as early as possible—that is, within households and businesses—and treated separately. It is this separate management that allows, at the most local level possible, for a reduction in the use of incineration and landfilling and for the best possible preservation of the natural resources used in manufacturing processes.