Going to the supermarket to buy groceries is an often underestimated, consumerism-laden and market-directed daily act. Loading the cart with products that many times are superfluous can become a habit that is harmful to the environment and society.
Otherwise, adopting sustainable spending is essential to improve lifestyle and benefit the country’s ecosystem.
Sustainable Spending: Definition and Importance
Choosing conscious and sustainable spending involves opting for quality products whose provenance is known, avoiding harm to property, people, animals and the environment during production and distribution.
In the digital age, sustainability also extends to the digitization of movements, with the possibility of sustainable shopping online.
How to Make a Conscious and Sustainable Spend.
For smart grocery shopping, the first step is to buy sustainable foods, preferring fresh produce with limited plastic or cardboard packaging. In many supermarkets, fruit and vegetable bags are no longer disposable, but can be reused for wet goods.
Carrying reusable bags at all times is another important step to reduce the use of single-use bags.
Choosing natural foods over processed ones contributes not only to a healthier diet but also to a positive environmental impact. Reducing the consumption of tropical products and meat, in order to limit air pollution, is also crucial.
One should be wary of “below cost” products, as their inferior quality often implies the use of pollutants, thus counteracting the philosophy of smart shopping.
Sustainable Foods: What to Buy
Sustainable foods include fruits and vegetables of Italian origin, legumes, grains and nuts. For milk, cheese and eggs, it is advisable to choose those from certified farms, such as organic eggs from free-range hens.
The Mediterranean diet, recognized by UNESCO as a protected good, is ideal for a sustainable and healthy lifestyle. Buying seasonal, organic and local foods, limiting meat consumption and preferring local fish and plant-based proteins are other key aspects of a sustainable shopping list.
Unsustainable Products: What to Avoid
Some unsustainable products include meat, fish, dairy, chocolate, bananas, quinoa, soy, and palm oil. These products can have negative environmental impacts due to unethical production practices, polluting transportation, and deforestation.
Awareness of the provenance and production process of foods is essential for making informed choices and promoting a sustainable lifestyle. Limiting the purchase and consumption of unsustainable products is a crucial step toward a more eco-friendly future.
