Package free in COVID-19

So as you all know these past few weeks have been a bit intense and unpredictable with the current COVID-19 situation. Only now after weeks and weeks of hearing news from other countries, being unsure of what measures to take in our own actions have we been finally told by the government to 'Stay at home'.

Apart from the advise of 'washing hands' and general cleanliness that we all do anyway . . we are now being told to stay within a certain distance from other people when we need to go out for basic necessities such as food and home supplies.

I'm sure everyone is doing their research on the situation. For now I will tell you how I have been continuing to stay package free even in this time of 'panic buying'.

I've actually taken these current times as an opportunity to look at what I really need in my diet. . .

Luckily just down the road from where I live there is an amazing store called 'Fruit Connections'

Here there are many fruits and vegetables which you can buy package free. I'm very grateful that they stay open in this time. Their store is quite small so people are taking turns to go in and buy what they need. The owners get up and crazy o'clock in the morning and get all this wonderful produce from the big fruit and veg markets so their prices are quite reasonable.

Just remember of course to always wash everything thoroughly!

If you want to make less frequent visits outdoors as requested by gov.uk standards you can buy things such as potato's and root veggies which will last a bit longer.

Also across the road from here near the bigger supermarkets is a local middle eastern shop called IJAZ Market. Here I managed to find a 5k bag of rice for £11 which was also in a reusable bag!

If you are also thinking well how can buying all these fresh foods be feasible in this situation . . surely canned foods would be more appropriate?

Indeed I feel canned and jarred foods are perfect for such times. . My main battle is with the wide variety of plastics and non recyclables but if I buy jarred produce the jar can be reused or donated to a refill shop! I would recommend buying the larger sizes of your usual items. For example I bought 900g jar of olives instead of your typical 250g, these keep well in the fridge once opened.

One other option I would like to suggest is registering with your local organic food providers . . In Edinburgh we have a highly awarded organic farm and vegetable delivery service called 'East Coast Organics' who I may have mentioned before. Not only would you be supporting the local community but everything is also package free. You can return the boxes also when you are finished with them!

Unfortunately since the COVID-19 crisis started this company have been overwhelmed by the demand of new customers. .

Statement date: Sunday 15 March 2020

"Sincere apologies, due to a sudden surge in demand due to the current situation, we are unable to accept new customers, or reactivate previous customers.

Deactivated customers should not attempt to login to reactivate their accounts as new orders cannot be accepted at this time

Please be assured that we do wish your custom and are grateful for your interest, and are keen to have you as a customer as soon as possible.

We are constantly assessing the situation. Please do contact us and leave your details, and we will contact you as soon as the situation is resolved.

OUR FARM SHOP IS STILL OPEN

If you have ordered and paid for a delivery on Sunday or onwards, your delivery will be on hold until further notice. Please email us if you wish a refund. We thank you for your interest, but at present please come to our shop at Boggs Holdings if you need supplies."

I hope everyone stays well and that this can give you an insight into a different way of shopping, even in tougher times such as now.