Food packaging is a major contributor to waste and pollution. Every year, more than 78 million metric tons of plastic packaging are produced, and only 14% of it is recycled. The majority of plastic is made from non-renewable sources, such as oil or natural gas, and will eventually end up in a landfill. Agriculture has a significant environmental impact in three key ways.
If you want to make your grocery list more eco-friendly, there are several steps you can take. Start by giving up products that are packaged in plastic, making your own version, or looking for an alternative that is packaged in a reusable container. When making your grocery list, think about the environmental impact of the ingredients and resources used to produce them. Choose items that are locally sourced and organic whenever possible.
Look for items that are packaged in recyclable materials or that have minimal packaging. Avoid buying items that come in single-use containers or wrappers. If you can't find an alternative, try to buy in bulk to reduce the amount of packaging. You can also reduce your environmental impact by bringing reusable bags to the store and avoiding pre-packaged produce.
Buy fresh fruits and vegetables instead of canned or frozen items, as these often contain preservatives and other additives. If you do buy canned or frozen items, look for those that are labeled as organic or sustainably sourced. Finally, consider growing some of your own food. Planting a garden is a great way to reduce your environmental impact while also providing you with fresh, healthy produce.
You can also look into joining a community garden or participating in a local CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program.
