Avoiding single-use packaging. Only buying what you need. Purchasing better ingredients.

When we say buying in bulk, we’re not talking about warehouse membership clubs (Sam’s Club or Costco) with the majority of bulk items wrapped in multiple layers of single-use packaging. We’re talking about stores that have loose items stored in bins that you pay for by weight–most likely found at your local health market or co-op.

The bulk section from the Hyvee we shop at frequently.

The beauties of buying in bulk:

Buy only what you need. Unlike warehouse bulk shopping that forces you to buy for a small army, buying from the bulk section gives you freedom to purchase only the amount you need and as a result, waste less food.
No single-use packaging. The bulk section is package-free, yay! Most stores will have paper bags you can reuse multiple times, or better yet, bring your own refillable bags. What a waste of money to buy items in single-use packaging only to throw it away soon after. It’s like throwing your money in the trash.
Healthier options. Compared to commercially packaged items in the middle of the store, bulk items are usually less processed with minimal ingredients. Unless you go for the chocolatey, sugary trail mixes and treats. :) You can find raw nuts and seeds that aren’t processed or cooked with oils, nut butters only made with nuts, and dried fruit without added sugar.
Spend less. For the most part, buying in bulk is cheaper. You aren’t paying for the company to individually package each item. You’re also avoiding the food product’s marketing–tempting you to buy things you may not need. The beauty of the bulk section is that every bin looks the same.

Refillable bags like this one are widely available at health food stores or online or make your own out of old sheets.

What can you buy in bulk?

Our favorite things to buy in bulk: spices, tea, coffee, rice, oatmeal, nuts, chia seeds, and baking flours.

Don’t limit yourself to buying only food in bulk. Many stores have options for bulk shampoo, conditioner, soap, detergent, dog treats, wine, beer, or cheese.

Where can you buy it?

Most local co-ops and health markets have a bulk section. You can count on Whole Foods to have many, many options.

Zero Waste Home’s bulk locator is a great way to find locations near you or while you’re traveling.

If you’re ever in Brooklyn, NY, check out Precycle. Their entire store is package free. They’re living proof at the possibilities for limiting single-use plastics in the future.

Make it fun!

At first, buying in bulk can seem like a chore–remembering to bring your reusable bags to the store, having a cabinet full of brown paper sacks, or scooping every item you buy into a bag and weighing it. But when you set up a good system that’s more convenient, it’s a lot more fun!

Keep bags in your car so you always have them with you. Half the battle is remembering the reusable bags. In the beginning, we forgot them soo many times. It takes a bit to create the habit.
Store food functionally and in a decorative way. Transfer your purchases into glass mason jars (can find these at thrift stores) or jars you’ve collected from previously buying peanut butter, salsa, or coconut oil. It's a fun way to organize your cabinet and see exactly the amount of each you have. Tip: Stick those bags right back into your car after transferring to jars for the next grocery run.