How Paris is turning the page on single-use plastic
Dossier
Updated on 10/09/2024
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In 2019, the City set itself a big goal: zero single-use plastic in 2024 for hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Find out what we're doing to get there!
What is single-use plastic?
Single-use plastic refers to packaging made completely or partially from plastic, and there are many misconceptions surrounding this topic.
In addition to plastic bottles and cups, aluminum/steel cans, beverage cartons and even cardboard cups are single-use plastics (because they contain a layer of plastic). Similarly, all plastics, whether recycled, bio-sourced, compostable or "biodegradable", are still single-use plastics that pollute the environment.
Beyond Paris, single-use plastic waste accounts for 50% of the garbage found on European Union beaches. According to Unesco, it causes the death of over a million seabirds every year.
5 easy eco-actions
Take your water bottle, bring your own container when ordering takeaway, use a reusable bag when shopping, don't throw your cigarette butt on the ground or buy in bulk… These are all ecogestures that benefit both you and the environment!
Find out more.
Find out more.
Credit
Josephine Brueder / Ville de Paris
The Paris 2024 Games, an opportunity for change
During the summer of 2024, the local authority wants visitors and Parisians to be able to celebrate the Games without single-use plastic, whether for drinks, catering or residual goodies. The aim is also to offer them areas where bulk and reuse will be an integral part of everyday life.
Reduction and reuse will be the two main levers of action to offer a single-use plastic-free experience in Parisian celebration areas and around official sites (banks of the Seine, experimental districts, tourist monuments).
What will change
On city-managed festival sites
In each arrondissement and at various totemic sites (Académie du Climat, etc.), visitors will be able to eat using reusable cups or bowls, or by bringing their own.
On the competition sites
Water bottles will be allowed (and recommended) for easy refilling at the hundreds of water fountains… and soda fountains too!
Everything that has already changed in the capital
Eau de Paris, always at your fingertips
In 1,200 fountains and 1,000 shops
Find out where to fill your water bottle for free with this map.
In the street, in Paris museums and in shops: there's no shortage of water points.
Credit
Clément Dorval / Ville de Paris
Key figures
500,000 plastic bottles are not consumed thanks to the "Ici, je choisis l'eau de Paris" campaign.
40 tonnes of plastic eliminated by 2023.
40 tonnes of plastic eliminated by 2023.
The return of the tub
In Paris, fast-food restaurants generate over 15 tonnes of waste every day! That's why the local authority and a number of catering establishments have been running an experiment since 2022 with the return of the deposit.
The deposit system drastically reduces waste.
Credit
Clement Dorval / Ville de Paris
A "Zero Plastic" label
In April 2023, the City of Paris launched the first zero single-use plastic certification for economic players. The certification is free of charge.
150 businesses have already committed to "Zero Plastic" certification.
Credit
Clement Dorval / Ville de Paris
In sports clubs
Adopting reusable cups, no longer distributing plastic bottles, raising awareness among members and instructors… sports clubs have a role to play in abandoning single-use plastic!
Athlete using a water bottle at the Jules-Ladoumègue sports center (19th arrondissement)
Credit
Clément Dorval / Ville de Paris
For road races
From September1, 2024, all races organized in the capital will have to stop using single-use plastic.
The 14th arrondissement's 10 km race has already set an example.
2,250 people ran the 10th km of the 14th arrondissement.
Credit
Jean-Baptiste Gurliat / Ville de Paris
In nurseries
Abandoning plastic also means limiting exposure to endocrine disruptors. Parisian nurseries are well aware of this, and have been sidelining plastic for several years now.
Saturdays with the family" program - Crèche Eginhard (4th)
Credit
Joséphine Brueder/Ville de Paris
What professionals say!
Zero single-use plastic commits us and shows our employees and customers that it can be done.
Hotel manager
The Hotel Rosalie, in the 13th arrondissement, has committed to zero single-use plastic. At breakfast, tea is loose, jam comes in its original jars and yoghurt is homemade. In the rooms, the courtesy tray offers freshly ground coffee - a French press is available - and Rooibos tea is brewed in tongs. Water in glass carafes is microfiltered and osmosed: no more plastic bottles!
This process was made possible and accelerated thanks to the support of the City of Paris.
Bakers
The Blavette brothers' bakery in the 14th arrondissement of Paris has adopted a zero-waste approach. Packaging is reduced to a strict minimum, and a zero-waste loyalty card has been launched to reward customers who leave without packaging or with their own containers. The deposit for fresh fruit juices has just been extended to salads, daily specials, soups and coffees.
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