Storing and Transporting Your Food

Eating fresh, local foods is not only delicious but a positive choice for the the local economy and the environment. But do you ever think about the structure surrounding your meal? From transportation to eating to storage, there are lots of easy ways to make positive food choices to complete the Good Food package.

Image via ReUseIt

1. Grocery shop with reusable bags

If you keep a reusable bag in your car, purse, and hanging by the door on your way out of the house, it's easy to remember to use your reusable bags when you arrive at the grocery store. 

2. Reuse berry and egg cartons

Giving your used berry and egg cartons to venders at your local farmer’s market. They'll be greatful to save money on their supplies, and it's an easy way to cut down on your own waste while supporting local food producers.

Image via Apartment Therapy

3. Buy loose (unpackaged) produce

When you buy unpackaged foods, you get more for your money because you aren’t paying for the disposable plastic or cardboard that comes with the food. You can see / feel / smell exactly what you’re getting and limit your contribution to landfills.

4. Wrap food in cloth

Certain kinds of cloth can be used to wrap cheese, bread, fruits, vegetables and more to help reduce your use of plastic products. Reusing washed cloth will help you cut down on the amount of money spent on plastic wrap and plastic baggies.

Learn how to make reusable cloth sandwich wraps here

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5. Reuse glass

Save glass containers such as jam jars and bottles. Glass can last for a long time and is a great way to store small produce, canned fruits and vegetables, homemade salad dressing, milk, and more. Glass containers can add beauty to your pantry or fridge and are convenient because they easily show what’s inside.

Check out this great post with ideas about how to reuse all those little jars in your home—both for function and decoration.

6. Store food in reusable containers

Ziplocs and paper bags are easy to throw away, but reusable containers, reusable water bottles, and lunchboxes are far better ideas for keeping food fresh and safe while cutting back on the amount of household waste.

The other benefit is that you'll save on the costs of purchasing non-reusable storage items (like ziplocs and bags) over time. 

So rinse out those yogurt containers and cans of nuts to reuse. Just make sure that the containers are safe to reuse and don’t contain BPA or other harmful chemicals.

7. Find post-consumer recycled content plastic containers

PCR containers reuse plastic that would have otherwise gone to the landfill and limit the amount of raw materials used to produce the packaging.

8. Look for locally manufactured packaging

If you have to buy something packaged, locally manufactured materials have less of an impact on the environment because they don’t have to be shipped halfway across the world.

9. Compost paper packaging

Most paper packaging can be composted, like the paper-based to-go boxes from restaurants. For products that you've bought in the home, plain, non-toxic paper packaging used for dry foods is worm-compostable (avoid glossy paper or cardboard and try to use products with soy-based ink).