In 2018, 292.4 million tons of trash were generated in the United States. If that statistic goes right over your head, you’re not alone. You probably also share the desire to reduce the amount of waste you produce individually. Yet it can be overwhelming to examine which of your habits generate the most trash, and daunting to try to change them. Luckily, it’s fairly easy to make the switch to a “zero-waste” lifestyle; it just takes a bit of time and intention to learn some new practices.
One easy place to start reducing the amount of waste in your life is by shifting your diet. Eating mostly whole foods, especially fresh fruits and vegetables, instead of store-bought processed foods not only eliminates a lot of packaging, but it’s better for your health. If you need to bag up your produce, consider reusing mesh bags or any other bags you have lying around. Look into creative ways of “upcycling” food scraps to make new dishes (check out the book Cooking with Food Scraps, available at Moonflower). Compost any remaining scraps at home or a neighbor’s, or take them to the Youth Garden Project’s public compost pile.
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You can also find numerous options for replacing disposable products with reusable or packaging-free ones. At Moonflower we carry:
- Stainless steel Klean Kanteen water bottles and food containers
- Silicone Stasher bags
- African market baskets
- Bagito reusable shopping bags
- Glass and plastic jars and bottles for refilling with bulk goods
- Bamboo eating utensils and metal straws
- Mesh produce bags, beeswax food wraps, nut milk bags
- Reusable coffee filters and tea strainers
- Reusable menstrual pads and cups
- Plastic free toothpaste tablets and bar soaps
- Reusable face masks
- Plastic free laundry sheets
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At first, these products may seem expensive, but they are designed to last a long time and you will get a lot of use out of them. However, if you don’t feel like investing right now, you don’t even have to buy all of these special products. Do you buy food that comes in containers? Save the containers and wash and reuse them! Glass jars especially will last a long time and can be safely microwaved or frozen.
Buying in bulk is another great way to cut out packaging waste and save you money. In fact, like many independent food co-ops, Moonflower originated as a small buying club focused on sourcing wholesome foods. When you need to stock up, make a list at home and bring your own containers to the co-op (whatever you want to use, just be sure to get the tare weights at the register before filling them). You can then choose from our large selection of bulk products, including:
- Dry goods (grains, legumes, flour, granola, coffee, trail mix, dried fruit)
- Spices, herbs, and teas
- Cooking liquids (oils, vinegars, soy sauce, vanilla, etc.)
- Personal care and household products (lotion, shampoo, laundry detergent, Dr. Bronner’s soap, dish soap, etc.)
- Grind your own peanut butter, almond butter, and cashew butter
- Hot coffee from Fresh Moab Coffee, made every morning
- Locally brewed kombucha on tap from Wild Bloom Fermentations
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If there is something you purchase in large quantities on a regular basis, consider placing a special order at Moonflower. This is a unique service that the co-op offers, providing owners and non-owners alike a discount for buying in bulk. You can even bring your containers to the co-op for bulk orders and we will fill them for you. (Ask a Moonflower employee for more information.)
You can also bring your own container for our grab and go hot bar breakfast and lunch, served daily (just be sure to get the tare weight before filling up). Bring your own utensils and cloth napkin for a zero waste meal!
Producing absolutely zero waste is physically impossible even on a cellular level, so you needn’t be intimidated by the challenge of living truly waste free. Start with baby steps such as focusing on buying whole foods, fresh produce, and in bulk, and then slowly shift your habits to using reusable goods in place of single-use ones. You will benefit your health and the planet will thank you, too!