Zero waste is no longer just a blogger’s lifestyle: it’s a widespread practice. At Still Good, we believe that there can never be too much information on reducing waste through bulk buying. Here’s our little summary on the subject.
1. A variety to explore
When we think of buying in bulk, we imagine Mason jars filled with food. That’s what’s most common! However, food products are not the only bulk option.
The 1001 possibilities of bulk
- Food: nut butters, fruits, granolas, legumes, spices, tofu, etc.
- Beverages: tea, coffee, hot chocolate, kombucha, etc.
- Body products: creams, toothpaste, deodorant, nail polish remover, etc.
- Household products: cleaners (bathroom, windows, etc.), laundry detergent, etc.
2. The big advantages of bulk
There are tons of advantages to buying in bulk! First, we protect the environment. Bulk gives a second life to our yogurt containers, our resealable bags of frozen fruit, etc. No need for store-bought glass jars… we can avoid packaging without spending a cent.
Second, we reduce our waste. We make our grocery list, we choose the container or bag size according to the ingredient and we don’t end up, months later, with rancid nuts or whole wheat flour to throw in the trash.
Then, we are more easily tempted by new products. Indeed, we might not buy 300 g of textured vegetable protein or a bottle of camelina oil without knowing if we like it. Bulk encourages exploration in the kitchen!
Finally, bulk products are often part of an overall responsible consumption approach. So, choosing bulk allows us to favor both zero waste and local and organic foods.
3. Tips for buying in bulk
Buying in bulk can seem difficult when you don’t know what you’re doing. At Still Good, we know that sharing tips is the key to a sustainable bulk approach.
Our 5 tips
- Consider the bulk options of supermarket chains
- Talk to your butcher, cheesemaker, etc.: many accept reusable containers
- Prévoyez le poids des contenants et des produits à transporter
- Plan for the weight of the containers and products to be transported
- Carry a cloth to wipe your jars if necessary
4. An abundance of shops
There are a lot of zero-waste grocery stores in Québec, especially in the metropolis. Finding your favorite place isn’t hard: you just have to try a few.
Where to find Still Good in bulk
When you shop online, you can still choose a company that favors local, responsible products that are packaged with respect for the environment. Think about Fermes Lufa and Marché SecondLife.
Go ahead, gather your containers and explore your neighborhood in search of the bulk that inspires you in the kitchen.
Sources
DOLAN, Caroline. « Guide débutant pour faire son épicerie en vrac », Jour de la Terre.ca Célébrons la Terre par l’action! [En ligne], 23 mars 2021. [https://jourdelaterre.org/qc/blog/2021/03/23/guide-debutant-pour-faire-son-epicerie-en-vrac/].
SIRY, Florence-Léa. Chic Frigo Sans Fric. Zéro gaspillage alimentaire , [En ligne], 2018. [https://chicfrigosansfric.com].
