Plan your meals and make a shopping list before heading to the supermarket. This helps avoid impulse buys and reduces the chances of buying more food than you need, ultimately minimizing food waste and unnecessary packaging.

Many supermarkets in New Zealand now offer bulk bins for staples like rice, pasta, nuts, and dried fruits. Bring your own reusable containers or bags to fill up on these items, cutting down on single-use plastic packaging. Remember to tare your containers before filling!

Fresh produce often comes wrapped in plastic. Ditch the plastic produce bags and use reusable alternatives instead. These are lightweight, washable, and can be used for everything from apples and bananas to leafy greens and herbs.

Look for products with minimal packaging or packaging made from recycled materials. Opt for larger sizes when possible, as they typically have a lower packaging-to-product ratio. Avoid individually wrapped items and consider buying items like yogurt or dips in larger containers and portioning them out at home.

By making these small changes to your shopping habits, you can make a big difference in the amount of waste you generate. Every step towards reducing waste contributes to a healthier Aotearoa.