9 Ways to Ditch Plastic at the Grocery Store

“If you want the environment to last, leave plastics in the past!” - Healthy Earth Book

In the season of lots of grocery shopping, we encourage you to pay extra attention to the packaging of the products you choose to buy and eat. It’s important to consider the packaging when buying food because that’s what will be thrown away later.

We transport our sustainable fish in reusable, waterproof, corrugated, foldable cardboard boxes that solve all of the eco-problems once caused by styrofoam (this not-so-great material takes up a lot of space during transportation and is non-recyclable).

That's why we want to share with you several ways to keep an eye on how your food is packed, wrapped, and sold. What's more, parents can invite children to assist in this important task, which will help to lower the trash we create.

Here are some things to consider when grocery shopping and other easy eco-swaps that you can adopt:

  1. Invite children to go grocery shopping with you and make it their own personal mission to avoid picking up fruit and veggies wrapped in plastics. Inspire them to act as packaging experts who keep their eyes peeled for unnecessary plastics, wrappings, and containers. And the truth is that most fruit and veggies don’t need plastic packaging! They have their own skin that just needs to be well washed with cool water before eating or cooking them. For those that do need packaging, you can start the habit of bringing your own mesh produce bags and containers.

  2. Always bring reusable bags.

  3. Choose eggs in cartons rather than plastic containers.

  4. Buy milk in a carton or glass bottle rather than a plastic bottle.

  5. Buy chunks of cheese rather than pre-grated or pre-sliced, which come in a lot of plastic packaging.

  6. Pick up butter in cardboard and foil, not the ones in plastic containers.

  7. Choose ice-cream in carton containers instead of the ones in plastics.

  8. Choose food in cans or jars because metal and glass can be recycled.

  9. Try shopping at farmers’ markets or zero-waste stores.

If you’re new to zero waste stores, get to know them! These shops encourage you to bring your own container and fill it up with foods like beans or nuts, for example, instead of buying them in cans or in plastic packages from the regular supermarket. Oftentimes, they offer detergents, soaps, and shampoos and other personal care items you might use.

How are you trying to lower your waste while shopping? Share with us on Instagram and tag us at @KvaroyKids!