Green Your Grocery Routine

Most of us grab our reusable shopping bags, coupons, lists, and then head to the grocery store thinking we are doing our part to save the earth and our money. But is there more that we can be doing to bring our most common errand closer in line with our values?

Reusable grocery bags are a wonderful way to keep plastic bags out of the landfill, and if you are one of the responsible shoppers, who religiously tote theirs to and from the grocery store, then take a bow. But if you are striving to get better at remembering your bags, then try leaving your bags in your trunk so that you always have them, or place a sticky note reminder on your dashboard where you’ll see it before you even leave your driveway. Better yet, on the days that you do forget, tell the bagger you will go bag-less altogether as an incentive to remember the next time.

Ways to Green Your Grocery Routine

Image by greenfaerietree

Using coupons is a great way to save some cash, especially when paired with sales, but unused ones often end up in the landfill or spilling over the recycling bin. Upromise offers electronic coupons that will help save a few trees, as do some of the large warehouse stores such as Sam’s Club. Simply visit the Upromise website to sign up for a free account. You can then register your grocery cards and credit cards with the site and sign up for electronic coupons. The amount of the coupons will be deposited to your Upromise account, which you can then use to fund yours or your children’s education. Sam’s Club offers eValues which requires you to upgrade your membership to a Plus membership. The eValue coupons will be electronically deducted from your grocery bill when you swipe your Club card at checkout. Also check in with your favorite organic merchant at their website to see if you can find additional coupons for your favorite foods.

Shopping locally not only saves fuel, but it also nourishes the local economy. Farmers markets and seasonal roadside stands offer fantastic organic produce to supplement your garden bounty, and the growers are often more than happy to enlighten you about their sustainable growing practices. Stock up and freeze veggies during the growing season so you won’t have to buy as much imported food during the winter. For the foods that you do have to purchase at the grocery store, keep an eye out for those that are produced close to home so as to keep them in high demand and keep transportation pollution as low as possible.

A little thoughtful planning and change in routine can make a large difference in fostering the health of the local economy, your individual budget, and the planet as a whole. There is never a better time than now to green your grocery routine!

Robin can usually be found writing for New England Lifestyle. Check out their white chest of drawers!