Six simple supermarket switches

Posted on: July 13, 2020

Keen to start reducing your waste but unsure where to start?

man holding groceries wrapped in plastic

Try out these six switches next time you do your grocery shopping to reduce the amount of plastic waste your household produces.

Swap plastic packaging for glass
Only around 7% of the plastic ever produced has been recycled and it takes hundreds of years to break down in landfill, whereas glass can be recycled and in WA it is often crushed and used to build new roads. Where there’s a choice, opt for the glass encased version!
Go big rather than small
Single-serve items require much more packaging than when you buy items in bulk. Most of us have plenty of small containers or jars at home, so buy big and then create individual portions yourself.
Hang loose
There’s nothing quite like beautifully presented fresh fruit and veg – especially when it’s plastic free. A recent Choice investigation demonstrated that you’re paying a premium when you buy pre-packaged varieties, and it’s rarely worth it for your wallet, time or the planet.
Hold the (bottled) water please
Whatever you do, try to tread lightly in the drinks aisle! Whether it’s bottled water (still or sparkling varieties), soft drinks, cordials or juices it pays to stop and give thought to the plastic you’re also buying. If you buy a lot now might be the time to consider alternatives – such as installing a water filter, investing in an at-home carbonator or cutting back altogether and substituting with tap water.
BYO containers
You’re already taking your own bags, so why not go a step further and take some containers too. Use them at the deli counter and in the bulk food areas and you’ll return home with even less waste!
Buy less
The easiest way to generate less waste at home is simply to buy less in the first place. Australians throw out about a quarter of the food they buy so the best thing you can do is to leave more on the shelf when you shop and buy only what you need for the next few days.