For this 2017 edition, the Paris City Hall has seen things in a big way. The first change is that Parisians will be able to enjoy the event for almost two months, and in addition to offering the possibility of cooling off in supervised swimming pools, Paris Plages has been extended to numerous Parisian locations, from the Solférino bridge to the Pont Marie. Finally, to support Paris' bid for the 2024 Olympic Games, special sports activities will be organised in the city.
To mark the launch of this summer event, we have chosen to give you some tips on how to stay green at the beach:
Get a pocket ashtray:
Notice to smokers: Do not throw your cigarette butts in the sand or in the water! Do we need to remind you that a cigarette butt takes 12 years to degrade and pollutes more than 500 litres of water? Nicotine, ethylphenol, pesticide residues, heavy metals, ammonia... around 4000 toxic products are released into the environment when careless smokers throw away their cigarette butts. The solution: carry a pocket ashtray. Small, easy to carry and odourless, smokers have no excuse not to use these small containers that protect our planet.
Choosing an eco-friendly towel:
It's possible to be eco-friendly right down to your beach accessories! Instead of using conventional towels, why not opt for organic cotton? Another alternative is to choose from the various models made from bamboo fibre by the brand Le Comptoir du Bambou. In addition to being environmentally friendly, these towels are light, resistant and above all 3 times more absorbent than conventional towels. Using 5 times less water during its manufacture, bamboo fibre is the ecological material par excellence. In addition, Le Comptoir du Bambou is committed to the WWF for the preservation of the environment.
Use an organic sunscreen:
Sunscreen is one of the most serious causes of ocean pollution and loss of marine biodiversity. Every year, more than 4000 tons of sunscreen are deposited on the corals at the bottom of the oceans. Acting as if they were skin, the chemicals filter out UV rays and prevent the corals from growing. Moreover, the creams would also be dangerous for plankton. To avoid this major ecological disaster, we recommend using organic sunscreens, whose UV filters are made from minerals, not chemicals. This also reduces the risk of developing allergies.
Don't leave waste lying around:
Plastic cups, soda cans, packaging of all kinds... All this rubbish often left behind by holidaymakers is a major cause of pollution. If everyone picks up their litter, everyone can enjoy a clean and pleasant place to relax. Take a good look around you: most of the time, collection points are available for you!
Diving with respect for biodiversity:
Unfortunately, swimming in Paris does not allow you to observe marine biodiversity. But for those lucky enough to go on holiday, there are a few rules to follow to avoid damaging the oceans. Being a responsible diver means above all taking care not to damage the corals and the environment of the fish. In other words, it is forbidden to touch the underwater fauna and flora under penalty of disturbing these fragile ecosystems.
From 8 July to 3 September 2017, for the 15th consecutive year, Paris Plages is open for the summer. For all Parisians who want to enjoy a moment of rest in the sun, those who are looking forward to the holidays or simply people passing through the capital, this is an opportunity to bask in the sun in a friendly atmosphere. Numerous activities are offered for the pleasure of young and old: boxing, yoga, dance classes, water activities, petanque... and a big novelty this year: for the first time, 3 swimming points will be installed in the La Villette basin.
The Parc de la Villette, soon to be transformed into a holiday destination.