Today it’s time to dig out the list you made way back in Week 2.  If you’re just joining us hop on over to our Week 2 post to get details.

This was when you made a list of the single-use products you threw away.  How many of you made sure to include food packaging on this list?  Though it might not seem as obvious as a paper plate- food packaging is a single-use item that accounts for 50% or more of trash in the average American home since most food packaging can’t be recycled.

A lot of this packaging ends up in the oceans where it is injuring and killing marine life.  Or if it makes it safely to a landfill it’s  going to sit there and not break down for 10,000 years or more… ick!

What’s to be done to improve this?

Bulk Shopping

Most likely you’ve seen the bulk bins at your local grocery store.  Natural food stores pretty much always have them and many major grocery retailers are adding them as well.  The beauty of these bins is you can bring in your own containers and refill them with absolutely no packaging at all.  In fact there are a number of bulk-only stores (like my favorite- Simply Bulk in Longmont, Colorado) popping up around the nation too- how cool is that?  The other thing that makes buying in bulk great is you can get as much as you need so if you have kind of an obscure ingredient or spice you can just get a little bit (no more excuses to not buy that saffron for paella!).  Grains, spices, coffee, baking items, candy, olive oil, maple syrup, honey, cleaning products, soap, shampoo and even peanut butter are frequently found in the bulk section!

The Zero Waste Home has an App to help you find your closest bulk store- check it out here.

Bulk Shopping Tips

  • If you’re reusing an old glass jar and having a hard time getting the smell of the previous product out give it a rinse it with vodka or vinegar and rinse well with hot water
  • Reconsider what you “need” to have if it’s not available in your bulk bins- can you make it yourself or replace it with something from the bulk bin?
  • Have the store employee weigh your container before you fill them- then you’re not paying for the extra weight of your container.
  • Many stores have bulk meat and cheeses as well at the deli
  • Ask the bakery to give you bread unpackaged
  • Check out this great DIY Reusable Food Wrap from Mommypotamus for anything you’d store in plastic wrap
  • Save silica gel packets from shoes and purses and stick into the bottom of containers you’re concerned about moisture building up in (learn how to reactive them here if they’ve already absorbed moisture).  A baby sock filled with white rice will also work
  • Make sure to write the bin number on your containers so the cashier can ring you out properly
  • Ask local food manufactures or farmer’s market vendors if you can buy direct from them- many will allow you to bring in your own container to refill
  • While you’re at it- bring a reusable bag to get your produce in too
  • Many stores will give you a discount if you buy over a certain weight on bulk items.  They won’t usually advertise this so make sure to ask
  • Keep items in a clear container or label well so you don’t overlook or forget what you have.  Chalkboard or dry erase labels are great for this

Give bulk buying a shot this week!  It’s a great way to try out some new products, grab a couple extra treats and significantly reduce your waste!

What are you most excited about buying from the bulk bins? Let me know in the comments below or at blog@keeper.com.  I’d also love to see your bulk storage containers and will share pictures in a future post so email those along too 🙂

Enjoy taking the trash out less often!

~Olivia

Make sure to enter below for a free Keeper or Moon Cup of your choice!  We’ll pick the winner on March 31st and will do a new raffle every month of 2015

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Olivia lives in Boulder, Colorado with her husband and 4 year old son.  She enjoys spending time in the mountains, studying about essential oils, natural remedies and herbs, as well as upcycling/ DIY projects.  Olivia’s family made the move last year towards becoming a Zero Waste household.  They have gotten down to one bathroom sized trashcan a month of garbage but hope to be totally Zero Waste by the end of 2015.

 

Like this?  Check out the rest of our Waste Less and Be Green in 2015 series for more tips!

 

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