Reflections from a Parisian Year Abroad

One of the most impactful parts of being a OneGreenThing intern is that my brain is always processing the world through a lens of what is one green thing I see, how are the actions around me a source for hope? How can they inspire me? What can we learn from them?

With this lens in mind, I’m constantly seeking to learn about sustainable initiatives around me, big and small, no matter where I go. So, as my time in Paris has come to a close (for now), it feels fitting to share some of these OGT highlights. In other words - the things that have stopped me in my tracks to a) read a plaque, b) take a picture for later research, or C) stop in my tracks, along with whomever else I am with to marvel at the environmental genius happening around me. Certainly, France is not perfect and they, along with every other country, have so much room to grow, but in the lens of hope, of OneGreenThing, of focusing on the good, these have been some of the most hope-inspiring for me.

Simple, Efficient, Sorted Waste. 

When I first arrived in Paris, the first thing I researched was waste separation (nerdy of me, I know). Frankly, in each new place I go this is something I do - the inconsistency between the places I’ve lived (NY, NC, & CA) is enough to make me certain that there is rarely ever, any, consistency. So, with a quick Google search, I found a detailed PDF with instructions on what goes where, any exceptions, and if there are any conditions. (For example, in certain Paris Arrondissements, compost is picked up by the city, but not in most). The instructors were clear: waste in one bin, plastic and paper in the next, and glass in the last one. Each bin has a color and the same color coding is used through the city for waste sorting. I’m a firm believer that this level of organization encourages participation: people know what to do, they’re not confused, and it also demonstrates a level of city-wide (if not nationwide) commitment to the environment. 

Christmas Tree Recycling 

While the Christmas tree season is a bit shorter here (pun intended) than the US, many people still get their Christmas trees from local shops. There is also a company that delivers Christmas trees in pots so that they can be replanted after the season’s over. More information on this here. 

However, the most exciting, stop in my tracks moment was when, walking past a local park, I read a sign that said “ Offrez une seconde vie à votre Sapin” (Offer a second life to your Christmas tree). 

In parks across Paris, people can bring and drop off their Christmas trees which are then chopped up

and used as fertilizer. Frankly, I don’t know where the trees would go if they didn’t do this. But it allows the trees to have a second purpose which simultaneously results in the whole city, or at least all the city parks, smelling like Christmas trees well into February. 

High Quality Water 

Parisians have boundless pride for many things… one of which is water. Their Parisian drinking water. Through water crises in the US — in Jackson and in Flint, it is clear that clean water is not a given, even in developed nations. In the US, more than 158 million people have water contaminated by forever chemicals (EPA). Arriving in Paris - one thing was clear - tap water pride. Green water fountains cover the city, many of which became my saving grace during my marathon training. Restaurants in Paris serve tap water proudly and without charge, somewhat of an anomaly in Europe. Posters line the city that read, “Be Parisian, Drink Tap Water” and “Ici, je choisis l’eau de Paris” (Here, I choose the water of Paris). Tap water drinking could be considered a piece of Parisian identity — I haven’t found such pride in many other places. Of course, with many old buildings and thus, old pipes, the water does not always stay as clean as it is when it leaves the water treatment facility, something city planners and Parisians are working on, but a fact they don’t hide. Despite all the times I rolled my eyes at someone flaunting Parisian tap water, I do think I’ll miss those moments — and I’ll remain grateful for safe drinking water. 

If you are interested in tracking the quality of your drinking water, check out the EWG’s Tap Water Database! 

As I begin my next adventure, I’m keeping my eyes peeled for these pieces of hope as I encourage you all to do as well. It can be something as minor as a sorted recycling bin or a cafe where you can enjoy your coffee in a cup to stay.