Zero-waste friendly supermarket shop? It is possible!

​​​Let's be honest: it has happened to even the most advanced zero wasters to have to shop at a supermarket at some point or another.
Whatever the reason: busy week, finished too late for the organic or farm store opening times, away during the weekly farmers market, emergency shop..
If this is you, whether just once in a while or more often, firstly take a deep breath and forgive yourself. These things happen!
Then you can consider making your shop the more zero waste friendly as possible following some simple steps, and if you have more I would love to hear them

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1) packaging: try to reduce the amount of plastic you consume might be harder in the supermarket, but try buy loose produces and don’t bag them unless absolutely necessary ( like if it is something really small...) and even then try bag multiple together if you can weigh them yourself and print the labels. Choose glass jars (reusable) instead of plastic and choose recyclable cardboard cartons of milk/yoghurt instead of the more plasticky alternatives (it is often written on the side how to recycle - not all cartons are made equal!)

2) origin: as always, try shop local as much as you can. Buy in season, read the labels!

3) no waste to help cut on waste most supermarkets nowadays have a reduced section. This not only should save you some hard earn cash, but will also prevent food from going to the bins and being wasted! So at least you can feel a little positive about whatever it is you are getting...

4) make sure to bring a reusable bag to put your shopping in. Here is a great list with the pros and cons of all types of reusable grocery bags to help you with the best decisions! 


And if you are looking for more advice.. this post by 'an eco and thrifty lifestyle' has some more.. so go ahead and do a guilt-free shop!