Waste Not, Want Not. Easy Ways to Send Less to the Landfill

When it comes to being environmentally-conscious, the idea of “zero waste” lifestyles can be intimidating. It’s important to remember that, like nutrition, “perfection” should never be the ideal. While certain swaps may seem trivial, in the long run they make a huge difference when done on an aggregate scale. We’ve only got one planet, so let’s try and take care of it when we can, right? With that in mind, here’s a couple simple ways to avoid unnecessary waste and develop more sustainable habits.

Invest in a reusable straw. With the impending city-wide straw ban hitting Vancouver next Summer, it’s good to get in the habit of toting around your own! Keep one on hand for the next time your smoothie craving strikes (which is daily, for many of us!).

Put it in a jar. No need to purchase fancy keep-containers - a simple jar will always do the trick! Buy a pack for cheap or simply wash and remove the label from old nut butter or pasta sauce containers and bam! You have a perfect vessel to take your favourite food and drink on the go, or to store goods at home. While nearly all of Glory packaging can be composted or recycled, we love it when people bring in their own containers, too!  

Buy bulk. Sure, purchasing pre-portioned bags of common pantry staples like oats, flour and nuts may seem more convenient - but it is simple to break the habit and buy them in bulk instead! Just make sure to steer clear of plastic bags and bring your own reusable ones.  

While it’s easy to find ways to avoid waste while shopping at conventional grocery stores, check out these two local outlets whose goal is to help reduce consumer impact on the environment:

The Soap Dispensary & Kitchen Staples - As Vancouver’s “first dedicated refill shop,” The Soap Dispensary is a local pioneer in championing low-impact living. Find eco-friendly and package-free kitchen goods, cleaning supplies, bulk beauty, and more at their Main St. shop.

Nada - Their name says it all. At Nada, you’ll find “just food, no packaging.” Stock up on Kombucha on-tap, freshly baked bread, produce and quality pantry staples at their storefront on East Broadway. Forget your jars? No problem - they always have a clean stash on hand for anyone to take.

Shopping this way is not only fun, but intentional. With the ability to control portions, you get exactly what you want while reducing potential waste.