Supermarkets have evolved their packaging the past decades, turning simple paper bags into expiry-date optimizing plastics and advanced microwaveable one-person meal boxes. This minimizes food decay during transport and distribution, and prolongs food’s shelf-life in the supermarket. True.
But, on the other hand, outsourcing the cutting, peeling and portioning of vegetables into snack-size bags for on-the-go supermarkets means more environmental impact, because the supply chain is extended. (Of course, you win in terms of convenience and quick cooking, but that’s another story.)
Image credits: Martin Argles/The Guardian
What if you could buy exactly as much as you’d like to have? Just a handful of macadamias, more than the little bush of pre-packaged fresh cilantro and the exact blend of oats, cereals, seeds and dried fruits to match your granola recipe?
So, think market-style, but in a shop. Think bring your own jars, bags and baskets and stack your kitchen to fit your cupboard and fridge. Waste less food by smart shopping. Experiment with exotic or expensive foods, because you can buy as little as you want. And think all this in one place.
That’s London’s Unpackaged and Austin’s in.gredients. Both stores use little to no packaging for their goods, giving control back to the consumer. I can’t wait to fill my boxes and old yoghurt jars in the store, instead of moving half of the material contents of my grocery bag right into my waste-bin after cooking.
Come on, bring your own!
Living Antenna 
yay! like the food-coop!!
So true, I loved the veggie-boxes and how you could go about selecting exactly the ingredients you needed – instead of ending up with excess ingredients!