Today, ecology has its place. Many places offer bulk products . Is your trash overflowing with plastic bags when you return from shopping? Do you want to make your purchases without packaging ? As a zero waste enthusiast , it is essential to turn away from large brands. So, how can you do your zero waste shopping ? Here are my 4 tips.
1- Where can I get my products in retail without packaging?
First, identify places where you can buy bulk goods. This is a great way to discover different places and new items near you:
- Organic stores : Find organic or at least eco-friendly products. Find your food products as well as your cosmetics.
- The market : If you're a zero-waste enthusiast, do your shopping at the covered market, for example. Buy seasonal produce. The vegetables and fruits are fresh and generally organic. Talk to local producers. Be curious and ask questions about the origin of the produce.
- AMAP : an Association for the Maintenance of Peasant Agriculture. This is a partnership between consumers and farmers. Pick up your basket of seasonal farm produce.
- The supermarket's cut-to-order aisles : nothing's more eco-friendly than buying your items by the cut. Avoid all plastic packaging. Take only the essentials, and only the amount you need.
- Local producers : In the countryside, think of your neighboring farmer. Fill your glass bottle with milk. Collect good farm eggs. In the city? Find out about milk stations. There are more and more of them.
- Picking apples : Orchards open their doors in the fall for beautiful apples and kiwis. There are also giant vegetable gardens where you can help yourself. A pleasant time to spend with the family.
2- How to do zero waste shopping without packaging?
Before you even start shopping, it's essential to equip yourself. Otherwise, you'll soon find yourself holding a plastic bag. Here's a list of items you should have in your fabric or wicker bag:
- A reusable baguette bag : essential for your daily bakery trip. With this 100% cotton bag, you'll never bring paper home again. Or even tape!
- A reusable bread bag : slightly larger than a baguette bag, so you won't create any more waste. Wider and shorter, it can be used for anything else.
- A tote bag or a wicker basket: forget those plastic bags that are popping up at arm's length.
- Glass bottles: for oil, vinegar or any other liquid product.
- Bulk bags : cotton pouches for your retail purchases, but also for cosmetics. They can also help you wrap your gifts.
- Storage bags and pouches : perfect for all your small purchases.
- An egg carton: always keep one available.
📌 Don't get sidetracked. Get straight to the point with your To Do List .
3- What containers should you use to store your supplies?
Back home, it's time to tidy up. Have you managed to banish disposable and single-use containers? If you've managed to avoid using plastic bags, keep doing so. Take out all your hard containers and fabric bags:
- Freezer bags : perfect for storing your food in the freezer. They're washable and made of waterproof fabric. They'll quickly become indispensable for reducing the use of traditional bags.
- Airtight glass containers: to store your spices, teas, coffees, pasta of all kinds.
- Stretch lids : to protect your food. Made of fabric, they're machine washable. Forget aluminum!
- Glass jars: nothing could be simpler than putting rice and all kinds of seeds in them. So, get your homemade jam jars.
- A bowl cover and bee wrap kit : eco-friendly packaging for storing your supplies. So, ditch the cling film!
📌 To prevent waste, remember to plan your menus .
4 - How to go further in the zero waste approach?
Do you want to save money? Do the minimum to get the maximum pleasure:
- work your vegetable garden: to eat healthily and avoid waste;
- make your preserves: to preserve the taste and flavors;
- make your own cosmetic and cleaning products: to be creative with the help of tutorials;
- knead your bread or pizza dough: to satisfy yourself and share.
Shop in the countryside: plastic packaging doesn't grow there! Take a walk in search of what nature has to offer:
- Chestnuts: well roasted over a wood fire or boiled with a fig leaf.
- Blackberries: Put on your gloves to protect yourself from brambles. Now's the time to make homemade jellies or jams.
- Elderberry: Wait until the end of summer. The berries are eaten cooked in the form of marmalade, fruit paste, etc.
- Walnuts and hazelnuts: Eat them regularly. Enjoy them, they're free and grow abundantly in forests or along paths.
- Medlars: at the beginning of winter, use in compote, jam or even raw.
- Wild strawberries: they may be small, but they are full of flavor and natural.
- Wild blueberries: another great way to find this vitamin-packed fruit.
- Mushrooms: a lovely walk in perspective for a seasonal omelet.
📌 Introduce your loved ones to the eco-responsible approach! Don't hesitate to order a gift card .
Here's how to do zero-waste shopping without plastic packaging. Meat, fish, oilseeds—there are so many products to buy in bulk. Forget packaging. Go out organized and equipped with all the necessary tools for your bulk purchases. Do this minimum; it's good for the planet.
0 comments