These little practices will make a big difference in your environmental impact. Try them out during your next grocery store excursion!
Eat Less Meat
Buying less meat reduces your carbon footprint and it can even make you healthier!
According to this article in the Scientific Journal, if every American reduced their meat consumption by a quarter, we would save 82 million metric tons of CO2 emissions in just one year. Another benefit of throwing less meat in the cart is a lower grocery bill! Meat is one of the most expensive items, so eating less will help your bottom line. For example, the average cost of a pound of ground beef is 3.80$ while a pound of broccoli is 1.80$. Substitute meat for plant-based proteins like peas, rice, beans, and other vegetables.
Purchase less Packaging
Is your kitchen trash can filled with old containers? Empty jars of milk, plastic wrapping on vegetables, and styrofoam containers for meat? Try one of these convenient, packable vegetable and bulk food bags instead of the plastic ones at the store.
If that isn't possible (because of Covid), buy vegetables that aren’t prepackaged to save on the extra plastic emissions.
Buy local milk in glass containers if possible. If not, use the old carton for DIY projects like THESE or make sure you buy milk in a recyclable container.
Does your town/city have a butcher? Is there a deli counter at your grocery store? If so, ask for a fresh cut at the counter and ask for paper wrapping.
Support Green Products
In need of a new laundry detergent, household cleanser, or toilet paper? Look for items with compostable or recyclable packaging.
Find cleansers that are made from botanicals, like these cleaners from Blueland.
Choose toilet paper made from renewable tree farms like this product from Emerald.
Say No to Chemicals
Make sure to eliminate silicone, parabens, or sulfates from your stock of shampoos, conditioners, and body washes. If any of your face washes or body washes have microplastic balls in them, throw them out as these small balls make their way to the ocean, harming sea life. Always check to see if the packaging is recyclable, reusable, or compostable. This will lower your footprint and improve your hair, face, and skin condition.
A great rule of thumb for both cleaning products and food products is this - If you can’t pronounce more than 2 of the ingredients, don’t buy it.
Buy Organic
Support local farms and visit a farmer’s market if possible. Buy organic veggies that are locally grown.
You will probably be surprised how affordable locally grown produce really is!
If you are shopping in a conventional grocery store, look for organic labels.
These tips will get you started on an environmentally friendly journey to the grocery store. Happy shopping!