Going zero waste is a real challenge. But like any challenge, breaking it down into smaller, more targeted categories can help you make a habit of reducing your waste footprint. Here are 3 ways you can work toward going zero waste when you visit the grocery store:
BYOB – Bring Your Own Bag: It’s an oft-repeated mantra, but bringing your own shopping bags does cut down on plastic waste. As of 2008, plastic bags are the second most common type of ocean refuse (the first is cigarette butts). As many municipalities and even states are moving toward plastic bag bans, getting in the habit of bringing your reusable bags early and often is a good idea.
Buy in Bulk: Most health food and independent grocery stores have rows of bulk dry goods. You can find everything from staples to beans to nuts and dried fruits or even candies in these bulk dry goods bins. Check if your local grocer allows you to fill your containers when shopping. And, even when buying packaged foods, buying more at once reduces the amount of packaging waste involved in the shipping and retailing process.
Leave the Bottled Water on the Shelf: There’s almost no reason to use bottled water. Tap water goes through rigorous sanitation processes, and often is cleaner than bottled water. In fact, the city of Cleveland has notably cleaner water than the famous Fiji brand. If you’re still concerned about your water safety, invest in a water purifier for your home instead – compared to water bottles, they waste much less plastic packaging. And if you need water on the go, a handy reusable thermos or canteen is always a better choice.
These are all little steps, but all these little steps add up to a long journey once your turn these tips into habits, and then turn your habits into a zero waste lifestyle.
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