5 Sustainable Grocery Shopping Tips

One of the core values of the Friendly Company is sustainability. We love to promote sustainability in friendships and sustainability in the world. 

In Canada, we know we are not alone in this practice of sustainability. Many of you believe in the importance of sustainability. 

8 in 10 Canadians value a sustainable lifestyle. 65% of them feel they have a moral obligation to use environmentally friendly products. 6 in 10 report climate change as the top concern.

Due to this desire to promote sustainability that seems commonplace these days, the Friendly Company is sharing 5 ways in which you can maintain this sustainability while grocery shopping. 

5 Ways to Shop Sustainably

Bring Reusable Shopping Bags

If possible, try to skip the single-use plastic shopping and produce bags while in the store.

However, this may not be practical if you have a lot of groceries or simply don't want to carry them in hand.

In that case, you can opt for reusable shopping bags and produce carriers to tote your goods.

If you can’t avoid using single-use plastic bags at the grocery store, many retailers have recycling programs for used plastic bags and will take yours back.

If possible, try to skip single-use plastic shopping and produce

Choose Fresh Food Bags While in the Store

Choosing fresh food is always a great choice when you’re trying to grocery shop, not only for health but for sustainability.

Fresh foods don't undergo the same production methods as processed items; they retain more of their nutrients and produce a smaller carbon footprint while also typically using little to no packaging!

Find the "Beauty" in the "Ugly" Produce

Retailers and consumers want their food products to look a certain way, but this desire for aesthetically pleasing food has led to a lot of food waste.

Outside appearance doesn't matter as much after the food is cut up and prepared.

If you're buying fruit you plan to eat the same day, try the ones that are already showing signs of ripeness so they don't end up thrown away.

Shop Local

Food from outside of your local area needs to be transported by boat, plane, or truck.

That means more greenhouse gas enters the atmosphere with each shipment, especially if the distance is extensive.

Some of the gases emitted included carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide.

Try checking out a local farmers' market near you!

Try Out New Storage Techniques

If you want to purchase bulk items but aren't sure you'll finish them before they expire, put a portion of them in your freezer or preserve them.

Try pickling, curing, drying, or canning food you haven't eaten, but want to save.