The KISS Rule for Eco-Friendly Consumption
Photo credit: Ready Made
Everyone knows it: consuming better is good, consuming less is better. But let's not kid ourselves, shopping is still a part of our daily lives, sometimes out of necessity, and sometimes, a little, for pleasure. The idea is not to banish all of this, but rather to succeed in moving towards more responsible consumption.
And to do this, there's a great method: the BISOU method. We'll explain everything in this article!
1. What is BISOU?
Behind this lovely, gentle name lies a very useful method. BISOU is actually an acronym for five questions to ask yourself before purchasing a product or service. These questions allow you to assess the necessity of the purchase, your need, and its real utility.
This method was developed by Marie Duboin Lefèvre and Herveline Verdeken in their book J’arrête de surconsommer, 21 jours pour sauver la planète et mon compte en banque (I Stop Over-consuming, 21 Days to Save the Planet and My Bank Account). They also created the Facebook group Gestion budgétaire, entraide et minimalisme (Budget Management, Mutual Aid, and Minimalism) with the same goal.
Photo credit: Sarah Chai
2. The meaning of the letters in the BISOU method
B for besoin (need)
Do I really need this? What deep need does it fulfill? Is there a real utility, or is it more superficial?
I for immédiat (immediate)
Do I need it now? Am I acting on impulse because I see an attractive promotion? Is it urgent or can it wait a few days until I am sure of my need?
S for semblable (similar)
Do I already have something similar that fulfills the same need? Or something very close and resembling?
O for origine (origin)
Where does this product come from? Where and how was it designed and produced? Under what conditions? Am I ecologically and ethically aligned with its origin?
U for utile (useful)
Is this purchase truly useful? What will its concrete utility be? Will its utility last over time? How did I manage without it until now? Can I continue to do without it?
3. The benefit of the BISOU method
This BISOU method is obviously very useful for the environment... but not only! By thinking more about your consumption, you will also do a great service to your wallet. And yes: by buying only what you need, you will save money! All the money saved will allow you to treat yourself to other things... But also to improve your standard of living to consume better everyday: organic, local, Made in France products. It's a real virtuous circle!
This vision of consumption completely aligns with our way of seeing the world.
Photo credit: Karolina Grabowska
4. Towards more minimalism
The BISOU method is a step towards more minimalism. Minimalism is a vision of life that stands in opposition to opulence, overstimulation, and "too much". This trend is also found in interior decoration and design, with often uncluttered and sparsely decorated spaces, or in the principle of tiny houses, small homes for living with less in a more responsible lifestyle.
Without having to live in a cave or get rid of all the possessions that matter to you, the BISOU method still allows you to gradually evolve towards a simpler, more responsible way of life and finally reconnect with the essentials! So, are you ready to adopt it?
And to make a transition to zero waste, click here !
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