Benefits of Bulk Buying
Oct-04-2011

Buying in bulk can be your best bet for getting the best deals, trying new foods, and creating less waste. The Bulk is Green Council (BIG), together with markets across the country are encouraging shoppers to indulge in bulk! As a heads up, National Bulk Foods Week is October 16-22. Here are some reasons to go bulk:

Save Money
Buying unpackaged foods in the bulk section of the grocery store offers an average savings of 30 to 50 percent versus packaged food.

Help the Environment
Eliminating packaging reduces the carbon footprint. Less packaging means that less ends up in the landfill. Bulk food also streamlines the transportation needed for delivery, helping to reduce CO2 emissions. According to BIG, there is an average reduction of emission by 48 percent each time a product is refilled from bulk versus the same product bought in traditional packaging.

Waste Less Food
How many of us hate having to throw away foods, whether it's nuts or spices, which have gone rancid or are past their expiration date... Buying in bulk allows you to purchase the exact amount of foods you need, as opposed to manufacturer-divvied portions. Whether you need just a pinch or a few cups or even a pound, buying in bulk helps you get exactly what you want.

Reduce Material Waste
According to BIG, an average shopping basket of 10 products refilled across the year, saves 118 pieces of packaging from a landfill.

Make your home bulk friendly
Discard pre-packaged food in boxes, plastic tubs and cans. Purchase glass storage containers, stainless steel jars, or even reuse mason jars to store foods instead - this is a small investment that is definitely worth it.
What to do with your bulk purchases? Make a granola or trail mix. Mix the dried fruit with nuts and seeds and voila, you have your own signature trail mix that is a great healthy snack!

SupermarketGuru also wants to point out that you should make sure that the store you shop in has a rapid turnover of bulk foods as nuts and seeds (often purchased in bulk) go rancid faster in bulk conditions (they are best stored in a cool dry place away from heat and light). Also those with food allergies may have to avoid bulk foods as cross contamination is a definite possibility.

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Posted by Ken at 12:00 AM - Link to this entry  |  Share this entry  |  Print