A local market is one of the easiest places to shop with less packaging. Fruit, vegetables and bread are often sold loose, so you can pick what you want and carry it home in your own bags. There are fewer plastic trays, less cling film and fewer printed labels on every single item. All you need is a bit of preparation before you set out.
Take a few cloth bags of different sizes, including one sturdy bag for heavy things such as potatoes or apples. Small bags of thin cloth are handy for mushrooms, nuts and other light items. A basket or a trolley makes the walk between stalls much easier. Fold everything flat and keep it in one place by the door, so that you never leave home without it.
Ask for what you need
At the stall, say plainly that you have brought your own bag. Many traders are happy to weigh things loose and tip them straight in. If a stallholder reaches for a plastic bag out of habit, a friendly word is usually all it takes. Do not worry about being fussy, because a polite request is nothing unusual.
Pack heavier and sturdier items first, then the softer ones on top. Keep anything damp, such as salad leaves or herbs, in a separate cloth bag so that it does not soak the rest. Fragile fruit such as ripe plums is best carried in a small box or basket. A little care at this stage saves a lot of trouble on the way home.
Once home, empty the bags straight away and shake out any crumbs or bits of soil. Wash the cloth bags regularly, since they carry a surprising amount of dirt from stall to stall. Hang them to dry before folding them away. A bag that is stored damp will smell, and nobody wants to put bread into it next time.
Visiting a market can become a pleasant habit rather than a chore. You meet the people who sell the food, you see what is in season and you often find something new. Wandering slowly between the stalls also stops you from buying more than you need. It is a simple way to cut down on packaging and enjoy the shopping as well.
