Reducing plastic in my grocery shopping

Note: This post was written prior to the pandemic. As Edmonton moves to ban single-use plastic shopping bags, you may find some of Hailey’s tips useful.

My grocery shopping routine has really changed over the last year. I think I was one of the worst for single-use plastic bags, and I am still not perfect.

For starters, I always forgot to bring my fabric bags from home. I used to say, “Oh, next time I’ll remember,” but I never did. Then, as I go down the aisles, I would put all my vegetables in smaller plastic bags and pick up an assortment of other groceries: snacks, spices, toiletries, and so on, all of which came in packaging, usually plastic.

I got tired of creating this waste, and I wanted to change. But I couldn’t do it all at once, so I slowly started shifting away from purchasing items with packaging. I started by investigating grocery stores in my neighbourhood that offered bulk sections and options where I could bring my own containers and I started shopping there.

I got reusable and machine washable bags with drawstrings of various sizes and types. I started putting my vegetables in those bags instead of the smaller plastic ones that hang in the big roll. I started to bring a fabric bag with me wherever I went, to avoid forgetting it.

Then I started to collect containers, from empty pasta sauce, salad dressing and other containers, and I’d choose stores that would let me refill my snacks, spices, pasta, chocolate, kombucha, tofu and more. The whole process was surprisingly easy. With my clean jars, I walk to the counter to get them weighed, then I walk down the aisles and fill up the jars with what I need. Then they are weighed again at checkout, and as the reusable jar discount gets added to my bill, a little voice in my head says, “Great job!”

Now a year later, I take reusable jars with me whenever I go grocery shopping. I’ve had to become a little more prepared, but it does make me feel better about my choices in the long term. Now I use reusable containers for my toiletries and food shopping, I brush my teeth with a bamboo toothbrush, and I shop second hand for clothes.

If you want to reduce your waste too, here is a sampling of stores with bulk sections that let you bring your own containers for refilling in Edmonton: Bulk Barn, Blush Lane Organic Market, Earth’s General Store, Re:Plenish, or try a local farmer’s market. [Editor’s Note: Please check with your local store to see if they offer this service.]

This post was submitted by Hailey G., an Edmonton community member. If you live in Edmonton and have a climate change story to tell, let us know! Your story could be shared here too.