Let’s face it: We are all looking for ways to save a little green, and that often becomes a factor for people when selecting between organic and conventional products. So how do you go green at the grocery store and still save? Here we offer some tips for how to save on sustainable foods.
Join a co-op
Find a food cooperation in your neighborhood and become a member. The sustainable products are comparable to what you would find at a local natural market, but the prices are considerably lower. If you volunteer your time with the co-op, you can count on even bigger savings.
Join a CSA
CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. This is an organized way for consumers to form a relationship with local organic farmers and to directly get a portion of what they are harvesting. The farms offer subscriptions to buyers, who will receive different farm products such as milk, meats, eggs, produce and even flowers, on a weekly or monthly basis.
Buy in bulk
Regardless of what you are buying, it makes sense to buy in bulk because it is almost always cheaper to do so. Be sure you can utilize the product before its expiration date, however. Buying in bulk is ideal for products you can freeze or ones with a long shelf life, such as rice.
Farmer’s markets
Shop your local farmer’s markets for the freshest in-season produce. In-season produce is generally cheaper, and since you’re buying direct from the source, there’s no need for added built-in cost for the middleman.
Shop the sales
When you peruse your grocery, co-op or farmer’s market, select what is on sale, and substitute it for something else on your list. Again, in-season produce is almost always cheaper, so stock up and freeze fresh produce. If a canned/bulk item that you use often is on sale, get extras and you can store it in your pantry until you need it.
Avoid packaged foods
Fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy and breads are some of the cheapest things at the store. Packaged items such as snacks, convenience foods, and frozen dinners are enticing, but you often end up buying more than you really need or want.
Grow it yourself
Start a garden in your yard, so you always have certain staples on hand, such as lettuce, tomatoes and carrots. An herb garden an excellent place to start because it doesn’t take up much room, and fresh herbs tend to add up quickly at the market.If you have fruit or citrus trees, consider canning the fruit or making homemade preserves.
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