REFUSE: FIRST ZERO-WASTE REFLEX

Daring to say no: a guilty pleasure?

Do you remember your first "no"? Probably not, but we bet it happened very early. There is even a "no phase" between 18 and 24 months. Why? Because this is the time when a child asserts themselves as a person.

A sometimes difficult moment for parents, but a fundamental step in a child's growth.

Driven by the desire to be like everyone else or numbed by long-standing habits, we adopt and accept consumption patterns that are sometimes absurd, often highly polluting.

What if we had the courage to refuse? To refuse without apologizing, without feeling guilty.

Refusing is a small yet impactful alternative gesture. It is a way to assert oneself, to affirm one's ecological choices and ethical convictions. It is a way to say "yes" to oneself and to be in harmony with personal values. It is also the first step towards a zero-waste lifestyle.

But actually, what are we refusing?

If this question were asked to several zero-waste families, it is likely that no answer would be exactly the same, as this approach is personal and constantly evolving. Each person interprets it in their own way and refines it over time.

However, there would undoubtedly be certain consumer products that would come up repeatedly. These might include flyers and advertisements handed out in the street, disposable cups, plastic bottles, single-use straws, packaging for a croissant or other treats, or unsolicited advertising left in mailboxes, among others.

Of course, the goal is not to create an exhaustive list of things to refuse. Saying no or refusing does not take away our freedom.

One person's needs are not the same as another's, just as what is unnecessary for one may not be the same for someone else.

We do not refuse simply for the sake of refusing, but when we have found a suitable alternative or when we consider that we can simply do without a product or item.

Above all, it is a mindset that comes before purchasing, prompting us to question our real needs. It means refusing to let advertising excessively dictate our consumption choices. It is about stepping back and analyzing our habits. Were we used to collecting fridge magnets and souvenir trinkets from our vacations? Is it necessary, essential? If the answer is no, then there is no need to add to the collection.

Refuse, yes. But how?

Refusing: Easier Said Than Done!

How do we dare to be different and refuse an act that is so common and normalized? Do we need to justify ourselves?

The key word is "anticipate." Anticipate unsolicited flyers in your mailbox by sticking a nice "No Ads" sign on it.

Anticipate small snacks on the go by carrying a thermal mug for drinks and a reusable bag for bakery purchases, for example.

This way, you can offer an alternative to the baker instead of just bluntly refusing. And since the planet is our shared home, no one should take offense at your refusal to generate more waste.

When you're prepared, it becomes much easier to **politely—and even proudly—**decline single-use packaging, which is so present in our daily lives that we can't even list them all. Finally, choosing bulk shopping helps prevent the unnecessary spread of packaging while often leading to substantial savings—an added bonus!

Many people start by refusing to buy plastic water bottles. The simple alternative? Tap water! Combined with binchotan charcoal and/or ceramic pearls (loose, of course!), it becomes pleasant to drink while significantly reducing household waste—not to mention sparing you from carrying heavy water packs and saving money along the way.

Refusing is a key step, but it's just one step. When combined with reducing, reusing, recycling, and giving back to the earth, the impact becomes even greater.

Start with the step that feels easiest for you and enjoy the process!

Just like the little ones we mentioned earlier, your first "no" will lead to others—first at home, then in society. This is not about being stubborn or systematically refusing everything, but about a conscious, informed, and fulfilling refusal.