Excess packaging is everywhere, and it has a hug impact. Just for one day, keep track of the amount of packaging you generate. Weekends are probably worse than weekdays. If you can fill a box in a couple of days of regular living, with all of your packaging, I wouldn’t be surprised. Reducing that packaging takes a little forethought, but it isn’t as hard to do as it might first seem to be.
1. Go for non-processed. Non-processed foods generally have little to no packaging. Think about produce, for example. Stay away from “bagged apples” for example and bring your own bag.
2. Go for the perimeter of the store. Most of the basic foods are located in out of the way places around the edge of the store. In general, you’ll find the least amount of packaging here.
3. Look for packaging that can be recycled. If you have to choose, a box or paper bag is often better than a plastic bag. Thinner bags are better than thicker bags. Flour that comes in a paper sack is better than the kind that comes in a box.
4. Buy in bulk, Processed items, such as cereal, rice, pasta and nuts will have less packaging per product when they are bought in bulk. You’ll also save some money, too! The type of product you choose can also reduce your packaging. Pick concentrated versions of items, such as laundry detergent. Dry good, such as beans, have less of an impact than wet goods (where water takes up volume and weight).
5. Buy used. Before you go out and get something new, see if it is available as a used product. In general, the packaging has already been consumed, so you won’t be adding to the problem by purchasing something new with additional new packaging.
You can read more blog posts by Mary Ann Romans here!
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