One of the best ways to make your home more environmentally friendly is by reexamining how you provide for your household. Our day to day lives can easily affect our impact on the environment. Although we believe we are doing all we can in the home, there are a few simple ways to live an even more eco-friendly lifestyle. A great place to start is the grocery store!
Bring Your Own Bags
Plastic is one of those most hazardous materials to the environment and one of the biggest contributors to waste. In an effort to cut back on your plastic waste, bring your own grocery bags to the store. Many grocery stores in London charge for single-use plastic bags and bringing your own reusable bags from home has already become a part of many people’s grocery routine. However, take it a step further by bringing a reusable produce bag. Many grocery stores still have plastic bags for bagging produce. By bringing your own reusable ones, you are cutting down on plastic.
Head to Farmer’s Markets
Instead of going to the grocery store, head to the farmer’s market for a more environmentally friendly alternative. Most farmer’s markets nowadays have much more than just fruits and vegetables. It’s a great place to buy bread, cheeses, sauces, spreads, preserves, and even more locally sourced foods and products. Whatsmore, you will also be supporting local vendors and farmers in the area. Shopping at a farmer’s market rather than a grocery store promotes sustainability, minimizes waste and pollution, and boosts the environment.
Read the Labels
The food products we buy have an impact on the environment. It’s imperative to pay close attention to what you are bringing into your home. Before putting something into your cart, be sure to read the label. Many products will have logos and certificates that will read “fair-trade, organic, safe catch, social association” and more that will help you know if it is good for the environment. Reading the label can help you avoid products that are damaging to the environment and reassure you that your home stays eco-friendly.
Buy In Bulk
Be sure to buy in bulk for the items that allow it. This not only benefits the environment but your wallet as well. Buying in bulk cuts down on plastic waste, especially if you bring your own reusable bags, and it saves you money in the long run. There are tons of bulk food stores in London where you can buy nuts, dried fruit, flour, beans, grains, coffee, tea, pasta, cleaning products, and more. Buying in bulk reduces plastic and packaging waste, minimizes transportation pollution, and saves both time and money.
Please also see my post on Refill! Zero Waste Lifestyle.