The cooking video is up! If you want to see me making one of these meals check it out here >>> ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Ft8d15fdLZg.html
Does anyone else make full meals primarily from entirely plastic free (as in fresh produce)? I’m sad that that plastic would end up in the trash anyways. What is the least trash meal look like for you? Even at a Walmart if it had a produce section
I was so disappointed Newman's Own started using plastic jars. I wrote them a letter on their website expressing my concerns. Maybe they will switch back!
I think part of it is NO wants to recycle glass anymore. I know the city of Atlanta doesn't recycle glass. I did move to another county, where they now recycle glass.
I hope you have gotten Imperfect Foods to your city by now. I just started with them waiting for my second box and it is ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL. However they do package many of the products in plastic if you choose things other than produce. (An actually the cauliflower was wrapped in plastic too)
If there is a WINCO grocery around - they have tons of bulk bins with pasta, rice, spices, baking mixes, candy, even catfood and birdseed. And mostly unpackaged produce.
Hey you mentioned that some cans are lined in plastic, could you show us what that looks like in a future video? Also do you remove the paper lining for your cans when you recycle?
Love that you are showing ppl more sustainable choices. Some people might only do their shopping at Target or that is the only option available to them. Can not wait to see more stores video likes this.
I’m glad someone else knows about Harris teeter! My friends who live farther away have no idea what it is because it’s only a state/region wide store 🤷🏼♀️
Loaded sweet potato fries. Cut up sweet potato fries drizzle with oil and bake. Top with black beans, corn, avocado, tomatoes, onion, jalapenos, and whatever else you want. We just made them yesterday. So delicious. It looked like there were quite a few options for zero/low waste meals at Target. More than I expected.
Target is definitely limited on what fresh produce they have. And produce that isn't pre wrapped in plastic. But it was still a great video regardless.
In what world are tomatoes $7? Alaska. That’s where. I bought a tomato at a farmers market and it was $5!!!! When stuff is on sale, I take a picture of the sign with my phone so I cant have the cashier argue with me.
Both Targets I go to frequently ring up the wrong (and higher price) because no one has entered the sale prices into their system (and WHY is this)??!! I've told the cashier about what the sign says, and they have sent someone over there to do it and will then give me the correct price. It's extremely frustrating, but call them out on it. I think Target is hoping people will not want to bother and they will make more $$.
I live in Connecticut. State Law is that if a consumer commodity rings incorrectly, you get one of each item free, but you have to point that out. Target is very good at honoring that without a problem. Check your state consumer protection laws. I’ve scored tons for free stuff this way.
I'm going to take a picture from now on for each sign of what I've purchased so I can prove it to the cashier if they make this mistake. Thanks for the heads up
Yeah...no, I'm pretty sure everything in costco has some sort of packaging unfortunately. Even their bulk eggs are wrapped in plastic within the carton :(
I love that you're buying food which would be wasted otherwise. I have a lot of problems to buy zero waste, cause I'm living in a small city in Germany. But we do also have some organisations selling fruits and vegetables that are too small or too big or what ever to be sold in supermarkets and products beyond the expiration date (but longer edible like pasta and food in cans or snacks) It's a nice option cause it's cheaper and you reduce food waste. In the end I want to thank you for your encouraging videos, without you and other youtubers I would probably have given up on my low waste journey 💚
A useful trick for recycling plastic bags, film, etc. (at least in Atlanta) is that crunchy and non-stretchy plastic can't be recycled, but soft and/ or stretchy plastic bags and film can be. This is just what the Center for Hard to Recycle Materials in Atlanta will and won't recycle. For example, the plastic bags grapes are often sold in isn't recyclable here. Not sure for other places, but it's worth researching if you have somewhere for hard to recycle materials, or even just asking volunteers or employees there.
This is the first of your videos I have watched, I love how respectful you were of recording in the store! I also love how informative it was, I am trying to make less waste
I absolutely love Target but I’ve decided I need to just stay away from there. Not only for my own wallet, but for the environment. Every time I’d go there I’d immediately run to Starbucks and grab a drink, then I’d head to the dollar section by the front to buy useless cheap junk, before I knew it my car would be full! I’ve decided I no longer want to live that way. Either way, awesome video as always! ❤️❤️❤️
MariaG1018 same.. and not just that but once when i finished checking out i carried items in hand because i forgot reusable bag.. the customer service associate literally asked why i didn’t grab plastic bags for my stuff. 🤷🏻♀️
I’ve had to stop going unless they have an electronic item on sale that I’ve been eying for awhile. I will have to put my blinders on and basically run to the electronics section then run out.
I used to do the same but not anymore.. It was hard at first bc Target is right next to my house and I got there a lot. But now I just buy what I really need and nothin else.
Aldi's or Save a Lot would be cool! The most plastic in my life comes from groceries, since I'm vegan and I live in a dorm most of the year. I always bring my own bags, and do my best, but it's a challenge.
How can you get chips without the plastic bag? Chips are my favorite snack and I can't find them zero waste unless I make them from scratch which I don't do because it's a lot of work. Any tips would be appreciated. Thanks Shelby!
Kathryn Mercier at several cantinas near where I live, it’s common and possible for customers to just order chips! I do it quite often. They even have the prices listed behind where the host/hostess stands in the front of the restaurant.
Really enjoyed your messaging breakdown at the beginning of the video, and walking more carefully through some of the underlying methodology of why zero waste groceries can be a good net benefit. Helps with giving more in-depth info for folks on what to pay attention to and be mindful of. :)
In Italy it is forbidden to put veggies and fruits into your bags, you have to use the one provided by supermarkets and pay them €0,02/0,05 each, depending on where you buy. On the other hand, there are way less pre-wrapped veggies here, and basically zero pre-peeled and cut fruits.
I love buying things in glass jars and even plastic jars because I’m able to reuse them to store things and hopefully I’ll be able to convince my mom to try shopping in bulk some day.
With gravy (marinara to those not NYC or NJ Italians) I make a HUGE vat of it with big cans of tomatoes....needs to cook for 7 hours but I put it in smaller glass jars (mason) and freeze. One day of cooking can make 8-10 meals for me and the fiancé. I love it on so many things!
Shelby you should of told her she was overcharging you. You can actually still go back to Target customer service desk with your receipt and get the money they overcharged you back. Also I love your videos I just started my low waste journey and I've been watching all your videos like an addict. I live in Texas too Fiesta Mexican grocery store is awesome for zero waste shopping.
thank u for these series! i live far from zero waste specific grocery stores. i have target, trader joes, whole foods, and qfc near me! you’ve done most of these already, which i am super greatful for
I think Costco would be super cool for this series! I’m sure you don’t have a membership but you are allowed to go in and look around without one just not buy anything.
Love your channel!!! Would love to see an Aldi zero waste, they do package a lot of their stuff but some is loose that you can pick what you need without plasric, but I usually end up going to walmart for things like onions, tomatoes, zucchini since they have a bigger selection of bulk stuff.
I really like that you went for glass and metal packaged products and explained why it was okay. So many zero waste videos I’ve seen seem to demonize ALL packaging, when really every bit helps. Also I love your eco > ego sweatshirt! Can I ask where you got it?
I love this and all your videos soooo much! I hope soon that companies will take notice of the zero waste trend and videos like yours and start reducing plastic packaging for good!
Here in Ontario, Canada we have bulk barn. Its a bulk chain. Where i live specifically has a place called zero waste bulk that just opened! No produce though. Higher end grocery stores usually have all package free produce I find though which is nice, but can be pricey as a student.
Do you have an Aldi in Texas? My family almost exclusively does our food shopping there bc it's more affordable. Although it's not zero packaging, I think it's a somewhat better alternative to stores like Walmart.
You may have already but if not, could you show us what your recycling situation looks like in your home? I have a very small house so any ideas are helpful. Aside from that, thank you SO MUCH for your inspiring videos!
The Newman's Own I buy is in glass. That's too bad that it seems to be changing. Even though I have access to a Zero Waste store, I still have to go through the exercise you have demonstrated here as I can't buy everything in bulk for two reasons: we keep strictly kosher, and certain foods need a certification (therefore packaging), and the second reason is a peanut allergy in the family. (Recently, spices have been challenging, as I get excited to find something in glass, that is kosher, and then has a peanut warning. So frustrating to have so many standards to maintain!)
Oooo, I love this video, it is very helpful for those of us without bulk stores around. I have Aldi in the next town over but do most of my grocery shopping at Food Lion and sometimes Walmart.
If you use mason jars or can. The classico style jars are standard mason jars. I use then over and over for canning and storage. Regular ball and kerr lids fit them.
Hi, Shelbizleee! I just wanted to let you know that I cited your video on my local Target's "customer feedback survey". I told them that you go shopping with a zero waste mission in mind and that Target was the hardest place to shop, so they should rethink their operations! It's especially bothersome because I'm Minnesotan, and this is a Minnesota company. We are an eco-minded state, yet our biggest grocery store is terrible at plastic usage! Thanks for doing this! Hopefully, some changes will be made if we all work together :)
Usually Mexican based grocery stores have way more options for buying unpackaged produce! Stores such as Cardenas or El Super or Superior. Just a suggestion.
We have POWWOW in Arizona where a $12 donation gets up to 70 pounds of fresh produce. It's from Borderlands Food Bank and helps keep excess produce out of landfills and on to plates. Once a month they visit our city, but Tucson and Phoenix areas often have the event most Saturdays. Most of the produce is loose and cardboard boxes are always available for those who need them. That's how we save money and the earth out here!☺
I'm guessing somebody already mentioned this (you have over 700 comments! My gawd!) - cook the couscous and black beans, fill the bell peppers (drizzle olive oil) and bake them for 20 min. I'm really enjoying your videos...just so ya know ;)
Where I love in Germany they have a little folder at the register that has the codes for produce and bread in it so they just put the produce on a little scale that is integrated into the register and enter the code and boom, no more confusion about prices with unpackaged produce
I love this video! It's so eye opening. Unfortunately, it is so difficult to buy zero waste. Ideally you want to grow your own veggies but it's so hard:( big businesses dont make it easy!!!!
Please do more videos about trying to reduce ur plastic waste or even tips etc i learnt a lot from this video and really enjoyed it! Definitely going to invest in some produce bags now!!
I went to the supermarket today, there wasn't any pasta not in plastic, or rice either. I also buy frozen veg in plastic because you get so much more for your money. In terms of food waste, I find it better to buy stuff for the freezer, so then I can get out a single serving.
Sorry if someone already said this but I worked at a Super Target for years and it's completely different there, they have a much bigger selection of groceries. More variety of unpackaged produce for sure, and probably a lot more options as far as spices and such. Also, they are extremely receptive to feedback. They've been working hard to reprioritize their ingredients and their sourcing, and I'm sure they'd love to trim down their packaging and their use of plastics. If enough people mention in their surveys or reach out to corporate you could relatively quickly see changes in the stores :) no company is perfect but I know from my experience that Target cares a lot about the way their consumers feel and honoring their requests. They also do collabs with tv personalities 👀👀
I always take a picture of the super deals like that to help expedite the price verify. Don't be afraid to speak up to get the proper pricing, they want to sell the product and those dimes here or there can really add up!
Thanks for doing a video like this. I often go into stores like Target and end up walking out without any of the items I need. Some of the packaging is straight up ridiculous and unnecessary.
You might be able to pass the little acetate plastic windows from the pasta box to crafters. I make greeting cards and sometimes use acetate. It's super expensive to buy at the craft store so I always save it from pasta boxes, envelopes, etc.
Great video. I would suggest maybe making a stuffed bell pepper. Using the quinoa, tomatoes, the beans and the chili powder all mixed together. Maybe make some sweet potatoes fried for the side dish.
Hi! Do you care about where the goods you buy are produced? I heard you talking about avocados and quinoa, i read that to be produced they need a lot of water and they are usually produced in intensive croppings like a lot of other vegetables and legumes, unfortunately even if I try to avoid buying them the majority of stuff (if you prefer not to spend a lot) available is produced that way and in very far countries, how do you cope with that? Maybe in the US it's easier :)
