The Ultimate Zero Waste Grocery Guide - Everything You Need To Know

You don’t have to head to a Co-Op or a refill store to buy more sustainably. I know sometimes zero waste stores can be over budget, too far away, or just unrealistic for some, but that doesn’t mean you can’t shop sustainably. But wait, what is ‘zero waste’ anyways? It’s a lifestyle that embraces minimalism, rejects disposable items, and challenges the mainstream consumerism. It works to encourage people to come up with alternative reusable solutions to everyday life.

Shop Local

Choosing local made products helps reduce carbon emissions from having to transport products since they have a shorter trip to the grocery store. So go ahead and be the person who reads your products to see where they were made or grown. We love to find goodies that were made local (especially if a bigger company dominates the industry).

Read Labels

I know this sounds like a no brainer, but it is really important. By reading your labels, you can find if your foods are clean. You’d be surprised to find how many companies add extra ingredients because they can. If you don’t know what to look for (or what to not look for) @just.ingredients over on Instagram is one of my favorite accounts to follow. Karalynne is a certified nutritionist and shares products that are better for our health.

Paper over plastic

When you are thinking about purchasing a packaged item, opt for paper, glass, or metal over plastic whenever possible. According to National Geographic, only 9% of plastics can actually get recycled. So although it is ideal to reduce the amount of packaging we purchase before recycling, it is better to go with the recyclable option if that is our only option.

Reuse Containers

If you don’t already, I suggest buying or making reusable produce bags. Alternatively, you can just put them straight in your cart since you’ll most likely wash the produce when you get home anyway. But I like how produce bags can keep grocery shopping organized, especially when we are purchasing multiples. If your grocery store does have bulk bins, try bringing your own containers, just remember to tare the jar (or have an employee do it) before you fill it.

Buy the Biggest Container Possible

If you buy something frequently, try buying it in the biggest container possible. Not only is buying the largest container often a better financial value, but it will also use a little less packaging and less restocking. This can go for liquids like laundry detergents, hand soaps, vinegar, and dry foods like oats, rice, and nuts.

Shop Farmers Markets

Shopping at farmers markets is a sure way to support your local farms, many items don’t come wrapped in plastic, and it supports small businesses. I know farmers markets have become a luxury shop in some locations so prices can be higher, I encourage you to check and see if your farmers have their own stands. Shopping at a farm stand can be cheaper than shopping at grocers most times!

Make Your Own

If you’ve utilized all the other options and still need something different, try making it yourself. Crackers are a food item that always comes wrapped in plastic and is one of the easiest pantry items to make! Making homemade crackers have been a delicious switch for us (and honestly the main thing we use our sourdough starter for).

Bring Your Own Grocery Bags

By using several large tote bags, cardboard boxes, or sturdy bins with handles to take your food home, you can cut back immensely on plastic grocery bags. Plastic grocery bags seriously harm the environment in so many ways. They aren’t recyclable, the get into the soil and slowly release toxic chemicals, they pollute our oceans and waterways, animals often eat them resulting in choking and dying. However, I am not saying to buy a new reusable grocery bag if you forget yours. You can just put your items in the cart, take them to your car, and fill up the bags when you get home.

Shop at Stores That Support the Environment

I know it may seem like a lot of added work, but have you researched the companies you grocery shop from? Shopping at stores that actually support the environment will make it so much easier for you to buy for the environment. Stores that support policies to help the environment, cut back on packaging, support bulk foods, or allow reusable containers are all a good place to start. Sometimes you can find that smaller, privately owned, local companies will be more flexible than chain stores. Or, you can look for alternative food sources: CSA (community-supported agriculture), your own garden, farmers markets or stands, and community gardens.

ResourcesSearra LiggettApril 1, 2022Zero Waste, Sustainability, Green Living, Earth Day, GroceryComment