If you are feeling frustrated because you want to buy organic, free trade, free range, grass fed or some other type of green food and your grocery budget is getting lower instead of higher, here are some
interesting thoughts from Eat. Drink. Better. along with some ideas that have worked for me.
- Explore local options like a CSA, farmers market, produce stand, orchard, farmers, dairy, bakery, etc. You may find some things will be a little more affordable because they involve fewer transportation costs. You'll also be dealing face-to-face with people who could be willing to make you a deal on a larger purchase or would be happy to throw in a little extra at the end of the day.
- Visit the bulk bins. Stores like Whole Foods and others have a bulk section where you can purchase everything from sugar and grains to cereal and candy. Compare prices between the bulk bins and the packaged items and you will probably find some good deals. You can also buy as little or as much as you want, reducing the possibility of things going bad before they are used up. And, you can frequently bring your own containers to reduce waste.
- Don't rule out the "regular" grocery store for organic items. My local regular Kroger has added many specialty items which don't always have quite as much mark up as if I shop at a more upscale market with more choices.
- Eat less meat. Beans cost much less than meat (and you can find them in the bulk bins!).
- Cook more things at home instead of buying convenience foods. You will save packaging, calories, and money.
- Do some research at the supermarket or farmer's market. Some things may be grown organically but the farmer has not gone through the organic certification process yet. If you don't know quite what a label means, ask about it. You might find a good deal.
- Ask for coupons. More organic producers are offering coupons. You can sign up for email newsletters from web sites and have them sent to your inbox and even writing or calling to say how much you enjoy the product with the suggestion that some coupons would be useful will get you on the mailing list to receive more coupons in the future.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
1-12-2009 @ 11:12AM
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