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Bulk Food Store Skills: 9 Ways to Shop at Wasteless Pantry

Shopping Options at Wasteless Pantry, more than another Bulk Food Store

We want it to be as easy and enjoyable as possible to shop at our bulk food store.  We know that it seems daunting to start on your waste less or zero waste journey! But, really, it doesn’t need to be inconvenient or difficult.  Just start with a few products and then expand from there.

Bulk food stores are there to help you reduce your food waste, by allowing you to only buy in the quantity you actually need.  This way when you get home you have just enough for the meal you are making, without the leftover prepackaged amount staring at you guiltily every time you open your pantry.  Plus, because you have only bought what you need, you know that it is as fresh and tasty as it should be.  No stale spices, no inactive yeast, and no using up last years latest super food.  Just remember to bring your shopping list so you don’t get tempted to buy all the goodies you find and be sure to bring your reusable shopping kit of reusable shopping bags, produce bags and containers if you are trying to reduce your packaging waste too!

So apparently there are at least 9 options for shopping at Wasteless Pantry – check out our latest how-to video on Youtube…

  1. Use paper bags
  2. Use a produce bag
  3. Fill reused containers – bring your own or grab donated ones
  4. Fill a new reusable container
  5. Pick up pre-bagged mixes
  6. Drop off your containers for filling
  7. Drop off a shopping list
  8. & 9.  Call or email your shopping list to be filled & picked up at your convenience

So there you have it, so many options to get you started.  Are you ready?


Meet the Team at Wasteless Pantry

At Wasteless Pantry, we aren’t just businesspeople capitalizing on a trend. We’re locals with a genuine passion for zero-waste living, committed to reducing waste and promoting a sustainable lifestyle. Let’s meet the team at Wasteless Pantry who brings this vision to life every day!

Jeannie

Jeannie is a mum, a paramedic, and a local who seems to know everyone! You’ll often find her chatting with regular visitors to the store. Growing up on an orchard, she developed a deep connection to nature. As a keen gardener and chicken keeper, Jeannie is dedicated to sustainable living and is passionate about promoting zero-waste lifestyles. She’s also a strong advocate for responsibly sourced palm oil.

Amanda

Amanda, also a mum and local, has a wealth of knowledge in preserving, dehydrating, baking, and growing her own food. A psychologist by trade, Amanda is a passionate locavore and has inspired many customers to switch to eco-friendly products like Diva/Juju menstrual cups and reusable produce bags. Amanda’s dedication to zero-waste living is at the heart of the Wasteless Pantry’s mission.

Lizzy

Lizzy is our sustainability expert, well-versed in waste reduction strategies and creative kitchen practices like sushi-making. You might recognize her from Facebook, where she’s been seen juggling produce bags. Lizzy’s enthusiasm for learning about food, especially our range of rices and spices, makes her a go-to person for all your bulk shopping needs.

Jade

If you need advice on gluten-free, raw, or paleo diets, Jade is your person! Studying health coaching, she brings a practical approach to various dietary needs, making it easier for customers to find the right sustainable options.

James

James is a violinist studying Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology. His interest in waste reduction was sparked by his family’s enthusiasm for zero-waste living. James is always eager to help customers and provide a great shopping experience.

Emily

Emily, a student of Occupational Therapy, comes from a family that values waste-free living. She’s building her knowledge of ethical and sustainable business practices and is always happy to help customers who are transitioning to a more eco-friendly lifestyle.

The Wasteless Pantry Difference

At Wasteless Pantry, we are more than just a store. We are part of a community committed to supporting sustainable living. Our team works hard to provide you with eco-friendly products and zero-waste solutions, all while keeping the store as low-waste as possible. When you shop with us, you’re not just reducing waste—you’re supporting a local business that cares about the planet.

We love hearing your feedback and suggestions to help us grow! With every product and service, we strive to make sustainable living accessible and achievable for everyone.


Why a Wasteless Pantry is an Investment in a Sustainable Future

A wasteless pantry is an investment in a better future, much like eating well or exercising to maintain your health. Transitioning to a zero-waste lifestyle requires an initial investment in reusable products, but unlike your health, reusables allow you to pick up where you left off without consequences if you pause for a while. Reusables provide long-term savings and reduce waste, making them a win for both your wallet and the environment.

The Cost-Per-Use Breakdown

The concept of “cost per wear” in fashion can be applied to reusables as well. By examining the cost of reusables versus single-use alternatives, it’s easy to see that reusables are more economical in the long run.

Reusable Bags (e.g., Onya Original Shopping Bag)

  • Initial Cost: $12.50
  • Use: Once per week for 10 years = 2 cents per use + no waste

Vs. Supermarket ‘Green Bags’

  • Initial Cost: $2 to $5
  • Use: Lasts 1-2 years, 3 bags over 10 years = 2 cents per use + 3 bags sent to landfill

Produce Bags (e.g., Cloth or Onya Mesh Bags)

  • Initial Cost: $3 each
  • Use: Once per week for 10 years = less than 1 cent per use + no waste

Vs. Plastic Bags

  • Initial Cost: 1 cent (included in the cost of goods)
  • Use: 520 plastic bags sent to landfill over 10 years

Reusable Drink Bottles (e.g., H2Onya)

  • Initial Cost: $18.95 to $25.95
  • Use: Once per day for 5 years = 7 to 10 cents per use + no waste

Vs. Bottled Water

  • Initial Cost: 70 cents per bottle
  • Use: One bottle per day for 5 years = $182 over that time + 260 bottles sent to landfill

This cost-per-use breakdown shows that reusables save money and waste over time, making them a better investment for both your wallet and the planet.

Environmental Impact of Single-Use Plastics

Did you know that producing one litre of bottled water requires three litres of water? Plus, the energy consumption to manufacture, transport, and store bottled water is significant. According to the Pacific Institute, the total energy used for bottled water is equivalent to filling each bottle one quarter full with oil. Once in landfill, these bottles take hundreds of years to break down, contributing to pollution and resource waste.

By contrast, reusables like bottles, bags, and containers are a much more sustainable option. Once you’ve made the initial investment, they can be used endlessly. And when they do wear out, most reusables are recyclable, minimizing their environmental impact.

The Benefits of Shopping at Wasteless Pantry

At Wasteless Pantry, we make it easy to transition to a zero-waste lifestyle by offering a wide variety of reusable products. You can bring your own containers and bags to refill your pantry staples, reducing both packaging waste and cost. From reusable bags to eco-friendly water bottles, our store helps you invest in sustainable living. By shopping with us, you’ll find quality, durable products that pay off over time in both savings and environmental impact.

By making small changes and investing in reusable products, you can help reduce waste while saving money. Get started today and enjoy the long-term benefits of a wasteless pantry!


How to BYO Containers to Bulk Food Stores

Transitioning to a zero-waste lifestyle often starts with a simple action like BYO containers to bulk food stores. If you’ve ever felt unsure about how to start, we’ve got you covered with a helpful video that shows you exactly how to bring your own containers when shopping for bulk goods.

Extra Tip: If you’re purchasing items like flour, spices, or other similar-looking products, make sure to label your containers with a marker as soon as possible. This will make checkout easier for the cashier and ensure that you can identify everything when you get home!

Why Bring Your Own Containers?

  1. Reduce Waste: By bringing your own containers, you eliminate the need for disposable packaging and plastic waste.
  2. Save Money: Many bulk stores offer items at a lower cost compared to pre-packaged alternatives.
  3. Get the Exact Amount: You can buy as much or as little as you need, helping to minimize food waste.

Step-by-Step Guide to BYO Containers:

  1. Choose Clean, Reusable Containers: Use jars, bags, or containers you already have at home. Make sure they are clean and ready for filling.
  2. Get Your Containers Weighed First: When you arrive at the store, have your containers weighed while they are empty, so the weight can be deducted from the final price.
  3. Fill Your Containers: Head to the bulk section and fill your containers with the exact amount of each product that you need.
  4. Label Your Containers: Especially with similar-looking products like flour or spices, label your containers with the product name to avoid confusion.
  5. Checkout: Pay for your items, knowing you’ve made an eco-friendly, zero-waste choice!

Watch our video guide below to see how easy it is to shop waste-free!

The Benefits of Shopping at Wasteless Pantry
At Wasteless Pantry, we encourage customers to bring their own containers as part of our commitment to reducing single-use packaging. Our store offers a wide variety of bulk food items, making it easy to shop sustainably. With helpful staff and a supportive community, we make zero-waste living a practical and enjoyable experience.

By following these simple steps, you’ll find that bringing your own containers to bulk food stores is an easy habit to form. Give it a try and enjoy the benefits of shopping with less waste!


Sustainable Decluttering Tips

Decluttering and zero waste living go hand in hand. At Wasteless Pantry, we believe that reducing waste isn’t just about cutting back on single-use items, but also about managing the clutter in your home. If you can’t find what you need or are constantly buying duplicates, that’s waste too! These sustainable decluttering tips can help you save time, money, and bring peace of mind, all while helping the environment.

Here’s how you can get started:

Start Small: Focus on One Space at a Time

The key to successful decluttering is to break the task down into manageable chunks. Start with a small space, like a drawer, a shelf, or a cluttered corner. Empty the space completely and only put back items that you love or find useful. Anything that doesn’t fit should be removed—sell, donate, recycle, or toss. If you’re unsure, put it in a box with a date on it. If you don’t use it within the next couple of months, it’s time to let it go.

Set Clear Goals: How Much Do You Want to Declutter?

Decide whether your goal is to clear everything or just reduce the amount of stuff. If your goal is to clear, be strict about what stays. If you just want less, go through your items one box at a time until you’ve reduced enough to feel comfortable.

Declutter by Category: Find Duplicates

Group similar items together, such as all your pens, serving utensils, or books. Seeing everything in one place makes it easier to find duplicates. Keep the best and let go of the rest. This strategy can simplify decision-making and reduce the amount of stuff cluttering up your space.

Prioritize for Maximum Impact

When deciding where to start, focus on spaces that will have the biggest impact—visually or functionally. For instance, a clean kitchen bench can feel incredibly rewarding, while organizing your everyday utensils can make cooking more enjoyable. Spaces that are less frequently used, such as a storage closet, can wait until you’ve tackled the more pressing areas.

Get Creative: Shared Ownership & Minimalist Challenges

If certain items aren’t being used often, consider sharing them with friends or family. For example, loan out a fan or a kitchen gadget, and retrieve it when needed. It’s a great way to avoid clutter while ensuring items are used to their full potential.

Additionally, challenge yourself to stop buying new things unless something else leaves the house. This can help you build a habit of mindful consumption, ensuring that every new item truly adds value to your life.

Why Decluttering Matters for a Sustainable Lifestyle

Decluttering isn’t just about tidying up—it’s about making more intentional choices that reduce waste and free up your time and energy. At Wasteless Pantry, we support a more thoughtful approach to consumption. By following these sustainable decluttering tips you’re less likely to buy duplicates, and you’ll discover reusable items that you may have forgotten about. Plus, donating or recycling your unneeded items ensures they get a second life instead of ending up in a landfill.


Sustainable Food Choices Guide

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When did sourcing and eating food become so complicated? From worrying about packaging waste to concerns about additives, travel miles, and ethical production, the process of putting food on our plates has become a source of eco-guilt for many. At Wasteless Pantry, we aim to make these decisions simpler by guiding you toward more sustainable food choices.

Our approach focuses on minimizing waste, supporting local farmers, and choosing products that are organically and ethically sourced. Here’s our guide to help you make more sustainable food choices, one decision at a time.

1. Less Packaging is the Priority

Our first guiding principle is reducing packaging waste. Think about it—every piece of packaging that ends up in the bin is a waste of resources. We strive to offer unpackaged or minimally packaged products so that you can refill your containers and reduce single-use plastic. Reducing packaging means less waste going to landfill and fewer resources used in production, transportation, and disposal.

Sustainable Tip: Bring your own containers to Wasteless Pantry and refill essentials like grains, spices, and snacks with zero packaging.

2. Local is Always Better

Eating locally sourced food not only reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting goods, but it also means your food is fresher, more flavorful, and more nutritious. Locally grown produce doesn’t have to endure long transportation times, and it supports local farmers and the community.

Sustainable Tip: When shopping, choose seasonal and local produce. You’ll enjoy tastier meals while reducing the environmental impact of long-haul transportation.

3. Organic Where Possible

Organic farming practices help preserve the environment by minimizing the use of synthetic chemicals. This approach improves soil health and biodiversity, contributing to more sustainable ecosystems. We source organic products wherever possible to ensure you’re getting the healthiest options with minimal environmental impact.

Sustainable Tip: Look for organically grown produce at Wasteless Pantry and avoid items that come in wasteful packaging, even if they’re organic.

4. Ethical Sourcing Matters

Finally, we consider the ethical production of the food we offer. This means supporting Fair Trade products, avoiding uncertified palm oil, and promoting Rainforest Alliance-certified goods. By doing so, we ensure that both environmental and social values are respected, protecting ecosystems while supporting fair wages and safe working conditions for farmers.

At Wasteless Pantry, we believe that making sustainable food choices doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Our goal is to help you make decisions that are better for the environment, your health, and your community—one step at a time.


Organised Pantry for Sustainable Living

“When you can find beauty in the mundane, that is where happiness lies.”

There may be more to life than a wasteless pantry, but the benefits of creating an organised, sustainable kitchen space are undeniable. An organised pantry filled with wholesome, unpackaged foods brings comfort, ease, and simplicity to your life. Plus, it helps you avoid waste while making the most of your ingredients.

Whether you’re striving for less waste or simply trying to make life more efficient, an organised pantry is a step toward sustainable living.

Why an Organised Pantry Matters for Sustainable Living

Here are just a few reasons why transforming your pantry is a great way to live sustainably:

  1. Save Time, Money, and Food
    With an organised pantry, you can quickly see what you have, avoiding double purchases and preventing food from expiring. This saves both money and reduces food waste.
  2. Prevent Bug Infestations and Stale Food
    Storing your pantry items in sealed containers not only looks neat but also keeps pests out and your food fresh for longer.
  3. Easier Meal Planning
    When your staples are clearly visible, it’s much easier to plan meals around what you already have, reducing the need for unnecessary trips to the store.
  4. Inspire Healthy Cooking
    An organised pantry filled with whole foods and zero-waste staples encourages home cooking. You’re less likely to order takeout when you’re inspired by the variety of ingredients you already have.
  5. Control Ingredients and Reduce Processed Foods
    When you transition to a wasteless pantry, you’re in control of your ingredients. You can avoid preservatives, processed foods, and excessive sugar, resulting in healthier meals for your family.
  6. Simplified Cleaning and Maintenance
    Once you’ve transitioned to using reusable containers, you’ll find it much easier to clean and maintain your pantry. No more messy packages or food spills!
  7. Encourage Help in the Kitchen
    A well-organised pantry makes it easier for others to help out in the kitchen. When everything is easy to find, cooking and meal prep becomes a team effort.
  8. Maximise Space and Variety
    Wasteless pantry items take up less space and allow you to store a greater variety of foods. This means more options for cooking while reducing the clutter of packaging.

The Bigger Picture

A wasteless pantry is more than just reducing packaging waste. It’s about simplifying your life, creating a sustainable kitchen, and focusing on the things that matter. By choosing to fill your pantry with only the items that nourish you, you make everyday living easier and more intentional.

Benefits of Buying from Wasteless Pantry

At Wasteless Pantry, we provide a wide range of whole foods and sustainable pantry staples in bulk, which means you can bring your own containers and buy only what you need. By shopping this way, you not only cut down on waste but also avoid the clutter of unnecessary packaging in your home. Shopping at Wasteless Pantry makes it easy to achieve your dream of a zero-waste, organised pantry.


Wasteless Pantry Store Vision

We’ve been dreaming of this store for so long now and thought you might like to join us…

logo-brown-original
It starts with the clean and homely style of the signage and store layout.

As you walk through the front doors you will see smiling and enthusiastic staff ready to say hello to you by name and ask about your day. Inside the door you will put your reusable bags and jars on the bench space provided, settle children into the play area and then peruse the goods on offer. You will weigh the containers you’ve brought with you, refill your staples and ask for samples of new product lines.

At the checkout your name will be your loyalty card and you will probably talk about the lastest Facebook post or upcoming event that is of interest to you. Our staff will be clean, wearing their branded apron and always helpful. Today you ask for a gift voucher or a starter pack to give to a friend you think will love coming in too. You noticed that one of your favourite luxury lines is going to be rotated and our staff let you know that we will keep you informed of its return.

You comment that the store is always presented well, our staff are like friends and the quality and pricing of our products makes it enjoyable to shop for the sustainable goods you love having access to locally.

 

I wish we were open already!!

 

How about you?  Let us know what you think on the Facebook page or comment below.


Sustainable Teas and Bulk Coffee Beans

If you’re like me, nothing beats the simple pleasure of savoring a good cup of coffee or tea. The smell of it brewing, the warmth of the cup in your hands, and that first delicious sip—there’s just something magical about it. But you can take this moment of joy even further by making your drink in a waste-free way with bulk coffee beans and loose leaf teas.

Ditch the Wasteful Coffee Pods

Pod coffee makers are convenient, but all the waste associated with single-use pods takes away from the experience. Fortunately, there are sustainable alternatives that are just as quick and satisfying, without the environmental impact.

At Wasteless Pantry, we offer coffee beans in bulk without plastic packaging. You can bring your own container, and we even have grinders on-site so you can enjoy freshly ground beans every time. Once you’ve got your coffee beans home, be sure to store them at room temperature—not in the fridge! (A common myth debunked by our friends at Yahava.)

How to Brew Waste-Free Coffee

There are several sustainable brewing methods to choose from, but my personal favorite is the stovetop espresso maker. It’s a classic, zero-waste option that brews smooth, rich coffee in just a few minutes. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Fill the bottom chamber of your espresso maker with water.
  2. Add 1-2 teaspoons of ground coffee beans per person into the basket.
  3. Twist on the top, place it on the stove, and heat for around 5 minutes.
  4. Enjoy a fresh, aromatic coffee ready for your next break!

This method eliminates the need for disposable coffee pods, filters, or packaging, allowing you to indulge guilt-free.

Try Loose Leaf Teas for a Zero-Waste Brew

If you’re a tea lover, making the switch to loose leaf tea is an easy and sustainable change. At Wasteless Pantry, we offer a wide range of loose leaf teas that you can buy in bulk with your own containers, reducing unnecessary packaging.

For an even lower waste option, try growing your own herbal teas at home. Fennel, chamomile, mint, raspberry leaf, and lemongrass are all easy to grow and add beauty to your garden.

When it’s time for tea, a simple strainer over your mug works perfectly, or you can use a tea pot or plunger for larger batches. Not only do loose leaf teas taste fresher, but the leftover tea leaves make excellent compost for your garden.

The Benefits of Buying from Wasteless Pantry

By purchasing your coffee and tea from Wasteless Pantry, you’re reducing packaging waste, supporting sustainable shopping practices, and ensuring that your daily brew is both delicious and eco-friendly. Plus, you can bring your own containers, making it easy to buy just what you need, without the waste!


Refill Your Own Container

Imagine this: You go to the store, pick up your cut of meat or deli items, and everything is packaged in plastic bags or trays. Once you’re home, you use the food and throw away the packaging—straight into the landfill. Unfortunately, this is a common practice, and Western Australians are among the largest producers of waste per person in the world. But there’s a simple alternative to this wasteful cycle: refill your own container!

Why Refill Your Own Container?

By bringing your own reusable containers to the store, you can dramatically reduce single-use plastic waste. Instead of contributing to the mountains of waste created by plastic bags, trays, and packaging, you can eliminate unnecessary rubbish altogether. Plus, it makes storing food easier at home since containers stack neatly and can go straight from the fridge or freezer to the table.

How to Refill Your Own Container

Refilling your own container is easier than you might think. Here’s how you do it:

  1. Bring Your Clean Container: Choose a food-grade container like glass jars, metal tins, or reusable plastic containers. It just needs to be clean and ready to use.
  2. Hand Over Your Container: When at the deli, butcher, or bulk food store (like Wasteless Pantry), hand your container to the assistant and ask them to place your food item inside.
  3. Tare the Weight: The assistant will place your container on the scale, press the TARE button, and set the scale to zero before they start filling. This way, you’ll only pay for the weight of your food—not the container.
  4. Weigh and Label: Your container is filled, weighed, and the price is printed or noted.
  5. Store at Home: Once you’re home, your food is already in a container, reducing packaging waste and making storage a breeze. No extra steps required!

Where to Refill Your Container

Many stores are already familiar with this process. You can also try your local deli or butcher—just ask if they’re happy to help. If you’re nervous about trying it for the first time, you can always say, “Jeannie and Amanda from Wasteless Pantry suggested I try this!”

Why It’s Worth It

By bringing your own containers, you’re not only reducing plastic waste but also saving time. Stackable containers are easier to store in the fridge or freezer, and deli items can be served directly from the container, making mealtime simpler. Plus, this small change is an important step in planning and reducing food waste.

Take the Challenge!

We challenge you to bring your own container for just one purchase this week. Snap a photo of your zero-waste shopping experience and share it on our Facebook page. Let us know if you’d do it again!