Best Green Grocery Stores
10/12/2009
by Mae Jones
Committing to a green diet is just like committing to any diet. You can't lament what you aren't allowed to eat, you have to embrace what you should. And committing to a green diet is also like committing yourself to any other aspect of green living. It requires a change of perspective and some diligence, but the rewards far outweigh that sacrifice. Try to make your own meals instead of buying it frozen or prepared. Try to cut down on the consumption of meat. Try to eat locally and seasonally. And when you can, choose organic groceries. These three stores will help you in your efforts.
THE CHEAPEST: TRADER JOE'S. My receipt here was by far the cheapest. On four items, I managed to save a few dollars and get a greater quantity of food. The organic items are marked up less here than anywhere else. For organic olive oil, for example, you'll pay maybe twenty cents more, while you're likely to pay a few dollars more at GE or WF. Stock up on your coffee, chocolate, pizza sauce, cooking oils, fruit juices, soup stocks, and snacks here. Avoid meats and some of the pre-made sauces and marinades, but feel free to try before you decide for yourself.
THE GREENEST: WHOLE FOODS and TRADER JOE'S. Both companies are committed to local farmers, sustainable practices, and encouraging you to make green choices. When you shop here, you're contributing your hard earned money to very green-minded retailers. You're going to find WAY more organic food at both stores than you will at your local super store. On the downside, there might not be a WF or TJ in your town, in which case, the organic section of that super store will serve you well (but not as well as a farmer's market or a garden). And you despite the selection, you may still have to make a few trips to get everything you need.
THE BEST: WHOLE FOODS. You will pay more, and you might get less quantity, but you'll be guaranteed consistently good quality and assurance that you're consuming something that's as good for your body as it is for the planet. Most things are organic, almost everything is healthy, and the taste is superb. Buy your bulk goods like rice, nuts, oats, beans, etc. here, as well as produce, dairy, bakery, and deli items. Get your toiletries here, and maybe a yoga mat or something to read while you're at it. Trader Joe's is a fairly close second, especially if you want to save a little money and you find a few TJ products that you can't live without (I have: Mmm...chili oil and pizza sauce).
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