Package free on a Budget

Its come to my attention that whenever in discussion about this pledge, people are usually in favour and think it's a great idea but they also swing by the argument that it's a very expensive life style choice.

And I cannot argue with this. It seems to be the case on first glance that if you want a healthy planet you need a healthy bank balance . . .

I want to prove that this is not the case. Although, if you want to support your local businesses and buy organic produce then I feel it is worth a wee bit of investing. I try to think of it as quality over quantity, taking care of local, small businesses over big corporate chains but I understand that when you are struggling that’s it, you will go for the bag of apples for a £1 over the 4 organic loose apples for £3.80. I’ve made this choice many many times, but the pledge is helping me shift that habit.

I live on a tight budget and have always been careful with how I spend my money, always buying the cheapest/discount/clearance items and I will continue to do that when necessary but since starting this pledge in 2018 I have gained much more awareness on where I spend my £ and what impact it has in the way our society functions.

We need to look at how we are spending our money, what we are investing in..

There is no right or wrong but whatever we choose to invest in comes back to us with the same value.

Here are my recommendations when shopping package free. .

Lidl - Have a lot of package free items such as fruits, veggies, bread, pastries and even nuts such as almonds, cashews and pistachios. All at very reasonable, affordable pricing also. Here you are able to buy oats for less than £1 in a paper bag.

Morrisons - I was surprised at the wide variety of package free items I found in this supermarket. They also provide paper bags instead of plastic for loose items which is great.

Fruit Connections - Edinburgh - Here is one of my favourite places to shop for fruit and veg. You can find most things package free here and also at very cheap prices. Very nice people also. Support your locals!

Rahmans Supermarket - Edinburgh - Is a shop which has recently opened near fruit connections and also has some yummy package free options.

The New Leaf Co-Operative - Edinburgh - Is a local business which stocks everything you can imagine without plastic packaging. Organic options are available in grain, nuts, seeds, fruits, veggies and more. You can make your own nut butters. Refill your laundry, shampoo. Buy natural candles, mooncups, bamboo toothbrushes the lot. Of course you will be spending a bit more here, but most of what they stock is all from local farms/bakeries/small businesses.

You also have the option to volunteer at The New Leaf Co-Op for some Discount. They also take a small % off for those on gov benefits/unemployed.

Its an all round feel good experience for me when I visit this wee gem.

Of course this is just the tip of the ice burg. I just wanted to share the few places where I generally go on a regular basis and hope it helps those who turn away from the pledge because of cost.

Its possible! We can do it :-)