My life before/after ecology: what I've really gained by changing my habits

Before, I lived fast. Like everyone else. I bought what I needed (or what I thought I needed), without giving it much thought. Every morning, my coffee came in a plastic cup. My fridge overflowed with vacuum-sealed products, and I ended each week with a bin brimming full. Ecology? A nice word, but distant. Something for other people.

And then one day, something clicked.

I read that each French person throws away an average of 500 kg of waste per year. That our oceans are overrun with microplastics. That coffee cultivation, which I loved so much, could destroy entire forests if it is poorly managed.

It moved me deeply.

So I decided to give it a try. Just a small step to start. Replacing plastic water bottles with a reusable water bottle. Then another: swapping disposable coffee capsules for a reusable coffee maker. Next: doing my shopping with a tote bag and prioritizing local products.

And very quickly, the "after" took shape.

Less waste. Less plastic. And above all, less guilt.

But above all… more awareness. More meaning.

Before, consuming was automatic. Today, it's a choice. A committed act. A way to vote every day for the world I want to live in.

And no, I haven't given up on comfort. My coffee is still delicious (and even better since I discovered some socially responsible roasters). My fridge is always full, but with fresh, seasonal produce. And my kitchen has gained charm since glass jars replaced disposable packaging.

The most surprising thing? This change has made me more serene.

I no longer seek to fill my cupboards, but to nourish my convictions. I no longer chase after useless promotions, but I support artisans and producers who share my values.

What I've gained by becoming an environmentalist isn't just a cleaner planet. It's a simpler, richer, more aligned life.

What if you also tested the "after"?

You don't need to change everything overnight. Start small. One small gesture. A coffee. One less purchase, but a more thoughtful one. Being eco-friendly isn't a constraint. It's an invitation to live differently. To live better.

So, when do we start?