BYO Reusable Containers for Your Market Shop
It’s Plastic Free July, so what better time to think beyond the shopping bag and reusable coffee cup and start bringing your own containers for your Market shop. From calamari to Comté, wool wash to walnuts and porterhouse to peanut butter, you will be surprised at just how much of your shopping list can be purchased plastic-free at the Market.
It's not just for your groceries either, you can also bring your own containers for your takeaway lunch, tea, coffee and more. Don't forget your shopping bag to carry all your containers and Market goodies home.
If you’re just starting your reusables journey, don’t worry, you don’t have to do it all at once - pick one item that you regularly buy and start with that. We’ll be here to support you along the way with tips and tricks on how you can avoid single-use plastic and the treasure trove of sustainable products you can find in the Market – sometimes in the least expected places.
Switching away from plastics to more sustainable single-use options is a great step, but far from perfect.
- Some plastic can’t easily be phased out yet - items like salmon, shampoo and sausages need a waterproof barrier and unfortunately bioplastic and compostable alternatives aren’t the sustainable alternative they appear to be.
- Only using an item once, even if can be recycled, still uses valuable resources.
Luckily the most sustainable solution is easy - reusable shopping containers!
Not just good for the planet
There’s lots of other great benefits to bringing your own containers including:
- Quick to unpack, easy to view: The containers can go straight into the fridge and it’s easy to see exactly what’s in there when deciding what’s for dinner.
- Saving money: There’s a reason why Goldilocks got her name - bringing your own containers to buy the amount that is just right for you helps you save money. You can avoid buying more than you need or buy larger amounts in bulk instead of paying more for smaller packages. Win win!
- Longer life: Products stored in reusable containers can benefit from a considerably extended life. Reusable mesh grocery bags help maintain the freshness and crispness of your fresh fruit and veg; while your proteins, raw meat and fish and deli items, can be kept in reusable airtight containers to prevent cross contamination and maintain quality.
- A shopping list that won’t get lost: Use a post it, masking tape or our sustainable favourite, a wax pencil, to write what you need on the lid of the container before you go. Make sure you pack a few empty ones in case there’s something you forgot or for that irresistible impulse purchase.
- Reduced costs: For small business owners, packaging can represent a considerable expense. By opting for reusable containers, they can significantly reduce these costs. This not only leads to direct cost savings but also helps small businesses to become more sustainable and environmentally friendly
Unsure where to start? The Market has you covered. You can purchase a range of reusable containers, shopping bags and reusable coffee cups on your next visit to the Market.
- Reusable containers, shopping bags and shopping baskets from W.B. Smith and Co Kitchenware,
- Ceramic containers with sealable microwave safe lids from In2Homewares,
- Stainless steel reusable containers from Moses and Co. Market Wholefoods,
- Reusable coffee cups and shopping bags from Suki McMaster,
- Reusable coffee cups at coffee providers including including Burhan's Espresso; Clement Coffee and Padre Coffee,
- Heading to The Soap Shop to refill your chemical-free detergent, Grace has a supply of recycled containers for you to use.
Forgot your reusable containers? Don't worry, just bring them along next time.
Visit Grace at The Soap Shop with your containers for detergents, shampoos, and household liquids.
One last thing
Our traders want to ensure that they food they sell you is safe to eat. Please make sure your containers are clean and dry or they can’t be accepted by our traders.