Many of us recycle. We do our laundry on High Efficiency (HE) machines, and only when itÕs necessary. We buy our clothes and furniture secondhand when possible. WeÕre doing pretty well when it comes to living a sustainable lifestyle. But did you know that you could be having a huge positive impact in another way, too? Bulk shopping is one simple way to live a more sustainable lifestyle and reduce your carbon footprint. Here are two startling facts to consider from the Bulk Is Green organization:
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If coffee-drinking Americans purchased all of their coffee in bulk for one year, nearly 240 million pounds of foil packaging would be saved from entering a landfill.
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If Americans purchased all their almonds in bulk for one year, 72 million pounds of waste would be saved from a landfill.
These two statements alone make it painfully clear that consumers could make a tremendous, positive impact on the planet just by considering a switch to bulk purchases when possible and/or available. And while helping the environment is a great reason to go bulk, there are several other equally significant benefits from this decision.
SEE ALSO: 5 Foods You Should Always Buy in Bulk
1. No fillers or preservatives
For instance, if you shop at a health food store in Wilmington and go for bulk items such as grains, coffee, spices, sugar, herbs, and granola you get only food and no “mystery” ingredients or preservatives.
2. Packaging
Cutting down on packaging is good for the environment because it alleviates lots of plastics or metals from landfills, but it also cuts down on pricing. One organization says that around eight percent of almost any product’s cost is related strictly to the packaging. Buying in large or bulk bags or packages means cutting down or even cutting out the need for the production of packaging in the future. For instance, Tidal Creek Food Co-op allows you to bring your own packages, jars, or bags to transport your foods. At the Co-op, just have your reusable container weighed at a cashier first and then load up on all the great bulk foods you need.
3. Offsets prices
We should all go organic, and yet it can cost so much more to purchase things like organic grains or flours in pre-packaged containers. Shopping in bulk can usually offset the prices of going organic by saving you a great deal per pound and/or ounce.
4. It’s not just food
Stores with a bulk section often sell things other than just bulk foods. YouÕll find handmade soaps, cleaning products, pet foods, and other items in bulk that cost only a fraction of what the more traditional items would demandÉand they are often better, environmentally speaking. DonÕt see the item youÕre looking for in the bulk section? The store can usually special order it for you! Tidal Creek Co-op, for example, will make special orders such as this, all you have to do is ask – and Owners of the Co-op receive 10% off on special orders!
SEE ALSO: Why should I be an Owner of the Co-op?
5. Transportation Energy Conservation
Purchasing foods and products in bulk from local shops looking to give customers the many benefits of bulk shopping also means that you are helping to save the planet by reducing transportation issues.How? If it takes less energy to move something with a lighter weight, and bulk foods have zero packaging (or minimal packaging), it means that shippers are moving large amounts of food or merchandise with less energy. In other words, it is just better for the environment all-around!
6. DIY
If there could be one thing that is the ideal benefit of bulk shopping it would be that you are encourage to make a lot of healthy foods at home because of the raw ingredients. Your diet will be improved by the use of bulk ingredients, and your wallet will be much healthier, too.
There are so many ways that bulk shopping is superior to traditional grocery shopping. Come celebrate Bulk Week at the Co-op with us from April 20-26! Check out the bulk sales, specials, and learn more about the benefits of shopping in bulk!
Are you new to bulk shopping and cooking? Download Tidal Creek’s Ultimate Foods Bulk Cooking Guide for an intro on how to properly cook all your bulk foods.