Customers are more worried about their carbon footprint now than ever before. If you count yourself among the group that wants to be a part of the solution, here are seven ways you can be more sustainable when you head to the store.
Bring Bags From Home
This one’s pretty self-explanatory, but invest in a few canvas bags and shop with these instead of using single-use plastic. These are a major contributor to ocean pollution. Plus, many grocery stores (at least in some states) will charge you for using plastic bags. So you might as well save in the long run by buying a nice, durable grocery bag!
Shop Local and Seasonal When Possible
Who doesn’t love a good farmer’s market? Turns out the planet will thank you for shopping there, too! Shopping locally reduces your carbon footprint, since the food doesn’t need to travel nearly as much to get to your plate. Buying seasonal produce also means you’re purchasing fruits and veg that don’t require the same amount of resources they would out of season.
Buy From the Bulk Bin
Buying in bulk can significantly cut down on packaging waste, which is a major contributor to environmental issues. Many grocery stores offer bulk bins for grains, nuts, seeds, and even cleaning supplies. Bring your own containers or use the store’s reusable bags to fill up on what you need. Mason jars are excellent for bulk bin buying because you can easily see what’s in the jar when you place it in the pantry!
Look for Sustainable Brands
Purchase more products that put their money where their mouth is and invest in sustainable practices. Brands that prioritize sustainability will often use renewable resources or take measures to protect the land and ecosystem. They can also be more expensive, so weigh your priorities to avoid spending more than you can afford.
Eat Less Meat
The meat industry is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, and even deforestation. Going vegan or veg might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but you can still try out Meatless Mondays or just buy less meat in general. And while meat isn’t explicitly bad for you, eating less of it can still be good for your health. It also frees up some expenses to buy nicer, more humane cuts of meat that are free-range or grass-fed.
Plan Out Meals
Prevent food waste by planning out your meals. This ensures you’re only buying what you need. Take inventory of what you already have at home, and plan meals that use those ingredients.. It’ll help you save money and the planet!
Compost
Composting is easier than ever. And since every home cook will inevitably have food scraps, there’s no reason you can’t find a better use for them! Many cities even have composting programs you can take advantage of. There might be a barrier of entry here if you live in a place where this isn’t easy. But starting your own compost bin at home is easier than you think!
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From debunking culinary myths to rethinking kitchen practices, here are 20 facts that might make you rethink your approach to food and cooking.
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10 Grocery Store Foods Linked to Memory Loss
Medical research shows that your diet has the potential to affect your mental function and overall brain health. We often focus on foods that affect our internal health but rarely give attention to the impact food has on our brains. Our brain uses 20-30% of the calories we consume.
While you may have an idea of foods that promote brain health, you may be surprised to find out that some foods you’re consuming could be affecting your focus and memory.
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