To better understand the ecolabels Afnor created a website explaining what ecolabel is aimed to what. We learn the true and the false about them, sweeping received ideas. A fun and colorful mini-test about labels explains us who does what. In sum, Afnor reminds us that the success of ecolabelling is directly linked to our purchases and the necessity to consume in a responsible way.
The Afnor which has been existing for over 80 years, publishes standards such as NF environment or NF service. This association is specialized in four skill areas: standardization of course, certification, publishing and training.

It is sometimes difficult to choose a district, an area or a route to follow when we know little or nothing about the French capital. Rachel Kaplan offers to guide you through the secret, hidden or trendy Paris, thanks to her tailored-made tours ordered by themes. Designers, artists, unknown shops, all that precious, unusual and chic Paris.
A tour has come to our attention, the Paris eco-chic shopping tour. Made by foot or by public transport to reduce your carbon footprint on the environment, you will discover clothing stores, accessories and green cosmetics. A detour to the organic markets is also planned. A course of first choice for all those with a green soul.

Rates: from 380€ to 1200€.

Paris Chic Shopping
T. : 01.45.77.01.63
Port. : 06.64.35.87.63
chic@parischicshopping.com

More and more Parisians have access to a community garden where they could meet each other, exchange ideas, and of course grow fruits, vegetables and flowers. Today, nearly 50 gardens in Paris are conventionally managed by associations. One network, Main Verte, regroups all the public gardens that run in an ecological garden way. What is the main eco-friendly action? Organic gardening, the recuperation of rainwater, green waste composting, reuse materials, or bird watching.

Exhibitions and barter (exchange of plants) are frequently organized. Also, meetings and exchanges between gardeners, as well as coffee garden grow as a trend across the capital. Otherwise learn about the richness of the nature and its benefits, while keeping in mind the protection of our beautiful planet.

Cellule Main Verte
Maison du Jardinage
Parc de Bercy
41, rue Paul Belmondo
75012 Paris
France
T. : +33.1.53.46.19.19

Photo credit

The organic cosmetics brand Les Sens des Fleurs created in 1996 was one of the pioneers to offer organic cosmetics made from flowers of Bach, including helping to treat negative emotional states. Initially sold only in green stores, the brand has quickly democratized to all points of distribution, ecofriendly or not. Every product of each 4 ranges of the brand (face, body, baby and emotional states), is achieved through a combination of organic Bach flower, without coloring or GMOs, no petrochemicals nor animal origin and of course without conservation synthesis. In addition, the packaging is in nice tubes decorated with white and orange roses.

Les Sens des Fleurs
Available at Régime Gourmet
4, rue Mesnil
75016 Paris
France
T. : +33.1.47.04.66.91

More insolite than parks and public gardens in Paris, you have the opportunity to live an ecofriendly trip around Paris, on the Petite Ceinture (Little Belt). The old railway which was used to transport passengers and cargo freight until 1934, is now a place made for nature, where the calm, the fauna and flora have taken possession of the premises. Abandoned, the tracks are used as walking to the Parisians in search of nature and rest.

In the 16th arrondissement, between the Porte d’Auteuil and Porte de la Muette, you will be able to go for 1500 meters, punctuated by six nature stops. For an overview, visit the website of the City of Paris where a virtual tour of the old station of Auteuil and rue du Ranelagh is proposed. For people with reduced mobility, the Paris City Council offers a “modul’évasion”, motorized equipment to access the field.

Photo credit

It is in everyone’s minds that today that we have to be aware of the excessive water and energy consumption, but how well have we done it? The Ministry of Sustainable Development would like to respond to this question during the Sustainable development week. It is through a national call for projects launched by companies, communities and other organizations that the Ministry wishes to encourage and educate the general public to adopt the most appropriate behaviour. Among the issue to be discussed is without a doubt to define the concept of sustainable development, enhancing the Grenelle Environment concept but also to propose solutions to the public. Thus, it is an event not only to promote the behaviour of a responsible individual, but also to inculcate good reflexes among youngsters.

The Sustainable Planet show in Paris will be filled with debates, festivals, exhibitions and educational activities from the 2nd to 5th April 2009. Enjoy this event to do an analysis on the CO ² that you consume everyday or you can test a hybrid car. You can also leave your child with “Tigrella, the witch of the waste” while you learn about the amazing Green Kitchen, a kitchen that is capable of recycling energy from the hood to the fridge! In addition, Fnac, the official partner of this event, is holding a discussion on the theme of sustainable development in France during the whole month of April. Do not just flick the “Earth view from Above” on its shelves but heal the world.

Salon Planète Durable
Porte de Versailles Hall 7-1
Paris
France

10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Thursday 2nd to Sunday 5th April 2009
Price: 10 €
Child – 14 years: € 6, Child – 6 years: free.
For each ticket purchased, 1€ will be donated to an NGO.