Simple steps to sustainable living

Adopting a more sustainable lifestyle has many advantages, both for the environment and for your personal well-being. It's simple: if you consume better and reduce your waste, you'll be making a direct contribution to protecting our planet, while saving money at the same time...  

Choose local and seasonal products

Buying local, seasonal produce is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint. In Luxembourg, you'll find many farmers' markets. The best known is the one held on Place Guillaume II in the upper part of Luxembourg City, every Wednesday and Saturday from 7.30am to 2pm. There's even a “food village” where you can enjoy a convivial lunch break in a relaxed atmosphere. 

Other markets are regularly held elsewhere in the capital and throughout the country. You'll find the official list here. At the same time, more and more retailers are promoting seasonal fruit and vegetables. Naturata, a cooperative founded in 1989 to promote organic produce in Luxembourg, is a fine example. Since then, other initiatives have sprung up, offering organic baskets for example. Here are a few addresses to get you started: Co-Labor, Les Paniers de Sandrine, Le Chat Biotté, Terra Coop, Happy Local...  

Reduce your meat consumption

Reducing your meat and animal products consumption can have a significant impact on the environment. Intensive livestock farming is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Here again, the best approach is to choose local meat from a farm close to home. And why not include more vegetarian or vegan meals in your diet? You'll reduce your ecological footprint while discovering new flavors and recipes. 

Adopt zero waste in your daily life

The zero-waste movement is gaining in popularity around the world, and Luxembourg is no exception. Start with small changes, such as using reusable bags (without buying new ones at each checkout), buying in bulk and avoiding plastic-packaged products. In fact, buying in bulk is becoming an increasingly popular way to consume. Even the major retailers are getting in on the act, and many boutiques welcome you with your containers. 

You can also make your own household products and cosmetics to reduce waste even further. Do It Yourself workshops are available all over the country. Just keep your eyes and ears open! 

Reduce, reuse, recycle: the three Rs of sustainability

One of the first steps towards a more sustainable lifestyle is to follow the principles of the three Rs: reduce, reuse and recycle. On a day-to-day basis, the first reflex is to avoid disposable products in favor of more durable items. Rechargeable batteries are a good example. UFC-Que choisir, a French consumer protection organization, carried out a test with a remote-controlled electric car, a popular toy with children. Based on 30 play sessions over the winter, each lasting an hour, the cost came to €612 with disposable batteries and just €21 with rechargeable ones. Are you convinced? 

Use renewable energies

Use renewable energyLuxembourg actively encourages the use of renewable energy. By installing solar panels or choosing a green energy supplier, you can reduce your consumption of fossil fuels. What's more, in Luxembourg, generous financial incentives are available to help cover the costs associated with these installations. In particular, the Klimabonus subsidy program can help you adopt a more climate-friendly lifestyle.

Reduce water consumption

Did you know that the average consumption of drinking water in Luxembourg is 120,000 m3/day, or over 200 liters per person? Water is a precious resource that must be preserved. It can be as simple as taking shorter showers, using water-saving appliances and reclaiming rainwater to water your plants. Every little action counts in reducing your water consumption and protecting this vital resource.

Favoring environmentally-friendly transportation

Transportation is a major source of pollution. To reduce your carbon footprint, choose environmentally-friendly modes of transport such as cycling, walking or public transport. In Luxembourg, the public transport network is free, well-developed and offers a practical and ecological alternative to the private car. Why not leave the car in the garage on certain days of the week? 

Participate in local initiatives

Luxembourg is brimming with local initiatives to promote sustainability. Join community events, sharing groups and workshops to learn more about sustainable practices and meet like-minded people. Every little action counts, and together we can create positive change. To find out more, follow the Pluxee community and discover great places to eat healthy every day!