For the month of February I have committed to trying zero waste grocery shopping. To me, this means that I will use reusable items like cloth bags for produce and glass jars for use in the bulk section, while also buying items that are package free. So no boxes of crackers or packaged dates from Whole Foods (sad, but true). Within the first week of the challenge, I sat down and looked through my trashcan. Although this was definitely less than glamorous, I discovered trends in my purchases that have led me to my twice-a-week overflowing trash can. With these trends in mind, I can think about what kind of behavioral adjustments I need to make in my own life in order move towards more sustainable purchases. And this is my ultimate goal: to live a more sustainable lifestyle.
In my trashcan I had various plastic bags that contained fresh produce (carrots, celery, etc.), dirty swifter wet wipes and other cleaning supplies, a chewed up dog toy, a tortilla chip bag, produce stickers, and tissues. I thought to myself, “Can I be doing something differently to generate less trash?” And quickly I realized the answer was “yes!”.
Packaged vegetables– In most grocery stores I have found there is a section that contains fresh, unpackaged vegetables. Yes, you can find bagged lettuce and plastic-wrapped baby carrots, but just to your right ten feet are regular loose carrots (just as yummy!) and unpackaged mixed greens. Make this easy switch. Fill your cloth reusable produce bags with those loose unpackaged veggies and feel good that you are making a small behavioral adjustment that makes a huge difference.
Cleaning supplies– I am learning that a lot of people aiming for a sustainable lifestyle make their own cleaning supplies with simple ingredients like distilled white vinegar and essential oils. That’s great! There are many harsh chemicals in cleaning supplies and who wants those where they eat, sleep, and play? I hope to be making my own products soon and will definitely be posting about it once I try out some recipes and can give some accurate recommendations. For now, as I use my regular cleaner, I am going to tackle this idea of one-time use swifter wet wipes. I am embarrassed to admit that it has never crossed my mind to find a reusable option. You can make them yourself, or with a quick
Etsy search, I found a shop that creates reusable Swiffer pads in various colors and are machine washable. They are made in the USA and cost $6 each. These will be perfect.
Dog Toys – Instead of these inorganic dog toys that go into the landfill once Toby has eaten all the stuffing (then proceeds to leave it all over the house…), I found that my local Petco has a bulk snacks and treats bar. I can bring my own reusable bag, specifically set aside for Toby’s treats, and fill it with his favorite goodies. By looking to replace chew toys with organic bones and antlers I can avoid the trash associated with his previous toys. The best part is I can put antlers and bone pieces in my City of Minneapolis organics bin or in my own compost when they are too small for him to play with.
Produce stickers- Produce stickers are a hard one to tackle! Here in Minnesota, we have some wonderful farmers markets in the spring, summer, and fall, where I can get fresh fruit and veggies with no stickers. But in the dead of winter, when I purchase apples or squash from the grocery store, they come with a sticker. I suggest asking around your community to see if you can find a local artist or school that can re-use them for projects. If you come up with a good solution, please let me know!
I have more trash than what I have outlined in these paragraphs, but I’m not going to make you read a novel about my trash. The biggest take away from my experience here is that for almost every item in my trashcan there is a reusable alternative. I just have to find it.
I welcome your comments and question below.
See you in the bulk aisle!
What about meat/poultry/fish products? I’ve found I’m throwing out a lot of styrofoam containers and that paper to absorb the juices, that comes as part of the packaging. I guess I could try and get from a local butcher as the farmers markets are seasonal where I live.
Thanks for your comment, Darcy! Yes, I am learning that the best way to get meat/poultry/fish products is to go direct to the butcher/meat counter at your grocery store and have them put your items in your own container, or to get them at the farmers market.
We should go to a community Ed class on cleaning products! I learned to make my own laundry soap last summer through them.
That would be awesome! I am totally in.
Thanks for helping us to think twice about how much waste we are creating with all the packaging. It’d be great if Trader Joe’s had bulk aisles instead of all the individually packaged nuts, snacks, etc. Even the herbs are in clam shell packaging. This is inspire me to grow an herb garden. I’ll let you know how it goes!
As far as cleaning goes, Anton just gave me a bunch of old T-shirts for trash/donation, but I’m going to cut them up and use them as rags. Cotton cloths clean better anyway and saves trees!
I agree about Trader Joe’s – it would be great if they had bulk options. Next time you are in there you should mention your desire for a bulk section to a store manager or write it on a comment card. I have started to do that in stores so that they know bulk options are wanted by consumers. If enough people mention it, hopefully Trader Joe’s would offer it.
Love that you are cutting up old T-Shirts for rags, that’s a great idea!
Hi Amber,
You could also check out Norwex products (cleaning cloths, mop, etc.) that you only use water, no chemicals.
Thank you for the recommendation! I’ve heard good things about Norwex.