Buy Food from Bulk Bins

Photo: Ciaran Griffin / Getty Images

By Brian Clark Howard

At health food stores like Wild Oats/Whole Foods, community co-ops and even many supermarkets, you can often get foods from bulk bins, whether that's candy, bagels, rice or honey. Choosing this option will save packaging waste, and you can get exactly how much you want.

Packaging materials make up more than 30 percent of all consumer waste, according to the EPA. So making a dent in all those boxes, cans and piles of plastic wrap will have a real impact. Ideally, bring your own reusable containers to the store and fill up with what you'll need. You can even bring a measuring cup so you don't have to eyeball it.

For the best in fresh, healthy eating, ask the bulk bin manager how often the stock is replenished. When you get home, store your dry goods in airtight containers in a cool, dry place.

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