LILLE | Rising energy costs in France have forced thousands of families to live more frugally, even pushing some to reduce the time spent in the shower.
Sandrine Dumoulin and Bernadette Ouvry have been participating in the DÉCLICS challenge in Lille for several years now.
Even before the energy crisis, they wanted to reduce their gas and electricity bills. “The shower is three minutes. We have an hourglass,” laughs Sandrine, who lives in a small four-room apartment with her daughter and sometimes her son-in-law.
“I saw it on my water bill. Before, I gave 29 euros and now I give six euros and dust,” she congratulates herself.
The family has also reduced their number of loads of laundry and is washing dishes by hand. Electricity also costs less when this washing is carried out during “off-peak” hours, i.e. outside peak hours.
Sandrine, a resident of Lille, France, lives a frugal lifestyle and takes three-minute showers.
Photo Nicolas Lachance
Not Versailles!
In Sandrine’s apartment, there are no lights on. When her daughter leaves a room without turning off the light, she reminds her that she is not Marie Antoinette. “We are not Versailles here! It’s on there and it’s on there!”
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In winter, Sandrine and Bernadette keep the temperature in their homes below 19 degrees. “We are used to this temperature,” says Bernadette.
Sandrine (left) and Bernadette (right) take part in challenges to reduce their energy consumption.
Photo Nicolas Lachance
“We were a little cold this winter,” argues Sandrine.
They wear wool sweaters around the house and leave blankets lying around. Before bed, they unplug certain machines, such as the television and wifi. Thus, they managed to significantly reduce the electricity bill.
“It’s already 8% savings on the bill!”, points out Sandrine.
The savings are very real, but the increase in taxes affecting energy by 8.9% in France since February could harm efforts, they point out.
In France, there are several electricity suppliers, unlike in Quebec. It’s a competitive market. Citizens can negotiate rates as with an insurance company.
Do your part
They also make compost to save money. “Me, frankly, I made a lot of savings in trash with compost […] I pack a bag about every month and a half,” she pleads.
Her friend Bernadette believes that the entire population should do their part.
“It’s up to people to be a little more responsible. It’s about saying: we’re doing good for the planet,” says Bernadette.
“What’s a shame is that we make a lot of gestures, but there are some who do little,” she points out.
“These are small things that families can do,” says Alice Louis of the Regional House of Environment and Solidarity, involved in the DÉCLIC challenge. “The challenge is to seek out families who are not at all aware.”