Zero Waste Lifestyle Tips: How To Minimize Waste When Grocery Shopping

Beginner-friendly zero-waste lifestyle tips to minimize plastic waste while grocery shopping including strategies for meal planning, using reusable containers, choosing package-free items, and repurposing leftovers.

Your journey to joining  the zero-waste movement can start right in the grocery aisle. Join us as we share budget-friendly ideas that will inspire you to rethink your relationship with food and the packaging it comes in. 

Planning Ahead: Pre-Shopping Strategies

As someone looking to embrace a zero-waste lifestyle, one area that can seem especially daunting is grocery shopping. How do we plan out meals, shop for only what we need, and prevent excess food from ending up in the trash? It may feel like a puzzle at first, but with some planning, the right reusable containers, and a little creativity you have all of the tools you need to minimize waste during your grocery trips.

Master The Meal Plan

Meal planning is one of the most valuable tools for maximizing the efficiency of your food usage, reducing waste, and keeping on top of a healthy diet. Meal planning isn’t only about organizing your meals; it's also about being mindful of how we use the food we have and buy so we can minimize food waste.

• Plan Around Portions: Understanding portion sizes is key. If a recipe serves four, it's perfect for two people across two meals. This approach not only helps in portion control but also in minimizing waste.
• Use the First In, First Out (FIFO) Method: Organize your pantry and fridge so that older items are used first. This method ensures that you're using ingredients before they go bad, reducing the chances of having to throw away spoiled food.
• Meal Plan from the Freezer: Begin your meal planning by checking what you already have in your freezer. Using frozen items like proteins or pre-prepared meals helps rotate your stock and prevents food from being forgotten and wasted.
• Embrace Fridge Clean-Out Meals: Get creative with leftovers or random items in your fridge. You can make soups, salads, rice bowls, or even mini pizzas. This practice not only reduces waste but also adds variety to your diet.
• Shop Your Pantry First: Before heading out to the store, see what you already have. This could inspire meals like a stir-fry using frozen shrimp or a quinoa salad using pantry staples. This habit saves money and reduces the likelihood of purchasing duplicate items.
• Write Down Your Meal Plan: Keeping a record of your meal plan, whether on an app, fridge calendar, or a sticky note, helps you stay organized. Remember, flexibility in your meal plan is important to accommodate any changes in your schedule or preferences.
• Create a Grocery List Based on Your Meal Plan: After planning your meals, make a list of necessary ingredients. This targeted approach prevents over-purchasing and food waste.

Do An Inventory & Audit Before Shopping

Before you hit the grocery store, set aside a few minutes to take stock of exactly what is already in your kitchen. Doing a thorough inventory and audit of the ingredients, snacks, and leftovers lurking in your fridge, freezer, and pantry is the ultimate anti-waste meal planning tool.

Oftentimes, we end up crossing off items from our grocery list as we go through our pantry and fridge and realize that we already have the items we thought we needed.

Spending just 15 minutes a week taking note of the items you have on hand is good practice. We often forget about the items hiding in the back of the fridge and pantry, and refreshing your memory on what you already have can spark ideas for new recipes to make in the coming weeks to use them up. Suddenly, that random can of chickpeas or bag of frozen spinach becomes the inspiration for a tasty curry or salad. 

Doing an inventory of your kitchen also helps prevent buying duplicate items, which leads to food waste down the line when the extras spoil.

With a master grocery list in hand that includes only the items you need to restock, you can zoom through the store, picking up only the essentials. No more wasting your time wandering through extra aisles.

Making this a consistent habit will be a revelation for your grocery shopping. By purchasing only what you know you’ll actively use in the coming week, you end up with less spoilage and more money in your pocket. Cha-ching!

Get Your Reusables Ready

Every year, Americans ditch a staggering 40 million tons of plastic, much of it in the form of those flimsy, single-use grocery bags. These bags haunt our landfills for centuries, taking decades to decompose in our landfills. But there's a simple solution that's both eco-friendly and wallet-friendly: ditch the plastic and embrace reusable bags and containers!

It’s no secret that durable, reusable totes and containers are the easiest way to reduce the amount of waste you accumulate when grocery shopping. 

But the real challenge? Consistently remembering to bring your reusable bags and containers with you on every shopping trip.

Here are some easy tricks and tips to make it more likely that your reusables make it with you every time you go to the store:

Stock Up on Containers for All Types of Foods

Often, we only think about taking reusable bags to the grocery store, but there are so many more options that we can bring to help us fight the waste war. Having the right tools for the job will make it more likely you continue to rely on your reusable containers instead of using the store provided plastic bags.

• Glass Jars: Perfect for bulk nuts, seeds, grains, and spices. Mason jars reign supreme with their airtight lids and durability.
• Cloth Produce Bags and Cotton Bread Bags: Ditch those flimsy plastic produce bags! They are impossible to open and rip and tear so easily. Reusable mesh produce bags will elevate your grocery game, turning the produce aisle into a farmers' market stroll.
• Silicone Bags: If you like to buy olives, marinated mushrooms, or similar condiments from the deli, silicone bags are a great option since they are portable and leakproof.
• Stainless Steel Containers: We’re loving reusable stainless steel tins and ultra-durable lunch boxes like ECOlunchbox. Stainless steel lunch boxes are ideal for deli meats, cheeses, and other prepared foods from the hot bar.

Fool Proof Reminders To Take Your Reusables With You

• Write It Down On Your Shopping List: Write "reusable bags and containers" at the top of your shopping list. How easy is that?!
• Create Visible Reminders: Place your bags and containers by the door, near your keys, or anywhere you'll see them before leaving.
• Car Stash: Keep an emergency set in your car. Even if you forget your first string at home, you’ll have a backup to save the day.
• Habit Linking: Pair grabbing your bags with another routine, like grabbing your grocery list. Repetition is key!
• Love Your Gear: Choose attractive and functional bags and containers. You'll be more likely to use them if you love them!

Bringing your own containers to the grocery store may feel a little awkward at first, but trust us, no one is really watching. And if they are, who cares?! Maybe you’ll inspire someone to start adopting a more zero-waste approach to their grocery shopping in the future.

Location, Location, Location

Want to take your low-waste grocery shopping to the next level? Researching retailers and bulk stores in your area that offer package-free bulk bins, locally-grown produce, and other sustainable options can help you on your mission to reduce plastic waste.

Many eco-conscious grocers go above and beyond in striving for sustainability across their supply chain and operations. These retailers welcome shoppers who are looking to minimize waste through reusable containers, recyclable packaging, food rescue partnerships, and more.

Researching stores ahead of time that offer bulk bins allows you to purchase precisely the amount of grains, nuts, spices, etc. that you need. Just don’t forget those reusable containers!

Buying from bulk bins cuts down on plastic packaging waste and prevents overbuying ingredients that may spoil before you can use them. It’s a budget-friendly approach, too, since you aren’t paying extra for all that product packaging.

Local farmers’ markets are a great place to find fresh, seasonal produce without plastic packaging. Choosing local minimizes your carbon footprint since you aren't relying on long-distance transportation and refrigeration, which contribute to harmful carbon emissions. Plus, you’ll get the added bonus of supporting your local community farmers.

Making a few initial inquiries to discover the small footprint shops in your area sends a valuable message. As demand for plastic-free, locally sourced groceries increases, more of these environmentally-minded stores are likely to open. Before you know it, low-waste options could be standard at a supermarket near you!

Battling Plastic at the Grocery Store: In-Store Shopping Strategies

Embrace the Bulk Bins

One of our favorite parts of shopping is perusing the rainbow-colored bounty of the bulk bins section. Filled with dry goods like beans, grains, nuts, seeds, dried fruits, granola, coffee, spices, and more, the bulk aisle offers an easy route to packaging-free, low-waste shopping. No extraneous cardboard boxes, plastic pouches, or metal tins destined for the recycling bin when their original contents run out!

Bulk shopping empowers you to purchase precisely the amount that you need. You won’t waste money on a huge bag of rice only to have a large portion of it go stale in your pantry. With a few handy reusable containers on hand, you can grab small or large volumes based on your meal plan for the week. It's such a freeing, waste-conscious approach to shopping!

When it comes to containers for filling up in the bulk section, we recommend having a variety of sizes - from half-pint jars for spices to larger glass jars and cloth bags for bigger volumes of grains and dried goods. Just avoid porous materials like wood or paper that can harbor bacteria.

Before filling your containers, be sure to check for any tears or cracks that could lead to spills or contamination when you transport your food home. Silicone bags are great when loading up on trickier loose items like nutritional yeast flakes or coffee grounds since they have a leak proof barrier to prevent accidental messes.

While navigating bulk bins does involve a small learning curve, the waste reduction payoff is so rewarding. A little trial and error is worth it! Before you know it, you’ll have the bulk aisle mastered.

Befriend the Butcher & Deli

Is there anything more cringe-inducing than the mound of icky, wet plastic packaging that comes from buying pre-packaged raw meat and sliced deli meats? Yuck!

Meat stored in shrink-wrapped plastic packaging, especially polystyrene, can sometimes release microplastics onto the surface of your food. Consuming these microplastics can be harmful to your health. By opting for options straight out of the meat case, you reduce the risk of ingesting these particles.

Luckily, more and more supermarkets now offer plastic-free alternatives at the butcher counter and deli section and will even accommodate your reusable containers. Large glass Tupperware containers are great for transporting meat cuts from the butcher counter.

When it comes to meat, individual steaks, bone-in chicken pieces, ground meat, and pork chops are all easy cuts that fit perfectly into containers brought from home.

At the deli counter, cheeses cut to order along with housemade salads and sides readily slide into your own sustainable vessels—no need for all that plastic takeout ware.

Don’t be shy to ask the butcher, fishmonger or helpful deli clerk to package your order in your home-brought gear. They are often more than willing to comply and may even tare containers to deduct the extra weight at checkout.

Examine Food Packaging Closely

Navigating the maze of food packaging at the grocery store can be downright frustrating. Just when you think you’ve found a winner with that cardboard container, you’ll notice its contents are sealed in a plastic bag inside. Fear not; there are still many tasty treats out there with minimal or even zero packaging once you know what to look for.

When you can, look for foods stored in packaging made from materials like paper, aluminum, glass, and bamboo. These disposable items are generally more environmentally friendly because they are recyclable, compostable, or biodegradable. Check for logos or labels like "Biodegradable," "Compostable," or "Made with Plant-Based Materials.”

Avoid bioplastics when possible. Bioplastics are increasingly used for food containers, straws, cups, and lids due to their improved potential for biodegradability and reduced reliance on petroleum-based materials. While bioplastics might seem like a good alternative to traditional plastics, most take a long time to break down in compost bins and landfills and can contaminate municipal recycling programs. 

You can’t beat loose fruits and veggies for the ultimate package-free snack. Going au natural with your produce prevents so much unnecessary plastic from entering the supply chain before it even reaches your kitchen.

But if you must buy pre-packaged foods, choose brands committed to sustainability and responsible packaging. Look for certifications like B Corp, FSC (Forest Stewardship Council), or USDA Organic, which often indicate responsible sourcing and packaging practices.

Also, try to support local brands since they often have smaller production runs and may use less packaging or offer refillable options.

Once you get home, store opened packages in reusable containers to prolong their shelf life.

Don't Forget the Odds & Ends

It's easy to overlook the little things like spices when wandering through the grocery store. All of those little plastic containers and metal tins are destined for the landfill after just a few uses. Often, if a store has bulk offerings, they’ll also offer commonly used spices in bulk as well. Everything from cinnamon sticks to saffron.

When you need to stock up on spices, don’t forget those smaller jars and tins. That way, you can purchase the perfect amount of each aromatic that you need. Small cotton muslin bags are also an easy way to store small amounts of spices. 

Next time you're shopping for fresh herbs, skip the plastic-wrapped bundles! Many stores sell fresh herbs loose, allowing you to buy just what you need. Small mesh bags or glass jars are great for taking your fresh herbs home.

If you’re buying bread, check at the bakery counter before buying sandwich bread wrapped in plastic wrap. Many bakeries offer bread loaves without plastic sleeves. Simply ask for it wrapped in paper or bring your own cloth bag.

Going Zero-Waste Beyond the Grocery Store (Post-Shopping Hacks)

Proper Food Storage

One of our favorite parts of embracing zero-waste grocery shopping is all the colorful grains, flours, and beans cheerfully overflowing our Mason jars at home. But without proper storage, your best zero-waste intentions can be lost if you don’t take the proper measures to keep your purchases from spoiling.

When it comes to extending shelf life for dry bulk goods, airtight glass jars are tried and true. Wide mouth quarter-pint jars for everyday spices and half-gallon jars for bulkier items like rice or oats. Be sure to label the contents and include the purchase date so you can stay on top of expiration dates.

For perishables like leafy greens, berries, and fresh herbs, we love storing these in reusable cotton mesh produce bags. These breathable sacks keep air circulating, preventing moisture from causing mold and sliminess. Sturdy Stasher silicone bags are also great for preserving unpackaged produce.

Storing your groceries with longevity in mind will help you waste far less. Of course, keeping your food storage areas consistently clean is non-negotiable for deterring pests as well.

Be sure to stash bulk flours and grains in the freezer for a few days when you first bring them home to kill any hitchhiking bugs and larvae. You can also try some natural deterrents like dried bay leaves, cedar wood chips, and peppermint oil to ward off pantry pests.

As long as you are mindful of it, it’s surprisingly simple to shop packaging-free and make those sustainable purchases last.

Maximizing Leftovers: Getting Creative in The Kitchen

One of our favorite zero-waste kitchen challenges is seeing how many ways we can use up our leftovers! With a splash of this or a sprinkle of that, boring leftovers are transformed into vibrant new dishes so you’ll never get bored.

The options to reinvent leftovers are endless! Here are some zero-waste recipes we’ve been loving lately:

• Zucchini Bread: A great way to use leftover zucchini, almond pulp (from making almond milk), and flaxseed.
• Casseroles and Pizzas: Combine leftover cooked proteins, veggies, and grains with a creamy sauce or soup base for a casserole, or use them as toppings for a homemade pizza.
• Quesadillas or Wraps: Use leftovers as fillings for quesadillas or wraps, adding cheese and cooking until crispy and gooey.
• Stuffed Peppers: Hollow out bell peppers and fill them with a mixture of leftovers and cheese, then bake until tender.
• Breakfast Hash: Mix leftover meats and veggies with diced potatoes and cook in a skillet, topping with a fried or poached egg.
• Stir-Fries and Potato Pancakes: Make a stir-fry with leftover proteins and vegetables, or turn leftover mashed potatoes into crispy potato pancakes.

Check out our post on 15 Zero-Waste Food Recipes- How To Use Up Leftovers In Creative Ways for more inspirational ideas. 

Consider Composting

Curious about composting those pesky food scraps but have limited outdoor space? No worries, you can easily divert waste from landfills right from your own kitchen counter with mini indoor composting setups tailored to small spaces.

Composting can seem a little daunting at first, but you can start small with a dedicated countertop corner to collect compost and empty it frequently. Before you know it, this simple habit will be second nature on your zero-waste journey!

Zero Waste Tips For Cleaning 

Transitioning to a zero-waste living often means finding natural replacements for other single use items in your household, including cleaning products. Commercial cleaners typically come packaged in single-use plastic bottles. Luckily, there are a lot of effective DIY zero-waste alternatives that can be easily whipped up using common pantry staples.

One of our favorite homemade solutions is this all-purpose citrus cleaner. All it takes is three simple ingredients - vinegar, water, and lemon juice. The acidity in the vinegar and lemon juice easily cuts through grease and grime. This versatile solution can be used to clean countertops, appliances, windows, bathrooms, and more.

Homemade All-Purpose Cleaner:

• Ingredients: 3 cups water, 2/3 cup white vinegar, 2 drops of dish soap, and optionally 4 drops of lavender essential oil.
• Instructions: Mix these ingredients well and pour them into a 28oz spray bottle using a funnel. This cleaner is versatile and can be used on kitchen counters, glass, mirrors, bathroom sinks, counters, toilets, carpet stains, and tile floors.

For tackling tougher jobs like caked-on grease, try this homemade degreasing solution. Mix together baking soda, vinegar, Castile soap, and water. The soap helps lift dirt while the chemical reaction from the baking soda and vinegar dissolves the mess. This can be applied directly to stoves, ovens, pans, and exhaust fans.

Homemade Degreaser:

• Ingredients: 1/2 cup white vinegar, 1/3 cup clear household ammonia, 1/4 cup baking soda, 2 tablespoons castile soap, and 1-1/2 quarts water.
• Instructions: Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle. This mixture is effective for removing greasy areas in the kitchen.

For best results, use these natural cleaners with eco-friendly tools such as microfiber cloths instead of paper towels, scrub brushes made from organic materials, and spray bottles made of glass, especially if you are adding essential oils, as they should not be stored in plastic containers.

This blog post was all about zero-waste lifestyle tips to minimize waste when grocery shopping.

We've explored small steps to transitioning to zero-waste grocery shopping is an impactful yet straightforward way to reduce plastic pollution and food waste. With some planning and adjustments to your shopping habits, you can easily minimize household waste and food packaging from entering landfills.

• Meal planning and inventorying your pantry helps reduce food spoilage and overpurchasing.
• Bringing reusable produce bags and containers dramatically cuts down on single-use plastics.
• Seeking out package-free items from bulk bins eliminates waste.
• Repurposing leftovers decreases food waste.
• Composting food scraps keeps them out of landfills.

Adopting even a few of these plastic-free, low-waste tips will make a difference. When striving for a more sustainable lifestyle, focus on progress over perfection. We hope this beginner's guide inspired you to rethink your relationship with food and consumerism.

What swap will you try first? Share your goals below to motivate others!