How to go green while staying in the black
LOCKDOWN living opened all our eyes to how we shop. And with stories every day about shopping sustainably, it’s time to think about how to change our spending habits for good.
But at a time when households have become particularly cost-conscious, some may be concerned they can’t necessarily afford to pay for goods which have been produced in a way that’s kinder to the world around them.
And with thousands of jobs disappearing every week, many shoppers might find they face a dilemma of snapping up bargains or the bigger picture of where products come from.
However, shopping sustainably doesn’t always have to mean paying much more at the till.
Some small tweaks could make a significant difference, even for those on a budget.
Here are some tips from Julie Ashfield, managing director of buying at Aldi..
Buy what’s in season Fruit and vegetables can often be cheaper – and tastier – if they are in season, as there is simply more of them available.
Buying food which originated in the UK will also support farmers and help cut food miles.
Over the summer months, for example, you may find supermarkets are stocked up with plenty of beetroot, kale and sweetcorn.
It can be a good idea to research recipes in advance to inspire you.
Cut food waste A great way of saving money is to eat everything you buy, as it’s estimated that households throw away one-fifth of all the food bought every week.
Be wary of multi-buy deals that might lead you to buy more than you actually need.
Buying in bulk and cooking up meals that can be frozen and consumed at a later date is an easy way to make the food you buy go further and reduces the chance of anything being thrown out.
Check out labelling Look out for Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified fish. By choosing seafood with the MSC’s blue fish label you are supporting sustainable fisheries.
Cruelty-free cleaning Many shoppers will look for cruelty-free cosmetics and toiletries but household cleaning products may also be tested on animals. Cruelty Free International awards its gold standard leaping bunny certification across household goods.