With the lightweight plastic bag ban upon us, most of us now have a stash of reusable shopping bags kept in a convenient place. But with plastic packaging commonplace across supermarkets, how can you have more of an impact when it comes to reducing plastic waste? It's time to take it up a notch. It's time to put together your zero waste shopping kit! Read on as we outline the items you'll need when putting together your zero waste shopping kit. Keep these items together in an easy to remember spot so that next time you do the groceries, you don't leave home without them!
How to Create a Zero Waste Shopping Kit
Below are some simple steps to help you create your own zero waste shopping kit so you can do the groceries with less plastic waste. Or, to make it easier for you, check out our
16 Piece Zero Waste Shopping Bag Set at the end of this article.
1. Reusable Shopping Bags
Reusable shopping bags are the first item you'll need when putting together your zero waste shopping kit. They should be sturdy, easy to pack and easy to transport. These are the bags you'll take everything home in, and thanks to the recent bag ban, most of us already have a stash of reusable shopping bags kept somewhere convenient.
Tip: Reusable shopping bags made from natural fibres like jute or organic cotton will return to the earth at the end of their life. They are also strong, easy to use, easy to repair and look great.
2. Reusable Produce Bags
The next item you'll need is
reusable produce bags. Keep these with your reusable shopping bags so you never leave home without them. You could always just let your veggies mingle in the trolley, but it's so much easier and efficient to contain multiple items (like lots of beans, onions, potatoes, etc.) in their own produce bag. Reusable produce bags don't weigh much at all (around 15g).
Tip: Our organic cotton produce bags are available in loose weave or tight weave. The loose weave bags are easy to see through at the checkout and great for storing things like potatoes, onions, carrots, etc. The tight weave bags are great for bulk food and smaller items, like nuts, beans, chillies, etc.
3. Reusable Bread Bags
Taking it to the next level is
reusable bread bags. To purchase your bread without plastic packaging you'll need to visit your local bakery, although some people have had success purchasing their bread package free at their local supermarket. Has your local Coles or Woolworths allowed you to use your own reusbale bread bag? We'd love to hear. Leave a comment below. Have you tried baking your own bread recently? It's not hard to do. There are lots of simple recipes online, or if you prefer cook books, Healthy Baking by award winning author Jordan Bourke is beautiful and highly regarded.
Tip: Bread is best stored in a bag or container that will stop airflow around the bread, but will still allow it to breathe somewhat. A fabric bread bag or breadbox is ideal. Store in a cool dark place, away from direct sunlight or a window. Don't store it in the fridge though - it will go stale faster.
4. Reusable Bulk Food Bags
Bulk food stores are a great place for picking up food in bulk, package free. You can purchase things like flour, lentils, rice, cereals and pasta here and a paper bag, close weave organic cotton bag or one of Onya's
bulk food bags (with a window you can see through) are ideal to use. Most major centres have a bulk food store, however they're not as common in smaller towns. If you don't have a bulk food store near you, choose products packaged in cardboard or the larger pack size to reduce plastic packaging waste.
Tip: Tare the scales before adding anything to the bag so you're not paying for the weight of the bag. A shop assistant can help you with this.
5. Reusable Jars & Containers
The final item for your zero waste shopping kit are
reusable jars and containers. With these you can pick up items from the deli, butcher, specialty store or farmers market package free. Whatever you have on hand will work, whether they're glass, stainless steel or reusable BPA free plastic.
Tip: At this stage most major supermarkets do not allow customers to use a reusable jar or container for deli items, citing health and safety reasons. Many independent stores will allow you to though, so seek out your local IGA, deli, butcher or specialty store for items such as olives, cheese and meats.
6. Opt for a Shopping Bag Set Instead!
We've put together the ultimate
zero waste shopping bag set, featuring:
- 2 x large canvas shopping totes
- 1 x set of 5 lightweight produce bags
- 2 x string carry bags with canvas base
- 2 x small mesh string market bags
- 1 x set of 5 super size produce bags
Use this bag at the supermarket, farmers market, produce store or to carry bits and pieces. The bags are strong, long lasting, easy to wash and easy to store. All of the bags in this set are made from 100% GOTS Certified Organic Cotton and are biodegradable at the end of their life - even the tag!
Find our zero waste shopping bag kit here >
