Published on July 20th, 2011 | by Guest Contributor

Package-Free Groceries?

Does package-free grocery shopping sound like green heaven? It may soon be possible for those living in Austin, Texas.

America’s First Package-Free Store

In.gredients is poised to be the first package-free, zero waste grocery store in the United States. It’s a pretty startling claim to fame and quite an impressive undertaking. Consider this: Americans throw away 1.4 billion pounds of waste every day, and 40% of it comes from one-time packaging.

Since we don’t often consider where our trash goes, it’s not something that we think about. You buy your sugar, flour, baking soda, etc and understand that at some point you will be throwing away the container in which it was originally purchased. But does it really have to be that way? In.gredients says no.

The Lane brothers, who are opening the store, want to change our basic thoughts about what a grocery store needs to be. Those changes are big steps that will allow them to offer food package-free. First and foremost, customers will buy in bulk. All of your basics – produce, grains, flour, sugar, milk, cheese – will be available in bulk. As a customer, you bring your own container, weigh it when you arrive, add product, weight it again, and take that to check out. It’s as simple as that.

But more than just bulk food options, the Lane brothers are changing what is included in their store. Following the standard sustainable living tips, they are going to encourage cooking. That means that will carry only food in season. No junk food. Products will be organic and locally focused. Instead of stocking up warehouse club style, customers will be more inclined to purchase what they need. Of course, they will feature a myriad of vegan and gluten-free options.

Sounds fantastic doesn’t it? The Lane brothers refer to it as “Grocery 2.0” and I think they’re right.

Sources: In.gredients, Time Magazine, YouTube video

Image: Flickr bcmom

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Tags: bulk purchases, groceries, grocery, package free, recycle, Recycling, shopping

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