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Monica da Silva is the mom behind the blog le zéro déchet facile, which distills real-life experiences and good advice for a zero-waste lifestyle. She contacted us some time ago because she was looking for a solution to reduce her organic waste, and was thrilled by our super worm composters!
Monica is now releasing a book containing all her zero-waste tips, Objectif zéro déchet, published by Leduc, and answers our questions?
Hello Monica! What does "zero waste" mean to you?
Basically, for me, zero waste was a simple and obvious way of reducing my impact on our lovely planet. But the more I got into it, the more I realized it was much more than that! Zero waste is a different way of looking at the world, a way of opening up to others, a way of getting back to basics and, above all, a great community of solidarity.
How did you get here, and what does this lifestyle offer you?
This is the question that comes up most often, and to which I always give the same answer :-). I became zero-waste thanks to two events just a few months apart. Firstly, my first pregnancy, 3 years ago, opened my eyes to the disastrous and dangerous composition of the cosmetics I was applying to my body, which could be harmful to my baby. Then I came across a report on M6 about Béa Johnson, the zero-waste guru, and it seemed obvious to me to get involved.
Since I've gone zero-waste, I've saved money, I have the (real) feeling that with each of my actions I'm saving the planet a little more, and I also feel that I'm living my life more fully, with a more concrete and positive vision and objectives. It may sound a bit like the world of Care Bears, but it's given me a real sense of well-being.
What do composting and vermicomposting have to do with you?
My family and I live in an apartment. When I managed to reduce most of my waste, I realized that I still had a lot of organic waste (peelings, leftovers, etc.), so I started looking for ways to use it. It was during this research that I came across the concept of compost, and subsequently that of vermicompost, which enables you to recycle your peelings in a small space without having to go outside. I then got in touch with Jean Paul from Vers La Terre, who answered all my questions and doubts. When I received my CityWorms worm composter, I discovered a new aspect of zero waste and I'm very happy!
What's your daily routine like?
At the moment, my day-to-day life is a bit disrupted by my second pregnancy, which is coming to term very soon, and the release of my book "Objectif Zéro déchet". Between interviews, radio and preparing for the arrival of my second baby, I don't have time to get bored! Fortunately, I launched my zero-waste project over two years ago, so I've got some well-established habits that keep me on track. Monday mornings are spent at the local market with my oldest daughter, and during the week we go to the butcher, the creamery or Biocoop for other food needs. On weekends, it's a zero-waste picnic in one of the many parks in our pretty Drôme region. In short, I lead the life I love, and it's all thanks to zero waste !
What advice would you give to someone like you who wants to reduce their waste?
First and foremost: go step by step! It's all about changing habits. Even if at first you feel incredibly determined to put everything in place as quickly as possible, you can quickly become overwhelmed. So you have to go step by step, at your own pace. The second piece of advice is to surround yourself with a community. This allows you to share your doubts, your successes and sometimes even your failures. Everyone can share their tips and tricks. Last but not least, buy my book;-D it's a real practical guide for beginners, and I'm very proud of it!
I'm very proud of it!
Would you like to take advantage of all Monica's zero-waste tips and tricks?
It's easy, just answer the following question by e-mail and you'll be entered into a draw to win a copy of Objectif zéro déchet by Monica da Silva!
Good luck!
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