Week 7: #Waves4Change 2020 Sustainability Challenge – No Waste Grocery Store Trip
March 6, 2020 | Pembroke Strickland, DLDT Associate Board Member
Why Take This Challenge?
Have you ever looked in your refrigerator or pantry and realized that half of the contents are expired? We tend to buy way more than we need when it comes to grocery shopping. According to the EPA, there was 38.1 million tons of food waste in 2017 and 94% of the food we throw away ends up in landfills. Not only does this create a smelly kitchen, but it’s also putting a hole in your pocket! This challenge is meant to make you stop and think before filling up your kitchen with expensive and unhealthy food products that eventually go to waste anyway.
Speaking of waste, look around the store on your next grocery run and count how many single-use containers you can find. THEY ARE EVERYWHERE. Bringing your own bags to the grocery store can help reduce the amount of waste created from single-use containers.
How Does This Challenge Benefit Me?
With a little planning you can save money, reduce food waste and create a healthier lifestyle. Fresh food is often less expensive, healthier and involves fewer single-use containers than packaged food alternatives. Preservatives can create convenience, but your gut will thank you when you begin to eliminate heavily processed foods from your diet. Your garbage will also be less stinky, and you won’t have to take it out as much if you use your own bags!
What If I Already Do This?
Spread the word and try to eliminate one single-use container each time you go shopping by replacing packaged foods with fresh foods. Can you eliminate them all?? You can also revisit the week 3 challenge to better understand which single-use containers can be recycled in your area.
Prep This Weekend for a More Sustainable Week
Make a meal plan for the week; figure out what you plan to cook and snack on during the week and don’t buy more than you need. Create your list prior to shopping and reuse your list each week for items that you buy on the regular. Keep your reusable bags in your car so you never forget them when it’s time to make a trip to the store. Go to the grocery store after eating; you won’t be tempted to buy as much if you are full. Commit to this challenge with a friend and hold each other accountable.
FAQ:
Where can I find reusable bags?
You can normally find reusable shopping bags at the front of the store or in the checkout aisle. Also head to amazon for reusable Produce bags!
Taking this challenge? Spread the word and use the hashtag #Waves4Change so we can change the world together and inspire others to live better.
Sources:
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) https://www.epa.gov/recycle/reducing-wasted-food-home