Geoff and Michelle (the delightful owners) of The Source Bulk Foods Lane Cove are Zero Waste Advocates – they work towards zero waste in their business and their private life and they have some tips on how you can start your own Zero Waste Journey
Buy Bulk Foods – Good for Your Budget
Budget shopping is not about buying the cheapest – it’s all about buying what you need. Money is just thrown away every time a bit of wasted food hits the bin.
A bit of quick planning goes a long way when budget shopping – a shopping list that includes both items and weights ensures you don’t end up with a basket full of food that’s going to end up in the back of the cupboard or fridge. Remember that stir-fry recipe that needed 2 teaspoons of Chinese Five Spice and now there is a jar of the stuff living in the back of the pantry. When you shop at a bulk food store, you can buy exactly what you need when you need it and the added benefit is food tastes better when it’s fresher!
Are there any containers/tools you should have on hand when Bulk Food Shopping?
A good bulk food store should have everything you will need to help you shop including measuring cups and spoons and scales to ensure you can pull out that shopping list and buy what you need. The stores will also stock a good range of storage jars, although you can save even more if you bring in your own storage jars – the cheapest are the jars that might have gone into the recycling bin in the past.
How do you recommend storing bulk buys at home?
Glass is the best storage option, as the food stays fresher and you can see what’s inside. A great trick is to buy a liquid chalk pen from your local stationery shop – write the contents and use by date on the jar and it all wipes off with a little water.
If you are using recycled containers – a black sharpie pen is a simple way to label the packaging so you can keep track of what’s inside.
What are your top five ingredients we should always have on hand?
1. Turmeric – natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant to reduce the risk of arthritis, Alzheimer’s and heart disease. Add turmeric to smoothies, salad dressings, soups, strews, stir-fries (anything really) and make sure to add a small pinch of pepper to ensure the all important curcumin in the turmeric is activated. A Turmeric Chai every morning is the perfect option to get a tasty daily dose.
2. Macadamia Oil – burns at a high heat so is safe for hot frying, and has a mild taste that does not infuse the food.
3. Quinoa – gluten free, complete protein that is multi-talented. It has a delicate nutty flavour that makes a great muesli, rice replacement or to bulks up any salad.
4. Oats – one of the healthiest grains on the planet as they have a wellbalanced nutrition profile and can be used in everything from breakfast, to baking to stews and soups.
5. Tamari – gluten free soy sauce that adds a rich saltiness to any dish. Use it as a seasoning in place of salt in soups, stews and even spaghetti bolognaise – anything savoury loves a little bit of Tamari.
What do you see are the top benefits of buying food in this manner?
1. Saves money – buying what you need so food never hits the bin and your hip pocket.
2. Storage – recycled glass jars keep food fresher and can be filled instore so the only unpacking at home is from your reusable bag straight into the pantry.
3. Tastes better – food is better when the ingredients are fresh and stored well, not extracted from the back of the pantry where they have been hanging out in half opened packaging for the past year.
4. Better for you – bulk food is less processed so you know what’s in it and you are in control of what you add to it and therefore add to your body.
5. Better for the planet – less food waste and less packaging means less landfill and no extra manufacturing to keep churning out more and more food and the packaging it goes in.
And lastly, why should we all get on board the bulk food wagon?
Bulk food shopping saves money, the food tastes better and its better for you and the planet – why wouldn’t you get on the bandwagon?!?!?
The Source Bulk Foods Lane Cove
Contact Details
Address: Shop 12 & 13 Lane Cove Market Square, 24-28 Burns Bay Road (next door to Trendsetter Travel)
Phone: (02) 9420 5055
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: The Source Bulk Foods Lane Cove
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