Because low-waste living starts with your shopping list.
Let’s be real, most of us still rely on the supermarket. It's convenient, fast, and often the only shop around. But even in a plastic and packaging-filled supermarket aisle, there are tiny decisions you can take to reduce your footprint.
How to shop greener, smarter, and more mindfully, without needing to go completely zero-waste.
1. Plan your shop (just enough)
Check what you already have at home before you go out, and make a list. This avoids impulse buying, duplicates, and food waste.
Bonus tip: Eat before you shop. Hunger = overbuying.
2. Choose loose produce
Skip the shrink-wrapped cucumbers and pre-packed apples when possible. Buying fruits and veggies loose:
- Cuts down on unnecessary plastic
- Allows you to buy only what you need
- Keeps your food fresher longer (less condensation = less spoilage)
Bring your own produce bags or just use none at all.
3. Buy in bulk when you can
If your supermarket has a bulk section, it’s a goldmine for low-waste living:
- Bring your own containers or reusable bags
- Buy only the amount you need (less waste, less cost)
- Avoid single-use packaging altogether
Great for: grains, nuts, dried fruit, spices, tea, coffee, and snacks.
4. Check the packaging
Not all packaging is equal. Choose:
- Glass over plastic (it’s reusable + recyclable)
- Paper/cardboard over mixed materials
- Refillables or returnables when available
Avoid items that are individually wrapped, double packaged, or just full of unnecessary extras.
5. Support local & seasonal products
Where possible, choose produce that’s grown locally and in season. It’s:
- Fresher
- Lower in carbon footprint
- Often supports smaller, more sustainable farms
Look for farmer’s market brands, local eggs, and regional veggies.
6. Skip the extras
Free plastic bags, takeaway utensils, promotional packaging, it adds up fast. Bring your own:
- Bags
- Jars or containers
- Tupperware for deli counter items (if allowed)
And don’t forget to say “no thanks” when someone offers that extra plastic fork.
💛 Final thought:
You don’t have to change everything to shop more sustainably, just start with what you can.
Every time you make a more mindful choice at the supermarket, you vote for less waste, better systems, and a healthier planet.
You’re doing better than you think. Keep going.