3. Invest in stoneware and ceramic baking dishes
Made from silica or clay and water, not noxious chemicals, they will last a lifetime if cared for properly with no warping or flaking of non-stick coatings. I found some beautiful pieces that were only $4.99 each.
4. Pick reusable products
I found coffee "pods" for use in Keurig coffee makers and water bottles with water filters.
5. Look for products with minimal packaging
Choose staple items that are packaged in recyclable cardboard, rather than plastic.
One of the easiest things you can do to be eco friendly when it comes to shopping is to use your own bag, rather than choosing "paper or plastic."
Design Contest
Grocery Outlet is hosting a contest via Instagram where anyone can design their next eco-frugal reusable grocery bag. Imagine how cool it would be to see people shopping with a bag you designed! So design something amazing! Take a picture and post it to Instagram with the tag @grocery_outlet and the hashtag #GOGreenBag
The deadline to enter is April 17th and the winner will be announced on Earth Day (April 22) The prize is a $100 Grocery Outlet gift certificate, and there are runner up prizes as well.
Amy Sherman is a San Francisco–based writer, recipe developer, restaurant reviewer and all around culinary enthusiast. She blogs for Epicurious , Bay Area Bites and Cooking with Amy .