Instant Survey: Grocery Shopping
by Jeremy McCumber on 09.21.05
As Treehuggers, one of the more simple things we can do to help create a sustainable future is to purchase sustainably produced foods. Buying organic is a great choice, but it can be both expensive and/or difficult to find; buying locally grown food (http://www.localharvest.org/ ) is another great way to support a sustainable food system, even if locally grown food isn't organic it can help keep small farmers in production, farmers who may one day choose to grow organically. We're curious to know where Threehugger readers are shopping for their food. As always, comments are welcome and encouraged below.
No choice for those who grow all their own?
I choose a conventional grocer, because I can easily walk there. The nearest Wild Oats is unfortunately about half an hour's drive.
I live in Berkeley, where there's a lot of overlap between categories. I shop mostly at an independent grocery store that stocks a lot of local produce and also a good number of organic items. I also shop at the local farmer's markets, and I get a bit of produce from the back yard. But I checked "independent grocer" for lack of a hybrid option.
I actually do a combination of my local Mexican market, farmers market, Trader Joe's and Pavilions.
Anything within walking distance ( Mexican & farmers markets ) are visited once a week. The others are all visited on the way to ( or from ) other errands.
I try to do natural / organic whenever budget / time allows ( TJs is a short drive ) and have been avoiding anything with a major ingredient of high-fructose corn syrup.
Seriously, what's up with corn syrup in yogurt? Blech!
Trader Joe's is a "natural foods store"? They may carry more than the average big-box store, but a great deal of their stuff is full of the same hydrogenated and artificial crap as everywhere else (not to mention that some of their "meatless" items contain non-vegetarian ingredients).
Whole Foods, Trader Joes and local/independent markets (which for me could technically include Costco, which carries a lot of organic stuff) for me. Who shops at just one place these days?
Wow...no option for Organic produce and grocery delivery services?
I get a big ol' box of (mostly) locally grown fruits and veggies delivered to my door every 2nd week. I can order other groceries from them too...but you have no option that seems to indicate this. :(
I don't own a car so I have mine delivered. Both Albertsons and Vons (traditional grocery stores) deliver in my area. No need for an SUV.