Eco Friendly Tips While Grocery Shopping

Tips To Make Grocery Shopping More Eco Friendly 

Let’s start out with a big high five!  Cooking at home is already one of the most eco friendly choices we can make multiple times a day.  Most real food comes in the most minimal packaging, if any.  Learn more about the takeout packaging and eco alternatives here. 

Starting with the basics:  Bring your own bags 

Bringing your own bags is a great start and once you do it a few times it just becomes part of your routine.  Keep your produce bags, refillable jars, etc., inside your market bags for easy grab on the way out.  Keeping a bag in your car, backpack, purse, etc. for those times you forget to pack your eco shopper or impromptu grocery runs is also a great idea. 

Produce Bags: Eco swap the single use plastic produce bags

Most fruits and vegetables don't need extra packaging.  Before you bag something ask does it need a bag?  Skip the bag on the bananas, onions, avocados, etc.  Reusable cotton bags are easy to use for other fruits and leafy greens.  

Don’t stress it when it comes to extra germs getting on your produce due to the lack of plastic bags, always wash your produce in a vinegar solution and air dry before storing in your refrigerator. 

Reuse containers:  Glass jars & plastic containers

You can reuse your glass jars to shop in the bulk bins at the store.  Get the tare weight of your jar before filling it up.  Use old plastic containers for leftovers, organization, crafts and recycle at the end of final use.  

Buy Less: Make a List

When you go into the grocery store or market with a list buying only what you need is easier.  If you pair a grocery list with a brief meal plan, you will save food, money, and time.  We all feel guilty throwing out those old veggies that we forgot in the back of the fridge, but if you know you’re using cabbage for dinner Monday night, now Tuesday you can use the rest to make spring rolls.  Check what's in season and try to base your meals around them.  Try canning and fermenting the seasonal produce, like sauerkraut!