I reduce waste from the supermarket
To limit waste from the supermarket, it is ideal to gradually change your purchasing habits and avoid single-use packaging as much as possible.
For any purchase think about the 5Rs, “REFUSE” in particular: a plastic waste not produced will always be more beneficial!
By buying my fresh produce on the market, directly from the farms or from local producers, I can usually buy in bulk. I will bring my own containers (bags, egg boxes, jars,...).
- For bulk fruit and vegetables, I use reusable cloth bags. The biggest fruits and vegetables don't need any bag at all: I weigh my 3 courgettes together and stick the label on one of them or on my shopping list. I've never had a remark at the checkout!
- For meat, cheese, or fish, I choose to go the shop's butcher, cheese maker or fishmonger. By buying by the cut, I avoid plastic trays and packaging. Once again, why not bring your own containers?
- If bulk purchasing is not possible, buy dry products packed in paper or cardboard, and rather glass or metal cans than plastic trays.
Be cautious though, plastic is sometimes the most environmentally friendly solution. Glass, for example, is only interesting if it is reused. Indeed, it requires a lot of energy during the recycling process and, as it is heavier than plastic packaging, during the transportation of goods.
- The yogurts can be purchased in 500g pots or be homemade.
The same goes for compotes. For children, there are even reusable food pouches to fill from larger pots or homemade compote.
It is better to buy cookies in large packages rather than in portions. - By grating the cheese yourself (bought at the cheesemaker!), you avoid plastic bags.
- As a general principle, I am suspicious of batches: for a few francs less, we have a lot more plastic!
- By drinking tap water, I avoid buying plastic bottles. If I prefer to drink sparkling water, I can use a home carbonation machine
To transport my purchases, I use a shopping bag or reusable bags that I already have. Of course, I avoid plastic bags, but also paper bags if I don’t plan to use them again.
To support the same weight as a plastic bag, paper must be thicker and heavier, which increases its ecological footprint.
- I limit my purchases to supermarkets, I shop at my local markets.
- I ask my supermarket to install bulk product shelves as it exists in France.
- I inform my usual brands that I now prefer brands that minimize packaging and overwrapping.
- I put the 5Rs into practice by bringing my own lunch instead of buying it at the supermarket. I think about reusable cutlery instead of the typical plastic cutlery “offered” on site.
- If I have already put all this in place, I share my successes with my family, friends and colleagues. I encourage them to think about the amount of plastic in their daily lives as well.