Day 13 of the Zero Waste Challenge focuses on eco-friendly grocery shopping. Reducing food waste is an issue I addressed in a previous blog, but Kathryn offers more advice. There’s the obvious suggestions like bringing your own grocery bags and buying items in bulk when possible, but there are other things you can do to make your grocery trip greener. Here are some of the suggestions:
- Bring your own produce bags in addition to grocery totes. These can be used for fruits and vegetables and reduces plastic waste.
- Shop from the local farmer’s market. This reduces transportation costs because it’s grown and sold locally.
- Shop at stores that offer bulk bins and bring your own containers. I know of one grocery store in my area that has bulk bins, but I’m sure there’s more.
- Avoid grocery items that have unnecessary packaging. If it does come in a plastic container, try to recycle or reuse that container.
- Avoid frozen and processed foods that are not only unhealthy, but are generally produced in an environmentally-harmful method.
- Shop often and buy little. I’m striving to go grocery shopping weekly instead of monthly and buying less at a time. This way I can make sure nothing gets wasted or goes bad before it’s eaten.
- Opt for a primarily plant-based diet. If you must buy meat or dairy products, consider the alternatives like oat milk or vegan meat options.
These are just a few suggestions to make your grocery shopping trip healthier, greener, and better for your local community!