Buying in bulk

Reworking your waste stream > Reducing your waste production > Buying package-free groceries > Buying in bulk

Buying in bulk doesn’t mean to have to buy a lot. In fact, you can buy as little as you want.

Buying in bulk just means that you let your grocery store buy one big bag of product, which you then pick up in your own (most likely) reusable container. One big bag = less waste than a bunch of small bags – plus, it’s often cheaper, too.

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Affordable

Buying large amounts of product at once is cheaper for the store, and that discount is often reflected in the price.

Impactful

In addition to cutting down on food packaging waste, buying in bulk also allows you to only purchase as much of a good as you will use.

Aesthetic

Interested in the ‘look’ of living zero waste? Buying in bulk and storing your goods in secondhand jars and containers is a great way to look the part.

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How to buy in bulk

Bulk goods are priced based on the weight of the product. The exact steps to buying in bulk varies depending on the store; some allow you to bring your own container, while others prefer not.

If you are bringing your own container…

Measure and record the tare weight of your container (this is the weight of the container when it is empty); many stores have scales near the bulk section where you can measure this, or you can ask a cashier to do it for you. If you don’t have your own container (or you are using a light container, such as a mesh bag), you can skip this step.
Gather your products; use the provided scoops to get as much (or as little) as a product as you would like.
Record the name/ID number of the product you got; these are often labeled on the product bin. Many stores offer tags to record this number; it is how the cashier will identify your product up front.
That’s all!

Though the first time can be intimidating, purchasing in bulk is a great method of cutting down on food packaging waste when purchasing groceries. If you’re worried, a great place to start is to simply approach a friendly employee and ask for a walkthrough!

Bulk buying tips & tricks

If the store asks you to use the provided bags (but you are trying to avoid the plastic), trying locating paper bags in the store to use instead – these bags are often available near bulk goods such as coffee
If you don’t want to worry about the hassle of tare weight, use and re-use a provided plastic bag; then empty the product into your own storage container at home
Many stores have signs up with directions for purchasing in bulk
If you have any questions, just ask an employee!

Lincoln stores with bulk food

Lincoln does not have any bulk-specific stores; however, a variety of other stores have bulk sections that you can walk through while doing your regular shopping. Some common Lincoln stores with bulk sections include the following: