Picture by Laura Mitulla
The pandemic has taken a had a significant impact on access to unpackaged food, but there are different ways to shop in a way that's not detrimental to the planet.
Here are some alternatives to conventional grocery stores in Portland, OR.
Picture by Good Life Market Delivery
What if I told you that you could safely get your groceries in bulk (in reusable containers) straight to your door? Well, such a service now exists here in Portland!
Good Life Market is Portland's first and only zero-waste grocery delivery service. Their online marketplace currently features bulk dried goods, snacks, a breakfast section, cleaners, food storage, and more!
Place your first order at Good Life Market Delivery today!
Picture by Anne Preble
Besides growing my own food, buying produce straight from the farmer is my favorite way to shop. Supporting small farms, cutting down the middle-man is good for the people and good for the earth.
Find out where your closest farmers' market is, when it start, and which day it's held at Portland Farmers' markets.
Picture by Farsai Chaikulngamdee
OK I might have lied, maybe picking your own food is second best after growing it.
There are quite a few farms in Oregon where you can harvest fruit, Sauvie Island might be the hotspot.
Check out this list of U Pick Farms and plan a fun family outing!
Picture by Conscious by Chloé
Fact: I Own a Grocery Store with Some Friends. You don't believe me but it's true, because I'm a member of a co-op!
Co-ops are yet another way to buy responsibly and make sure that suppliers and employees are paid fair wages. Also, the aforementioned co-ops have bulk aisles (check with them to know what the guidelines are during the pandemic - some let you fill your own containers, other will do it for you - let's all remember that the goal is for everyone to stay safe).
I wrote a whole article about shopping in the bulk aisle. I LOVE MY CO-OP!
Picture by Elisabeth Allie for Bob's Red Mill
World-famous Bob's Red Mill based here in Oregon and we're lucky to have access to its Whole Grain Store. They have a whole guide to How to Shop the Bulk Bins. Check it out!
Picture by Sheridan Fruit Company
Sheridan Fruit Company offers a huge bulk selection, from flour to olives. Pandemic update: "You may have noticed our bulk bins are empty, however the product is available. Just ask a staff member for assistance."
Many other more conventional stores also have bulk aisles, check them out below and don't forget that you can upload the Zero Waste PDX map on your phone or computer to see what's the closest bulk store.
Coming soon:
Our amazing friend Shannon Tivona created this comprehensive Portland Bulk Inventory app, so if you're looking for an item in particular, check it out.
As always, the Zero Waste Portland Guide lists every single resource you might need to lead sustainable life in Portland!
And don't miss my list of Portland Zero Waste Essentials and Refill Stores too!
