Circular Economy: What is it?

The circular economy is much more than a concept: it's a way of rethinking our consumption to minimize waste and enhance resources . Unlike the traditional model – extract, produce, throw away – the circular economy aims to extend the lifespan of products and reuse materials . In this article, we explain what the circular economy is, its many advantages and, above all, how you can integrate this principle into your daily life. Through concrete examples, we also present products from our store that respect this model for an easy transition to a more eco-responsible lifestyle!

What is the circular economy?

The circular economy is a model of production and consumption that enhances the value of resources by seeking to use them longer while limiting waste. In a circular economy, each product is designed to be reused, transformed, or recycled . This helps preserve natural resources, limit pollution, and reduce waste.

The three key principles of the circular economy

1. Reducing waste by design
   Our products are designed to last and be easily repaired or recycled. This also means avoiding single-use plastic and favoring natural materials. For example, in our store, you'll find wooden dish brushes with interchangeable heads so you don't have to throw away the entire brush when it's worn out.
2. Reuse and repair
   Reusing and repairing helps extend the life of items and limit unnecessary purchases. For example, for clothing, instead of throwing away a sweater that has a tear, consider repairing it or even customizing it to give it a second life. Similarly, glass jars can be reused to store food, create decorations, or even make homemade candles.
3. Recycle and recover raw materials
   Recycling is essential in a circular economy, as every used item becomes a resource for creating a new one. For example, the washable and reusable cotton pads in our store avoid producing a significant amount of waste by replacing traditional disposable cotton pads.

Why adopt the circular economy in everyday life?

Adopting the circular economy has many benefits, including:

• Reduce carbon footprint : extending product lifespan reduces production needs.
• Save money : Reusable products are often a sustainable investment.
• Adopt a healthier lifestyle : less plastic, fewer chemicals and more natural materials.

Practical tips for integrating the circular economy into your daily life

Now let's move on to some practical tips for easily integrating the circular economy into your home.

1. In the bathroom

The bathroom is a place where waste accumulates quickly. Here are some ideas to reduce this waste:

• Replace disposable makeup remover pads with washable ones : an eco-friendly and economical alternative, they're easy to machine wash and can last for years. Consider having several to alternate between during the wash.
• Use solid soaps : For body, hair, or face, they reduce plastic packaging and are often more economical. Our store offers soap dishes to extend the life of your solid soap and prevent it from deteriorating in the shower.
• Favor reusable accessories for personal hygiene : reusable cotton swabs are another good example. They avoid throwing away hundreds of plastic cotton swabs each year and are easy to wash.

2. In the kitchen

The kitchen is another place where the circular economy can be applied to reduce waste:

• Adopt bee wraps and fabric bowl covers : They are a sustainable alternative to plastic wrap and aluminum foil. These beeswax-coated fabrics are reusable and can be used to wrap food or cover containers.
• Replace paper towels with a washable version : A washable paper towel is a great way to reduce your kitchen waste. Simply wash and reuse it, making it a convenient and eco-friendly option.
• Choose washable sponges and biodegradable brushes : Traditional foam sponges generate microplastics. By opting for a washable sponge or dish brush with interchangeable heads, you reduce your impact while having an effective alternative.

3. In storage and maintenance areas

Cleaning products are often packaged in plastic and contain chemicals. Here are some alternatives:

• Use reusable containers for your household products : You can buy basic ingredients in bulk (like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils) and store them in reusable containers. This limits the number of plastic bottles.
• Opt for fabric bags for shopping and storage : Bulk bags are perfect for storing fruits, vegetables, or bulk products. They are washable, durable, and an effective replacement for plastic bags.
• Make natural cleaners : Instead of buying chemicals, make your own cleaners from natural ingredients. Vinegar, water, and a few drops of lemon essential oil are all you need for an effective, eco-friendly cleaner.

4. In the wardrobe

The circular economy also applies to fashion . Adopting a more sustainable lifestyle means:

• Choose clothing made from natural fibers : organic cotton, linen, and hemp are renewable materials that degrade more easily than synthetic materials.
• Buy secondhand or swap clothes : Before buying new, consider secondhand or swapping clothes. This extends the lifespan of clothing and limits textile production, which is one of the most polluting industries.
• Repair and personalize worn-out clothes : Instead of throwing away your damaged clothes, try repairing or transforming them. For example, a pair of ripped jeans can be turned into shorts, and a stained sweater can be dyed to give it a new lease on life.

Conclusion: the circular economy, an eco-responsible and sustainable lifestyle choice

Adopting the circular economy is a decision that positively impacts the planet, as well as your daily life. By choosing reusable, repairable, and durable products, you contribute to a world with less waste and better resource utilization. Our eco-friendly store supports you in this transition with products designed to respect the principles of the circular economy.