Bulk is Better

Bulk section at the French Broad Food Co-op

We live in a community that boasts several options for shopping in bulk (aka food without plastic, or plastic-sprayed paper packaging): Earth Fare, French Broad Food Co-Op, Whole Foods, West Village Market, Hopey, and even Ingles! While some of these markets are more expensive generally, bulk prices are cheaper than packaged and processed foods, so you’re sure to save $ if you make the shift and buy your boxed or packaged foods in bulk. We are currently saving hundreds of dollars per month shopping in bulk, and experiencing the feel-good lightness of making an environmental difference.

How exactly do I shop in bulk? Every store is a little bit different, but most will allow you to bring your own bulk bags, jars, or containers and re-fill them with your desired goods, diverting unnecessary trash from the landfill! Typically you’ll find a scale near the bulk aisle, where you can weigh your container and, using labels provided by the store, put your “Tare weight” on your bag or container. This way, cashiers can deduct the weight of your container from your purchase. When you shop in bulk, you are reducing waste and transport miles, buying just what you need, and decreasing the negative toll that the over-processed and packaged way of living has on our collective health.

What kind of food is available in bulk? Cereal and granola, grains (rice, oats, quinoa), beans of all shapes and sizes, nuts, pasta (gluten free and wheat), flours, dried fruit, coffee beans, oils and vinegars, tahini, nut butters, crackers, and of course, my favorite dessert, chocolate covered almonds! Visit Earth Fare Westgate or the French Broad Food Co-Op to check out their enormous bulk sections! You can also re-fill containers with bath and body items, like Dr. Bronner’s cleaning soaps, shampoo, conditioner, dishwashing detergent, at a store like the French Broad Food Co-Op. Making your own cleaning products is an affordable way and sustainable way to divert plastic from the landfill! We’ll save that email for another day!

Hilary Drake, Founder
​Mind Your Plastic