Make Your Grocery Trip Greener

FAMILY GROCERY SHOPPING © COURTESY OF NEWS CANADA

Make Your Grocery Trip Greener

Shopping for food is a regular activity for most families, but have you considered how little changes you can make at the grocery store could have a big impact on the planet? Making sustainable choices doesn’t need to be daunting. Here are some easy tips to make your grocery shopping greener.

PRIORITIZE ECO- FRIENDLY PACKAGING

Single-use food and beverage waste make up a startling 26.6 percent of all Canadian litter, according to the World Wildlife Foundation. On your next visit to the grocery store, look for products with recyclable or compostable packaging, like recycled and eco-friendly plastics, cardboard, and paper.

Remember to dispose of packaging correctly at home by building an efficient recycling and composting system that your whole family can get involved with—even the kids.

CHOOSE BETTER FOOD FOR A BETTER PLANET

Food producers such as Maple Leaf Foods have been developing innovative ways to create delicious meals while offsetting carbon production. Offsetting carbon means that business practices don’t contribute to global warming and climate change. Look for foods from its range of sustainable proteins that have fully recyclable packaging.

TRY “UPCOOKING” YOUR MEALS TO REDUCE FOOD WASTE

Reducing food waste is essential to preserving the planet. It’s estimated that the average Canadian wastes a staggering 174 pounds of household food each year, according to Radio Canada International. On a smaller scale, we have leftovers we don’t know what to do with that pile up in the fridge, whether they’re unused ingredients or uneaten takeout. But there are always quick and easy fixes to elevate your leftovers and bring some fun to mealtime. Don’t leave your leftovers behind—“upcook” them in fun ways to reduce your food waste with these tips.

SPICE UP STEWS AND SOUPS

Leftover or unused meat and vegetables take up room in our fridge, but they can bring endless and tasty upcooking opportunities in soups, braises, and stews, which can taste even richer on the second or third day. Most of the flavour and weight of meat comes from the bones, so why waste them? Maximize your grocery bill by simmering bones to make nutrient-packed bone broth. Season with different spice profiles to make a wide range of international dishes and travel the world without leaving your kitchen.

BACON MAKES EVERYTHING BETTER

Bacon is one of the most popular foods in Canada. In fact, a recent survey by Maple Leaf Foods reports that nearly half of Canadians believe that bacon makes everything taste better. Bacon is such a versatile ingredient that you can use leftovers to create tasty dishes for each course—even dessert! Look for all-natural bacon products, such as those from Maple Leaf Foods, to ensure you’re making a tasty choice that’s also sustainable.

DON’T LOAF AROUND

Bread ends and crusts have long been considered waste. However, these choice pieces—even when stale—can be the start of wonderful recipe ideas. French toast, crostini, and bread pudding all demand the use of bread crusts and day-old loaves, so with a little creativity, you can make the most of your next bakery purchase.

—NC