As a firm believer in the zero waste movement, I know that every little bit counts. That's why I'm excited to share my tips and tricks for reducing waste in your everyday life. It all starts with conscious shopping - what you bring into your home matters and can be the difference between adding waste or eliminating it.
Here are my top tips for a waste free shopping experience.
1. Do your research. Find out what is available to you and utilize it. Do you have a bulk foods store in town? Is there a local farmer's market? Or maybe the grocery store down the street has a great bulk isle. Is there a butcher or bakery nearby where you can find food that isn't already in packaging.
2. Does it come in bulk? Before you reach for the same bag of raisins that you've been buying for the past 5 years, think "Does it come in bulk?" Can you eliminate the packaging? So many items are now available in bulk. The items I buy in bulk include: salt, spices (Italian and taco seasoning, turmeric, mustard powder), sugar, stevia, xylitol, pasta, tea & coffee, nuts & seeds, raisins & dates, cereal, bagels, baking soda, holiday candy, cornmeal, oatmeal, coconut shavings, chocolate chips, and probably a few others I can't remember.
3. Break old habits. I've never understood why people put their produce inside the small clear produce bags, just to be put into the shopping cart. I have always placed my produce directly into the cart. Carrots, apples, oranges, broccoli, beats, these items don't need to be put into their own bags just to go into the cart.
4. Be prepared. Plan ahead. Write a grocery list. Think about what is on the list and be prepared. Buying something in bulk? Don't forget your containers and always remember your cloth shopping bags!
5. Think outside the box. I actually switched grocery stores because I found one that allowed me to use my own reusable containers at the deli counter. That same grocery store also has a meat and seafood display where I can use those same containers. I buy hamburger patties from the meat display, use my own reusable containers to get them home and make burritos with the ground meat. Jus because it's shaped like a burger doesn't mean it has to BE a burger!
We also use a cloth bag for loaves of bread, buns and bagels from the bakery section.
Our grocery store even has a Chinese food section that allows us to use our own containers!
The cashier at our local slushie stop didn't even blink an eye when we arrived at the counter with our own mason jars and metal straws.
Forgot to bring your reusable bulk food bag and the bulk isle only has plastic? Don't forget the paper mushroom bags! I have used these bags for coffee beans and almonds!
Choose produce that got skipped in the sticker process. Easily done with bananas, I also seek out apples, kiwis, oranges, and tomatoes without stickers.
6. Think second first! Yes, you read that right. Before you head out to buy a new jacket or stereo, check out what the local thrift shops have! By buying second hand you are giving items a longer life before becoming waste. Also, it's usually A LOT cheaper.
With simple changes in our daily routines, we can positively impact the environment and create a more sustainable future. Follow me on my personal blog, Wild Heart Wanderer, where I share my tips and tricks to reduce waste in your everyday life. Focusing on conscious shopping and minimizing waste, we can leave a smaller footprint and make a more significant impact on the world.
Happy shopping!