Plastic-free grocery shopping is a simple yet impactful way to reduce your environmental footprint while supporting sustainable practices.
With the rise of plastic waste in landfills and oceans, making the switch to eco-friendly alternatives at the grocery store has never been more important.
From reusable bags and containers to bulk buying and plastic-free produce, there are many easy swaps you can make to ensure a plastic-free shopping experience.
In this post, we’ll share practical tips to help you shop sustainably, reduce waste, and embrace a greener lifestyle, all while still enjoying your favorite foods. Let’s get started!
Here’s how to get low-waste groceries without a bulk store.
Aim for Low-Waste Packaging
The type of packaging your food comes in is the most important factor when it comes to getting low-waste groceries. But without a bulk store, it can be difficult to achieve.
Ideally, you want to aim for packaging made with wood/cardboard, metal, or glass because these three materials are easily recyclable.
If your groceries contain plastic, see if you can repurpose it. For example, there are some plastic items you can use for repurposed planters!
1. Buy Canned Food
Food in cans lasts a whole lot longer than perishables, helping reduce food waste. Cans are usually made with aluminum which is easily recyclable making it a guilt-free food option.
Just make sure you clean the can before adding it to your recycling bin.
Also, keep in mind that canned fruits and vegetables contain the same amount of nutrients, if not more, than fresh fruits and veggies.
2. Buy Frozen Fruit and Vegetables
Buying frozen fruits and vegetables is a smart choice for reducing food waste if you’re prone to wasting fresh food.
Frozen produce often comes with less packaging, especially if you buy in bulk or select brands that use minimal plastic.
Another benefit is that many frozen food bags are recyclable, and some can even be repurposed for storage or organizing items once you’ve used the contents. By reusing these bags, you further reduce waste and get more use out of the packaging.
Frozen fruits and vegetables also retain their nutrients, as they’re usually frozen at their peak ripeness. It’s a win-win for your health and the planet.
3. Buy Food That Comes in Glass Jars
Buying food in glass jars is a great way to reduce waste and find new uses for the jars once you’re done. Glass is sturdy, reusable, and easy to clean, so you can repurpose it for things like storing dry goods, organizing small items, or even making your own candles.
Choosing products in glass helps you avoid single-use plastic, which is a win for both your kitchen and the environment.
Always choose products that have a glass option, and get creative with all the ways you can reuse those jars once you’re finished with the contents!
4. Reuse Plastic Food Containers
A lot of food comes in plastic containers although not all plastic containers are the same.
The best low-waste option is sturdier plastic containers that can be reused for leftovers, repurposed, or recycled.
If you’re unsure, check the container to see if it indicates if it is recyclable or not but if you’re unsure about the different types of plastic and what the numbers mean, just feel the plastic and use your better judgment.
Plastic food containers are also great for starting seedlings in your garden. Just poke some holes through it to encourage drainage and you can reuse them year after year.
5. Buy Groceries in Bulk
When grocery shopping with no access to a bulk store, you can still technically buy in bulk. Buy the largest available size that the product comes in to help cut back on waste.
Although buying in bulk will cost you more upfront, you will still save money over the long run and reduce packaging waste.
TIP: Ensure that when you buy in bulk, you eat it in time or store it correctly so that it won’t go to waste.
6. Don’t Buy Groceries With Individual Packaging
Individually packaged food is a major contributor to waste and something you’ll want to avoid when transitioning to a low waste grocery routine.
While it can be challenging, especially since many snacks come with excess packaging, it’s entirely possible to make smarter choices with a little extra attention while shopping.
By staying mindful and looking for packaging free or minimally packaged alternatives, you can significantly reduce your environmental impact without sacrificing convenience.
7. Buy Packaging-Free Produce
This may be a hard thing to do but try not to buy produce wrapped in plastic.
That type of plastic is the flimsiest of them all and is not recyclable so when it ends up in a landfill, it can easily get blown away and end up in waterways, and then to the oceans.
Make a point not to buy plastic-wrapped fruits and vegetables, even if it means that you need to skip something you often eat.
Shopping at farmers’ markets can be a great way to get around this. There’s usually no packaging and no stickers.
Create Your Own Zero-Waste Groceries
The only way to truly achieve a 100% zero-waste food system is by being fully self-sufficient, growing your own fruits and vegetables, raising animals, and making your own products like cheese and butter.
Of course this level of self-sufficiency isn’t realistic for everyone due to factors like location, budget, or personal beliefs. But there are still plenty of achievable steps most people can take to create their own low waste groceries and reduce their reliance on packaged food.
8. Start Growing Your Own Produce
It may take some time and experience to become a great gardener, but it’s definitely attainable.
Growing vegetables and fruits in a garden is a realistic goal for almost anyone and one of the best ways to get zero-waste groceries.
That’s because you will have your own plastic-free grocery store in your backyard!
Don’t have a backyard? You can grow vegetables indoors too and you can have them all year round.
9. Plant Fruit Trees and Bushes
Same with growing produce in a garden, growing your own fruit bushes and trees is a great way to say goodbye to plastic packaging from grocery stores.
Trees and bushes are not as high-maintenance as a garden and can yield a lot of fruit. If you don’t have a backyard, here are some fruit trees you can grow indoors.
10. Cook Food From Scratch
Making your own food from scratch is one of the best ways to reduce packaging waste and control what goes into your meals.
By cooking your own bread, pasta, sauces, and snacks, you can avoid store bought versions that often come in plastic packaging. Not only is this approach better for the environment, but it also allows you to choose healthier, fresher ingredients without preservatives or additives.
Some easy tips to get started:
- Start with simple recipes like homemade granola, bread, or energy bars.
- Invest in basic kitchen tools like a blender, food processor, or mixing bowls to make prep easier.
- Use bulk ingredients such as flour, oats, and grains, which can be bought without packaging.
The benefits of making food from scratch include saving money, reducing plastic waste, and knowing exactly what’s in your meals. It’s often quicker and more rewarding than it might seem. Once you get into the rhythm, you will find it is easier than buying pre packaged items and can be tailored to your personal taste.
Zero-Waste Products to Bring to the Grocery Store
Zero waste products to bring to the grocery store are reusable items designed to help you shop sustainably and reduce waste.
These can include reusable bags for produce and bulk items, glass jars or containers for liquids or dry goods, and reusable produce bags to replace plastic ones.
By bringing your own containers and bags, you can avoid single-use plastics and make more eco-friendly choices while shopping.
It’s a simple yet effective way to reduce waste, save money, and support a more sustainable grocery routine.
11. Reusable Grocery Bags
Bringing your own grocery bags is one of the first things you should start doing when aiming for low-waste groceries. They are one of the best zero-waste alternatives you can switch to. They’re durable, convenient, help eliminate single-use plastic bags, and they also make handling groceries a lot easier.
Choose bags made from eco-friendly materials like cloth or jute, which can handle heavy loads and last for years.
Keep a few on hand in your car or by your door so you don’t forget them. It’s a simple way to reduce waste, save money, and make your grocery trips more sustainable.
12. Reusable Produce Bags
Reusable produce bags are an easy and effective way to shop for plastic-free groceries and embrace a low waste lifestyle.
Made from eco-friendly materials like cotton or mesh, these bags are perfect for carrying fruits, vegetables, and other loose items without relying on plastic. They’re lightweight and convenient, making them easy to carry in your reusable grocery bags.
By using reusable produce bags, you’ll not only reduce waste but also take a step toward a more sustainable shopping routine.
13. Bring a Cloth Bread Bag
Bringing your own bread bag is a simple way to reduce plastic waste. Use a reusable cloth or linen bag to store your bread instead of picking up a plastic one.
Many stores and bakeries allow customers to bring their own bags, so don’t hesitate to ask. For extra freshness, choose breathable fabric bags that keep your bread from getting soggy.
You can even repurpose an old pillowcase as a DIY bread bag! Its breathable fabric is perfect for keeping bread fresh, and it’s a great way to reuse something you already have.
You can also use reusable bags for other bakery items like rolls or pastries to further cut down on packaging waste.
14. Bring Your Own Container
Most grocery stores have deli sections where you can get pre-cut meats and cheese or pre-made sides such as pasta and potato salads.
Oftentimes, they will allow you to bring your own container so that they can simply put the food in it instead of using their own packaging.
Final Thoughts on Shopping Plastic-Free Groceries
When starting to cut back on the plastic waste you receive from grocery shopping, keep in mind that it’s better for you to make these changes gradually.
Don’t transition to all of these plastic-free packaging options at once. You might just get overwhelmed!
Instead, make these changes over time. For example, make a small change once a week and a big change once a month!
Want to make sure those groceries you’re purchasing aren’t going to waste? Check out my best tips for reducing food waste at home, perfect for people who struggle with eating food before it goes bad.
