There’s real energy behind the push to make France greener. If you plan to move here or visit frequently, learn about all the ways you can live a greener life.

The French government recently reiterated its long-term plan to promote clean energy and reduce carbon emissions. The tricky political atmosphere notwithstanding, France has always emphasised making the country greener. It encourages its citizens to get fully on board in areas such as recycling and renewable energy.

The energy and climate minister, Agnes Pannier-Runacher announced a public consultation over the 10-year energy plan to fight global warming. She said that one of the most pressing issues is reducing emissions form cars and aeroplanes.

As a resident or frequent visitor there is more you can do to live a greener lifestyle in France. From renewable energy providers to electric cars and regular recycling, you can contribute to the country’s mission to help our planet.

Be selective with your energy provider

Renewable energy providers

The main energy providers in France are EDF, TotalEnergies, Engie and Eni. Though, there are many smaller companies to choose from, too. Each offers differences in efficiency, price and, importantly, affiliation with the green movement.

There is a great deal of price competition between energy companies

Companies such as Ekwateur, Mint Énergie, Ilek, Vattenfall and La Bellenergie, for instance, are all supportive of renewable energy. It is well worth comparing prices, as there is a great deal of competition between them.

Ekwateur is the leading supplier of renewable energy. It supplies energy to all the French ministries. Ilek only sells premium green electricity and is Greenpeace’s chosen supplier. Mint Énergie, which won awards for its service in 2020 and 2021, derives all its energy from green sources.

These days it is relatively easy to change providers in France: everything is taken care of for you. According to Selectra, an energy comparison site, Ekwateur is the cheapest current option.

A big push to recycle

While there are ways you can opt into living a greener life, the French government has been changing the law, too.

A new rule came into force in January of this year called “compost obligatoire”, making it mandatory to recycle organic waste. In principle, every commune and every municipality must make sure its residents are armed with clear and efficient ways to sort biodegradable waste. This includes food waste such as leftovers, vegetable trimmings etc. as well as all garden waste.

Stay on the right side of France’s new composting laws

Most towns, villages and hamlets supply either a dedicated personal bin for households to use or a large communal one. In the case of the latter, residents are often supplied with a key so that they can access the communal bin. The idea is that all waste will be turned into compost and therefore replace chemical fertilisers.

However, there is now huge emphasis on the recycling of most other materials such as paper, glass, plastics, metals and electronics. Most neighbourhoods offer collection points, and some have weekly or fortnightly collection services also.

Each region of France will have its own target and practice for recycling

Your mairie will have a list of communal bins and drop off points for all waste matter. Be aware that there may be regional variations. Each region of France will have its own target and practice for recycling.

A regular trip to your local “déchetterie” or tip is always encouraged. There is normally no charge for dropping off your recyclables. They may ask for your locality to record who is dropping off what and where.

Recycling has become absolutely commonplace in France over the last ten years or so with most people doing their best to help.

It’s becoming more affordable to fit solar panels

Solar panels are becoming the norm

With much of France benefiting from strong sun in the warmer months and a series of grants on offer, it’s become increasingly popular to install solar panels on your hours in France over the past decade.

The panels will reduce your energy bills, and some companies offer to buy surplus energy from you and reduce your bill even further.

Most mairies are fully supportive of their residents’ desire to for renewable energy

All solar panel installation needs to be properly registered with your mairie and in most cases you need to submit an application for permission to do so. However, most mairies are fully supportive of their residents’ desire to for renewable energy, and they will encourage and aid any application as far as possible. Make sure you use a fully qualified installer who has a SIRET number and insurance.

Charge points are appearing all over France

Electric car charging reaching even rural areas

With a proposed ban on the production of new petrol and diesel vehicles coming up by 2035, France has pushed to make it far easier to charge electric cars.

Practically all autoroute service stations offer at least one electric car charging point. The government has also allocated €10 million to help rural service stations invest in electric chargers, covering up to 70% of the installation costs.

Most buyers of electric cars also buy domestic wall box chargers for their homes, too. It’s becoming more practical to own an electric car every year, no matter where you live in France.