Whether getting together with loved ones this year or not, the holidays often see many people up their grocery spend. This is a time of year when many people like to indulge, and splash out on some edible treats.
But as you head out to the shops, or order in your food, it is a great idea to take some time to think about how sustainable your holiday grocery shopping will be. Here are a few tips to help you shop in as ethical and eco-friendly a way as possible:
- Make sure you take stock of what you already have before buying in more food.
- Be inventive with leftovers and store cupboard finds to make the most of everything and avoid food waste before buying more.
- List the items you need (and stick to your list in the store).
- Choose to buy locally and seasonally, direct from producers and growers whenever possible.
- Try to shop in locations which offer food with less packaging, or even no packaging at all.
- Consider wholesale options, and consider buying staples in bulk (again to reduce packaging).
- Consider cutting your meat consumption and trying out more vegetarian or vegan options.
- Opt for organic, sustainably grown crops whenever possible.
- Check labels, and make sure you know where foods came from – try to avoid items containing ingredients that are the products of damaging systems (palm oil which leads to deforestation, for example).
- Take reusable bags (ideally made from organic cotton, hemp or other sustainable materials) with you to the shops.
These are just some tips for sustainable holidays grocery shopping. Especially this year, there is nothing wrong with treating yourself and your family a little if you can. Just make sure that you care not doing harm as you do so.
If you would like more tips for a sustainable Christmas this year, please do get in touch. I can help you create a personalised plan for you and your family.
EWSP Consultancy 