How to go from Bulk Buying Food to Refill Buying for even greater benefits

Buying in bulk is thought to be inherently sustainable because you are using one packaging element to hold more- this is kind of true. It is also supposed to be cheaper, which is definitely true because you aren’t paying for packaging. But really the only way to bulk buy with a zero waste approach is to bring something you already own to refill instead of using the containers provided by the store. Filling up a plastic bag with slightly more quantity is no different than buying oatmeal in already packaged plastic.

However remembering your own containers is a habit that has to be developed. The biggest step to reengineering your bulk buying approach is two fold: (1) inventory management & (2) simply not forgetting your own reusable containers.

The best way I have found to help me “not forget” is to make this an intentional act from the outset. Rather than assuming I’ll swing by to get groceries (including bulk items) on my way from wherever. I plan an intentional shopping trip. This trip starts in my kitchen where I inventory what I have currently. I consider what’s close to being used up and what I have that will last. I then choose from my collection of *mason jars the number of empty jars I will need in order to fill all of the items that I want to restock in my pantry. If you are already in the habit of making a grocery list over a set time period or before shopping, this is just one additional step. Pack the empty jars when grabbing the list.

At the store- I ask the front to measure the tarre weight of the jar with the lid on (you only need to do this once if they are all the same size). When you go to pay you will want to let them know the tarre weight so that amount can be reduced from the purchase price of the item. I keep a note in my phone with the size and tarre weight for each of my different jars. Then I proceed as normal but instead of grabbing a plastic bag, I fill directly into my own jar. Then I document the item code in my note on my phone so that at checkout I can inform them that the organic macadamia nuts are #4659 with a jar tarre weight of .58 and so on.

Make this intentional- you don’t forget your wine or beer when going to a BYOB party so make it a point to grab your empty jars when you are going to buy bulk foods. And if you forget, perhaps you skip buying the bulk until next time. Have you ever gone without a beverage because you forgot your own, you won’t make that mistake again after living through the consequence.

As a second precaution or for those last minute “I really do need bulk quinoa,” I like to have a few empty jars with me at all times. I ensure this by repacking my reusable shopping bags after I put away all groceries with some empty jars for those “just in case” moments. After all grocery shopping, I put all of my shopping bags, in my biggest bag, this includes smaller produce bags, etc and one or two empty jars so that I could grab an item or two during any trip to the store even if I hadn’t planned on buying bulk that day. I place the newly filled bag of empties by the garage door to grab the next time I leave the house and store in my car, regardless of if I am planning to stop at the store or not. Or I take the few extra steps to put the bag in my car so it is ready to go, whenever.

Pro Tip: don’t stop the refilling at the common bulk section of dry foods such as the nuts, seeds, grains, etc. You can fill your jars with items found in other areas of the store for example: spices, candy, the olive bar, hot food bar, etc. If shopping at Whole Foods everything can be put in your own containers (just make sure to weigh it first) except for the items that they serve from behind the counter. Pretty sure there is nothing more satisfying than sneaking your own “healthy” candy in your own reusable container into a movie. I make sure to buy at least some popcorn from the establishment for an added karma offsetting factor :)

Bulk to Refill Buying Habit Shift Step by Step:

1) Check your current inventory + note what you need more of. And/or make your grocery list per usual- noting which items will require their own jar/ container.

2) Pack your empty jars in your reusable bags.

3) Ask the cashier to weigh your empty(s) with the lid on, before filling them. Save the tarre weight as a note in your phone for future.

4) Fill jars and write down item code in the note with tarre weight on your phone for ease at checkout. This also saves a wasted twist tie.

5) Don’t stop at the dry bulk section, buy your olives, spices, candy, hot food, etc from the other bulk sections throughout the store.

6) Unpack your grocery haul, refill your main reusable bag with all produce bags and a new empty jar or two.

7) Revel in the fact that you don’t have to transfer your bulk items into another container (unless you want to) because they are already ready to sit on your shelves.

8) Enjoy cooking + eating your zero-waste stash.

As always, we love to answer questions and/or hear how your switch from conventional bulk buying to refill buying is going so feel free to get in touch. Finally, if you are ready to level up your refill game check out our blog - The Refill Revolution is coming for your Hygiene + Cleaning Supplies now!

* We have a collection of mason jars of various sizes as well as pickle, jelly, spice, etc jars. Basically any jar whose size/ shape spoke to me upon finishing what was once Inside. I soak all previously used jars in hot soapy water to make it easier to peel/ scrape off the label. This makes our pantry easier to review and adds an element of organized aesthetic.