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Have you ever thought about just how much trash we generate every single day?
Since 2019, I’ve living a zero waste life, It’s kinda become my goal to shrink that footprint. One super simple way to cut down on waste is by buying in bulk.
Did you know that packaging makes up about 30% all the trash in America? That’s a lot!
Living in New Jersey, I’ve got some awesome local bulk stores nearby. In this post, I’m gonna share why buying in bulk matters for cutting waste and how it’s changed the way I shop.
In this Post
What’s Zero Waste Shopping?
Zero waste shopping is all about making less trash, especially the single-use plastics & packaging we see everywhere in grocery stores.
The idea? Buy only what you need, skip extra packaging, and use reusable containers. This way, you can often bring your own containers and buy just what you need—no plastic wrap or bags that end up in the bin!
In the U.S., it’s getting easier to find places that sell in bulk. Many stores now have sections or refill stations just for this.
The Benefits of Buying in Bulk
There are tons of reasons to shop this way! First off, it really cuts down on all that packaging waste.
Instead of grabbing individually wrapped stuff, you get food or products in bigger quantities—often without any packaging at all!
I’ve noticed I can cut out a bunch of plastic by buying grains, pasta, & even spices in bulk.
Another big plus? You make fewer trips to the store! When you grab more at once, you’re making fewer trips. That saves gas & cuts down on carbon emissions too!
Plus, it saves you money! Bulk items usually cost less since you’re not paying for all that packaging. Buying more means saving over time—especially on stuff like rice, oats, & beans.
And guess what? Less packaging means fewer trucks on the road transporting those individual things. It’s like a chain reaction that leads to big benefits for our environment.
Plus it conserves resources used to make that extra packaging too.
Top Things to Buy in Bulk for Less Waste
These are my favorite bulk buys that help me cut back on waste:
- Dry goods: Stuff like rice, beans, & pasta are must-haves in my kitchen!
- Spices & herbs: No more teeny plastic jars!
- Personal care products: Shampoo bars & bulk soap have changed my routine.
- Cleaning stuff: Now I get my laundry detergent & all-purpose cleaner in bulk.
Start with just a few items and then expand your bulk-buying habits little by little.
Also Read:-> Zero-Waste Grocery Shopping – Tips & Tricks
How to Start Buying in Bulk
If you’re just starting with bulk shopping, first grab some good containers. I bring reusable bags, glass jars, and a few stainless steel containers to the store.
Lots of stores let you weigh your container before filling it. This way, you’re only paying for what you take home—not the weight of your container!
When I started out, I felt nervous about how much to buy and if they’d accept my containers. But after trying a few times, it felt easy!
It’s all about figuring out what works best for you and the stuff you need. Start with essentials—things like rice or beans—and go from there.
Where to Find Bulk Shopping Stores
You gotta find a place nearby that sells things in bulk! In New Jersey, I’m lucky because there are several local co-ops and bulk sections at big stores like Whole Foods.
If you’re anywhere else in the U.S., check out natural food stores or farmer’s markets—they often have bulk options too!
There are also great online zero waste shops that offer bulk choices. While I love shopping locally, online can be a good option if there’s nothing near you.
Tips for a Successful Zero Waste Shopping
To make your zero waste shopping trips better, planning is super important! I always create a shopping list focused on bulk items so I don’t get distracted and buy things I don’t really need.
Bring your reusable bags & containers every time—that way you’re ready!
Also, watch out for buying only what you’ll use! One tricky part of bulk shopping is the urge to overbuy which can lead to wasted food—a big no-no when we’re trying to reduce waste.
Common Mistakes When Bulk Shopping
We all mess up sometimes when trying new things! One thing I did wrong at first was buying too much stuff. It’s easy to get excited seeing so many things available in bulk but if they’re not stored right?
They could go bad! Using airtight containers helps keep everything fresh.
Zero Waste Shopping on a Budget
Worried about costs? Don’t be! Bulk shopping is usually cheaper than buying packagged goods—honestly! Studies show that buying food this way can save between 5-50% compared to regular stuff.
Even if some zero waste items like reusable bags seem pricey at first, they pay off over time.
In short—buying in bulk is such an important step if you wanna reduce waste & live a more eco-friendly life!
Whether you’re shopping for food, toiletries, or household items, bulk shopping helps you cut down on unnecessary packaging, save money, and minimize your environmental impact.
Pick one or two items you buy regularly and see how easy it is to transition to bulk.
