As Earth Day approaches on April 22, 2024, there’s no better time to explore some eco-friendly activities in Paris. From sustainable Olympic Games to zero-waste beauty boutiques and historic botanical gardens, Paris offers a multitude of environmentally conscious activities.
5 green ideas to celebrate Earth Day in Paris with La Compagnie des Guides
1. Paris 2024 Olympic Games Commitment to the Environment
The Paris 2024 Olympic Games are not just about athletic competition; they’re also about making a statement on sustainability and responsible consumption, starting with what’s on the menu. With over 13 million meals to be served during the two 15-day periods of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Paris 2024 is embarking on the largest event catering operation in the world. And it’s not just about quantity; it’s about quality (this is France, after all!) and sustainability too.
In a country renowned for its gastronomy and facing pressing environmental challenges, Paris 2024 is taking a proactive approach to ensure that everyone involved in the Games eats well and responsibly. The “Food Vision” of Paris 2024 aims to showcase how creative and sustainable food can be produced at a major international event. This ambitious vision involves sourcing 80% of food from French-origin products, with 25% sourced within 250km of the venues, and ensuring that 30% of products are organic.
To achieve these goals, Paris 2024 has mobilized a network of organizations, including farmers, chefs, artisans, and nutritionists, to define the food vision of the Games. Through six key commitments, they aim to reduce plastic consumption, limit food waste, ensure professional integration programs for catering staff, and increase the presence of plant-based food on the plate reducing CO2.
But the commitment to sustainability doesn’t end with the food. Paris 2024 has chosen to rely on 95% existing or temporary infrastructure for the Games, with all temporary materials and structures to be repurposed, reused, or recycled after the event. Additionally, the Olympic and Paralympic Village, built on a former industrial wasteland, will be transformed into a sustainable city district after the Games, with housing, offices, and shops, accommodating nearly 12,000 people by 2025.
From the plate to the venues to the village, the Paris 2024 Olympic Games are setting a new standard for environmentally conscious events on the global stage.
2. The Naked Shop: Where Beauty Meets Sustainability
Step into The Naked Shop, a revolutionary zero-waste haven in Paris’s vibrant 11th arrondissement. Explore a diverse range of eco-friendly skincare, hygiene, and home care products, all packaged in returnable glass containers. From DIY workshops to locally sourced ingredients, The Naked Shop empowers you to embrace a sustainable lifestyle without compromising on beauty. Experience the intersection of luxury and environmental consciousness at this eco-friendly boutique.
Address: 75 rue Oberkampf 75011 Paris
3. Square Viviani’s Ancient Robinia Tree: A Living Legacy
Visit Square Viviani in the 5th arrondissement and pay homage to an ancient witness of Parisian history—the Robinia tree. The Square René Viviani is a city park located slightly to the north of the Gothic church of Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre, built at the same time as Notre-Dame Cathedral and consequently one of Paris’ oldest churches.
Disaffected during the Revolution, in the 19th century the ruinous church was taken over by the city’s Greek Melchite Church and is today the center of that religious community in Paris. The square is noted for being the site of the oldest planted tree in Paris.
The Robinia pseudoacacia, a species commonly known as a locust tree, is believed to have been planted by its namesake, Jean Robin (1550–1620), in 1601, from a seed brought back from the Appalachian Mountains in the United States; The tree lost its upper branches to a shell during World War I, but it proves its continuing vitality by blooming every year.
At 423 years old, this majestic tree embodies resilience and endurance. Planted during the reign of Henri IV, it stands as the city’s oldest tree, silently observing the passage of time. Take a seat on the circular bench encircling its trunk and connect with nature in the heart of Paris.
4. La Maison du Zéro Déchet: Redefining Sustainable Living
Embark on a sustainable journey at La Maison du Zéro Déchet, a beacon of hope for eco-conscious individuals. Dive into engaging workshops, browse eco-friendly products, and discover the art of zero waste living. From reusable containers to solid cosmetics,
La Maison du Zéro Déchet offers everything you need to minimize waste in your daily life. Join the zero waste movement and be a part of Paris’s green revolution.
Address: 1 passage Emma Calvé – 75012 PARIS
5. Jardin des Plantes: A Botanical Oasis in the Heart of Paris
Nestled in the heart of the 5th Arrondissement lies the Jardin des Plantes, a multifaceted sanctuary steeped in history and natural wonders. Established in 1626 by Louis XIII as a royal medicinal herb garden, this sprawling 75-acre botanical garden boasts a vibrant tapestry of flora, including peonies, irises, roses, geraniums, and dahlias. A quintessential highlight of the Latin Quarter, it beckons visitors to explore its diverse offerings.
Beyond its lush gardens, the Jardin des Plantes is home to Paris’ oldest zoo, a prestigious botanical school, and the esteemed Natural History Museum (Musée National d’Histoire Naturelle). Serving as a cherished retreat for Parisians seeking solace amidst verdant surroundings, it offers ample opportunities for leisurely strolls, invigorating jogs, and serene moments of relaxation.
The botanical school, dating back to 1683, serves as a bastion of botanical education, fostering the growth of young botanists and preserving the garden’s rich biodiversity. Noteworthy features include the Alpine garden, Art Deco winter garden, and hothouses showcasing exotic plants from around the world. The iconic Grandes Serres, towering glass-and-metal greenhouses, have captivated visitors since 1714, inspiring renowned artists like Henri Rousseau with their lush landscapes.
Within the park’s expansive grounds lies La Ménagerie, France’s oldest public zoo, tracing its origins back to the aftermath of the Revolution. Housing a captivating array of wildlife, it offers a glimpse into Paris’ zoological past, evoking a sense of nostalgia with its charming 19th-century exhibits.
From the magnificent Grande Galerie de l’Évolution to the ancient fossilized insects, the Jardin des Plantes stands as a timeless sanctuary, inviting visitors to embark on a journey of discovery and wonder. For a visit of this beautiful site with a private expert tour guide, contact us.
Earth Day reminds us to be better Earth citizens.
Celebrate Earth Day in Paris by embracing sustainable initiatives that honor the planet and its resources. Whether you’re cheering on athletes at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, shopping for eco-friendly cosmetics at The Naked Shop, or strolling through the Jardin des Plantes, there’s no shortage of green activities to enjoy. Join us in preserving the beauty of Paris and making every day Earth Day.