Have you ever noticed just how much trash you can accumulate on something as simple as a grocery trip? Plastic bags, wrappers, packages, receipts… it can be a lot really fast. I shutter at the idea of perpetuating all of this waste in our environment so I set out to make some changes. Now that I have put these changes into practice for a few years, grocery shopping for me is so much more enjoyable because I am not filling up my pantry and trash bin with nearly as much waste. Here are 10 easy swaps you can make for your next grocery trip to be a little bit greener.
1. Swap the plastic grocery bags for reusable bags.
This is the simplest change you can make and it doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. I don’t have the beautiful bags you see in the image above but instead, I have a random assortment of bags I have picked up through work conferences, etc. And they work great! The key is to keep these where you always have them handy. I personally keep a set in my vehicle so that if I make a last minute grocery stop, I always have them.
2. Swap the plastic produce bags for reusable bags.
Plastic produce bags are the simplest change that have made my grocery trips much less wasteful. I bought these reusable options a few years ago and they are still going strong. Even if they get a little dirty over time, I throw them in the washer. The key with these is to keep these within your larger reusable bags in your vehicle, always ready to go. They even work great to just put directly into your refrigerator to store some of your produce. For that reason, I suggest getting two sets to have on hand.
3. Swap the pastas, grains, nuts and seeds in plastic containers for the bulk bin options.
You can bring your own cloth reusable bags for pastas, grains and snacks from the bulk bin, cutting out a lot of unnecessary packaging and waste. However, not every grocery store has bulk bin options (especially if you live in the boonies like myself – hello ranch life). In that case, I try to buy the bigger packages of these dry goods or I look for packaging that is mostly paper, not plastic.
4. Swap the pre-packaged produce for the free standing options.
Just buying and using reusable produce bags does not solve all of the problems when it comes to shopping for produce and trying to be more green. Certain produce is notorious for coming in a plastic bag or container. Lettuces, potatoes, onions, carrots, apples, celery… I could go on. Any time that I can, I try to opt for “free-standing” produce over a pre-packaged option, even if it means going with an alternative to what I was after. For example, it’s hard to find spinach that isn’t already in a plastic container, but I can buy kale and several other varieties of greens without the plastic so I am willing to swap.
5. Swap the Styrofoam or plastic egg carton for the paper/cardboard option.
I think it’s getting harder and harder to find egg options that are not packaged in Styrofoam or plastic, but if you can, choose the cardboard option. It can be composted, unlike the alternatives. Or get chickens like we did!
6. Swap the plastic juice and milk containers for cartons.
More and more recycling facilities are no longer taking plastic and ultimately, it’s not getting recycled and just takes up landfill (and ocean!) space. Opt for carton options where you can. These can be recycled and their plastic footprint is much smaller.
7. Swap plastic soda bottles for cans.
In our house, we mostly rely on water, milk, coffee and the adult cocktail to keep us going, but I know many of you probably have a love for some type of soda (or pop, depending on where you are from). In that case, try to opt for the metal cans and recycle them (as well as the cardboard box they come in) versus the plastic alternatives.
8. Swap the spice aisle for a refillable option.
About a year ago, I purchased some glass refillable spice jars, organized my pantry with them and started keeping them filled with delicious spices from The Spice House. The refills ship for free in a flat paper pack. So long spice aisle at the grocery store!
9. Swap the plastic water bottles for refillable bottles.
This is a big one. If you are still buying bulk packs of bottled water, consider buying reusable water bottles and ditching the plastic water bottles. We haven’t bought plastic water bottles in years and we have never missed them. Not once.
10. Swap the receipt for… well nothing!
If you can catch the cashier in time, opt out of a receipt or go digital! It’s as simple as, “No thanks!”
I hope you found this helpful and inspiring for your next grocery trip. What are some other swaps you can think of? Drop them in the comments below!
Happy “greener” trails,
Diana
Ranch n' Business 