I don’t want to assume that you’re doing it wrong, but we could all use some pointers. Especially while living through a pandemic, it has been challenging to live as waste free as we would like. With a little effort and preparation, we can successfully make low waste grocery shopping a thing again! So without further ado, here are my best low-waste shopping tips that help better the environment:
Avoid Plastic. Gosh, I can already feel that I’m coming on strong and judgmental to start with. Hear me out. Let me first say that it is entirely impossible to be 100% waste free. It’s just impossible. It is ideal, but just plain not possible. So with that said, I give you the reminder to avoid plastic the best you can. Look for the same item in a paper or glass container or see if you can purchase it in bulk. Many foods and personal care items can be purchased in bulk which brings me to the next tip…
Buy Local. Refilleries and bulk stores are popping up in cities everywhere! You can even find bulk shopping options at your local chain grocer. If you’re looking for other options that you may not be aware of, check out this website to help you locate zero waste grocery stores near you. Don’t forget to check out local farmer’s markets! You can purchase produce and more straight from the farmer/butcher/maker. Local breweries and coffee shops have options to purchase drinks in bulk as well. Thank outside of the box!
Bring Reusables. Now that we’re shopping bulk and avoiding plastic, we need a place to store all those goodies. Use this list as a guide and you’ll be well on your way: reusable grocery bags, reusable produce bags, reusable bulk bags, up cycled glass containers, mason/canning jars, etc. You can find a lot of brand new options on our website (*nudge nudge*) or just use what you have! I know this is an unnecessary reminder, but make sure to skip the produce bags, even if they’re “compostable” (they still take resources to manufacture, so it’s not necessary to utilize them if we don’t NEED to). So many grubby hands have touched all of the produce already, so you’ll have to wash the produce when you get home anyway.
Shop when you aren’t hungry. Wow. I feel like I need to take my own advice. Overall, you’ll shop a lot more consciously when you aren’t ravenous so just make sure you feed your body before you make your trip to purchase more nourishment. Adhering to your intentions and your grocery list (this should be tip #4.5) will be much easier that way. Note to self.
Zero Waste Kit. Store your reusables in your car or on your coat rack or wherever you can remember to grab it before you head out. I keep reusable grocery bags in a drawer in the garage so I can grab some on my way out the door. I have another reusable bag filled with mason jars and up cycled spice jars so I can grab that if I’m headed out to a refillery or bulk store. And always bring a shopping list. Your shopping list will act as good accountability to keep your blinders on while shopping to just get what you need and nothing more (helping the planet and your pocketbook. You’re welcome).
Do the best you can. If you don’t follow these tips to a T, you’re still doing awesome. If you forget your reusables, don’t kick yourself. If you make a shopping trip when you’re so hungry you could eat a horse, it’s ok. The point is, we aren’t perfect and will never be. Shopping consciously, or at least having the skills to do so, is what is important. You are living your life and you are trying to do the best you can with the circumstances you’ve been given, and that is a wonderful thing! You go, being! You can do this and you are doing this! You live your eco-conscious life in whatever way works best for you! I support you and I think you’re doing great!