Millions of tons of packaging waste are produced worldwide every year. Too much – as most of it is avoidable. You only have to know how! Here comes our little guide to zero waste grocery shopping.

Preparation is everything

Forgot your shopping bag? Sure, it is convenient to grab a plastic bag or paper bag at the checkout. But this burdens not only your purse, but also the environment. If it can’t be avoided, you can still use the bags at home as trash bags. It is best, however, to always have a fabric bag at hand. Since we all have them at home, just deposit one in your backpack, in your bicycle bags or in the trunk of your car. By the way, clean fabric bags are also great for fresh bread or rolls.

We highly recommend a shopping list because you will not only save lots of packaging waste, but also money. Spontaneous purchases like chips or sweets tend to be packaged in plastic – and they’re not doing us any good anyway. Digital shopping lists are great because they can be also shared with partners or roommates.

Zero Waste Stores are fun and relaxing

Maybe you even have a Zero Waste store in your hometown? There you’ll find everything you need, without packaging. Even soap, detergent or oil can be bottled. Just bring your own cans, nets or jars and you’re ready to go. In addition, it is way more relaxing to shop in the small cozy shops than to get lost between the shelves of a big supermarket.

But even those who do not have a Zero Waste store nearby don’t rely on shrink-wrapped vegetables. Farmer markets with a regional and seasonal offering are a great alternative. Many markets also have stalls selling baked goods, cheese and meat. And even in the supermarket you just have to look carefully: many fruits and vegetables are free of packaging, as are potatoes or bread. Some supermarkets also offer to bring your own containers and fill them at the counter with cold cuts, cheese or fish.

A lot of garbage also applies to drinks. Of course, tap water is not the first choice anywhere in the world, but in Germany, for example, it is one of the best and most strictly controlled foods. Furthermore, it is always available and you don’t have to carry it home. Juices and soft drinks are delicious, no question, but maybe it’s enough to enjoy them in the restaurant or on weekends. If you are traveling in countries where tap water is undrinkable, but you don’t want to buy disposable bottles, a bottle with a filter might do the trick. Companies like LifeStraw even offer filters that can be integrated into bottles of well-known outdoor brands.

Zero Waste Shopping for the Spontaneous

Spontaneously and still avoiding garbage, is that possible? Of course, if you know yourself and your habits well, you can adapt to them. Late risers, who have to buy their morning coffee at the bakery, pack a reusable cup. If you do not feel like standing in the kitchen after a long day at work, you can deposit one, two cans and a clean bag in your backpack. This allows you to buy dinner spontaneously and bring your favorite fried noodles or your sandwich home without packaging.

Checklist for your next Zero Waste shopping trip:

• mason jars
• empty glass bottles
• nets for fruits and vegetables, e.g. cloth bags or dust bags from shoes and purses
• containers (plastic or stainless steel)
• egg crates

At Wasteland Rebel and Bepakt you can find a list of Zero Waste Stores and supermarkets with package free goods. And don’t forget to download the Zero Waste Travel App for your next vacation.

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