Zero-waste shopping has been trendy for years now, and it's a trend that *should* go viral. At Deep Roots Market, it is very easy to reduce your packaging waste by shopping in the co-op's extensive bulk department. As a fun history tidbit, Deep Roots started as a bulk-buying club in the dorms of Guilford College. We have stayed true to our roots by having the *best* bulk section in the Triad.

Yes, that is an astonishing 360 items available in Bulk! 

How to shop bulk:

1. You can bring your own container (bag/jar/etc.) from home. Write the weight (tare) on the container. Write the PLU # on the container. Fill it up!
2. There are paper bags located in the bulk department. Write the PLU # on the bag. Fill it up! 

Why shopping bulk is good for the planet: 

1. Eliminating Packaging Waste: Bulk goods come to the co-op in 25-50# paper bags. Packaged goods get repacked into smaller portions (often being packed in plastic) & packed into boxes. When you shop bulk you can use your own container or use paper bags.
2. Reducing Transportation:
Bulk goods: Packed in 25-50# bags > Sent to warehouses > Sent to Grocery stores
Packaged goods: Bulk goods are sent to companies > Items get repackaged into smaller portions & boxes > Sent to warehouses > Sent to Grocery Stores
3. Reducing Food Waste: When you shop bulk you can purchase *just the right amount* if you need ½ a cup of an obscure ingredient for a recipe, you can buy just that amount and not have a package of food sitting in your pantry unused.

Next time you are in the store take a walk through bulk, and don’t forget your reusable bags & jars!