Easy Ways to Enjoy Environmentally Friendly Eating with Foodtown

To support the environment, many consumers make the effort to recycle food containers, product packaging, and more. However, leading a sustainable lifestyle doesn’t end there! In fact, eating sustainably and making purchases that support a “green” lifestyle is so much easier than most people think. At Foodtown supermarkets, we strive to support our environmentally-conscious shoppers by offering plenty of sustainable options, from locally grown produce to antibiotic-free proteins and more.

How to Go Green at the Grocery Store

There are so many ways to “green” up your lifestyle. Whether you’re shopping online with Foodtown On the Go or browsing our aisles, consider the following eco-friendly tips:

Opt for Organic. Organic ingredients aren’t just better for you—they’re also better for the environment! Industrial farming is known for its heavy use of harmful pesticides. By limiting the purchase of non-organic items, shoppers help to reduce the amount of pesticides used, fostering a healthier world. At Foodtown, shoppers can turn to our very own Green Way brand, offering everything from organic milk to organic chicken, all at budget-friendly prices.
Look for Local. Locally sourced produce, dairy, and meats do not require extensive shipping, which means less packaging is needed and the energy used during transport is reduced. We are pleased to offer our shoppers a selection of locally grown produce on a seasonal basis.
Eat Foods Raw. Powering up your kitchen appliances uses a lot of energy. Here’s a tip—eat it raw! While some items, such as chicken or dried pasta, certainly require cooking before consumption, some ingredients, such as most produce, can be eaten as is.
Go Hormone-Free and Antibiotic-Free. Hormones and antibiotics are often given to cattle, pigs, and chicken to increase size and boost the production of eggs or milk. These substances are harmful not only to the animal and consumer, but also to the environment. Look for items labeled as “Antibiotic Free” and “Hormone Free” as you browse our deli, meat market, and dairy departments.
Eat for the Season. When shopping our produce aisles, stick to fruits and vegetables that are in season. Seasonal produce is a) tastier and b) doesn’t require as much carbon energy to produce and transport.
Reduce your Food Waste. This one takes some practice but there are some simple ways to drastically reduce your food waste. First, avoid impulse purchases at the grocery store and stick to what you know you’ll use. Second, rely on leftovers—rather than toss out that last portion of pasta, save it for the next day’s lunch or dinner. And finally, try composting!
Buy in Bulk. Individually-wrapped items are convenient, but they result in an alarming amount of wasted packaging. Things like pet food, toilet paper, and non-perishable snack foods can be purchased in bulk or family-sizes, perfect for reducing excessive packaging. Plus, you’ll save money!
Select Products with Eco-Friendly Packaging. Learn what can and cannot be recycled in your town and stick to products that can be collected easily. Additionally, keep an eye out for products that use as minimal packaging as possible, such as a single recyclable carton.
Invest in reusable storage containers. Rather than rely on single-use ziptop bags, plastic wrap, or aluminum foil, invest in a set of reusable plastic storage containers in a variety of sizes. Not only are they washable, but most varieties are also microwaveable. You may purchase your own set from our pantry aisle!
Bring Reusable Bags. Finally, the most simple eco-friendly change of all… bring your own reusable shopping bags! They’re sturdy and reduce the need for single-use paper or plastic bags. Bring them along during every grocery store visit and hand them to our check-out staff—they’re more than happy to use them in place of regular paper or plastic!

Lead an Eco-Friendly Lifestyle with Help from Foodtown

As you can see, environmentally friendly eating and grocery shopping are easier than many consumers think. Keep these tips in mind during your next visit to Foodtown and be proud of the changes you’re making to help protect the world around us.

Locate a Foodtown grocery store near you to enjoy greener grocery shopping. You may also shop online for in-store pickup or home delivery.