Talking Trash Project Day 8: Buying in Bulk

Photo Courtesy of Markus Bernet

(I wish I could take credit for taking the above photograph. What a clever idea this photographer had! If ever I get the opportunity to visit a farmer’s market in the city, I will have to see whether I may travel up inside of a building to take an aerial photograph.)

Buying in bulk at farmers’ markets, and most other markets and shops, is a wonderful way to save money (if you ask for a volume discount, chances are that you’ll strike a good deal) and reduces waste. One reason why farmers’ markets may offer a better volume discount is because at peak times during certain seasons, farmers may have more produce than they are able to sell; considering that the farmer worked hard to grow the goods, he or she will likely be satisfied to sell goods to someone who will put them to use.

Not only is buying in bulk good for your wallet (and your relationship with your local farmers), but it’s a great opportunity to reduce waste. When we buy in bulk at markets, we are reducing the amount of packaging needed to cart our products from market to home. Just 2 weeks ago our family visited a “Pick Your Own” farm and purchased nearly 20 lbs. of peaches at $.89/lb. While we did not request a bulk discount, we were able to haul away 20 lbs. in a box that might have held far less (had we opted not to purchase a large quantity).

Another way that farmers’ markets are unique in allowing consumers to reduce waste is due to the fact that purchases do not have to add up to lots of plastic bags and other plastic packaging. When environmentally minded purchasers choose to bring their own bags, they can tote their goods home and not have to worry about recycling plastic bags later. Additionally, other products available at farmers’ markets, like jams and preserves, are sold in glass jars, which are not only recyclable but are reusable too.

Tips for buying in bulk are plentiful on the web. To get started, here are a few helpful articles:

The Simple Dollar

Discusses how to make buying in bulk work as a group effort, whether it be with neighbors, family, or friends.

Jennifer Lance

Includes 5 easy suggestions for buying in bulk, including how to purchase and store products from bulk bins and what items to consider for buying in bulk (almost anything, according to Lance).

Creative Homemaking

Shares reasons why buying in bulk is advantageous for shoppers, as well as what kinds of items to purchase and how to store them.

Other Sources

I found this article on “How to Save Money at a Farmers’ Market” to be of immense help in crafting this post. You may learn a thing or two from it too.

As always, I love hearing your thoughts on saving our environment. I hope you’ll share an idea or two on how you make buying in bulk work. Thanks!