“The latest numbers for a four-member family: a thrifty food plan, $146 a week; a low-cost food plan, $191 a week; a moderate-cost plan, $239; a liberal plan, $289 a week” USA Today
What if I told you unnecessary packaging is actually costing you extra. And for what? To be thrown out in a few days? Recycled at best? We know now that plastic is not good for your body or the environment. Plastic packaging, especially plastic wrap, is non-recyclable, and often contains endocrine disruptors like BPA (Bisphenol A).
So why do we do it? Well, companies package food as a form of advertising. Advertisers are paid big bucks to find the most appealing logo, design, and images to temp you to try their product. But we’re not children. We don’t need to be lured by fancy packaging or talking rabbits farting rainbows and balloons.
When I buy food, I want to know this: the cost, the ingredients, the source.
Buying bulk food and loose produce was not only healthier, it was much more cost effective.
Bulk Food Aisles: it’s not just for candy anymore.
Okay, so this one was mostly candy.
Grocery stores all over are starting to implement bulk food bins. But this is no excuse to use plastic bags! Carry your own light-weight reusable totes, just make sure to write the weight on the back, so it can quickly be tared at the cash register.
Farmers Markets:
Farmers Markets are excellent resources to find package free produce. This is where you get your berries, people!!! Farmers markets are much more likely to package berries in paper cartons, but if not, use your own containers and give anything plastic back to the vendor. Loose produce is never trashy unless you package it in plastic bags!
Zero Waste California 
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