Buying Bulk the Co-op Way

Taken from anagram-press.com

One of my most loved and hated things to do is grocery shopping. I always feel good after, when the kitchen is full of food; but the repetitiveness of buying the groceries and throwing out all the packaging just gets old. Almost everything comes wrapped or packaged these days, save for fresh produce. And let's face it, some times you need exactly more or less than what the package holds. This is why buying in bulk is a great alternative. When most people hear "buying in bulk" they think Sam's Club or Costco. So, you might now be thinking, "But then you just have bigger packages." Well, today I am sharing, dare I say, the better alternative.

Grains and cereals. Taken from http://centralcoop.coop

I like to shop at my local co-op grocery store for certain items because they have an amazing bulk foods section. Buying bulk from a co-op doesn't mean the same product, in the same packaging, in a larger quantity. It means buying your foods free of packaging altogether, in whatever quantity you desire. To me, it means freedom.

They have a wide variety of grains, coffee, cereals, baking necessities, teas, oils, honey, soap, shampoo, bodywash, lotion and even water.

Coffee. Taken from anagram-press.com

Using your own container? Great! Taken from anagram-press.com

You can use their plastic bags/containers they provide for these items, but they are more than happy if you bring your own reusable container instead, as they are educated and equipped to subtract the container's weight from the scale.

 

Tea and spices. My favorite part! Taken from anagram-press.com

As with all of my posts, this isn't only about the opportunity to reduce waste by buying bulk with reusable containers, it is also about saving money. The money-saving part is really my favorite. At my co-op I can buy only what I need for right now. I can buy just a little bit of tea to see if I like it. Or just a tablespoon of that rarely used spice for that one particular recipe. This alone makes spending less money easier. On top of the flexibility is that, more often than not, buying in bulk just costs less overall. I have compared the costs and consistently found lower costs for my bulk items than their packaged alternatives.

Taken from anagram-press.com

You may need to do your homework for stores that sell bulk items in your area. I know there is one very large, well-known chain who does, but I cannot attest to the affordability of this particular store. Personally, I would recommend shopping locally if at all possible. This Co-op Directory can help you find one in your area.

A few of the many baking supplies. Taken from anagram-press.com

And don't go spending money on reusable containers, now! I reuse containers from previous non-bulk purchases: Old spice jars (glass is best, since it doesn't hold in flavors), small/medium tins for teas, and these reusable produce bags for grains (then I put them in sealing containers at home). Be creative!