Reducing Plastic While Shopping

Yesterday, I discussed some of the ways that you can reduce your plastic consumption while out and about.

Now I want to tackle a more complicated question: how do you reduce plastic while shopping?

Let's start with food first. The first big way to reduce your plastic: bring your own bags! I know, I know, you've probably heard this time and time again. But bringing your own bags is definitely a first good start to reducing plastic consumption.

Don't stop with bringing your own grocery bags: bring your own produce bags as well! You can easily buy cloth produce bags, or you can do what I used to: use old bread bags as produce bags.

Buy your produce at farmers markets. Not only will the food likely be more fresh, and grown by a small local farmer, but you'll be able to eliminate a lot of plastic if you bring your own grocery and produce bags. For things like strawberries, which come in plastic baskets, see if the farmer will take the plastic baskets back next time you come. Most of them are happy to reuse the baskets and save a little money.

For things like rice, spices, lentils and oil, see if there is a bulk store near you where you can bring your own sacks and bottles and fill up. As an added bonus, bulk goods are often cheaper than packaged goods since there was no added expense for packaging.

Similarly, some bulk stores will refill your soap containers and cleaning supplies. Some even offer recycled toilet paper by the roll, so you don't end up with the plastic packaging.

That covers a lot of disposable goods, but what about things like CDs or DVDs or a wireless router or headphones. Electronics often come wrapped in a lot of unnecessary plastic. There's not a lot of advice I can offer on this, except: if you're getting your electronic gadget shipped to you, request that the sender limit the packaging. The other advice I can offer: try and find whatever it is you need used. Used electronics aren't too hard to come by, and while you need to be careful, the ones I've bought have always been fairly solid quality. My last two cell phones have both been used: one I bought off eBay and the next I was given by a friend who upgraded his phone. The phone I got off eBay lasted me a year and a half, and the phone my friend gave me is still going fine nine months later. Considering my new phones only ever lasted two years before they wore out, I think my used phones are doing pretty well!

And of course, the number one way to reduce your plastic consumption while shopping? Just buy less!