Bulk candy stores offer shoppers a wide variety of candies in one location. They also provide convenience for busy families or customers getting ready for a special event.
Many candy shops have shifted their focus to sustainability, which is good for the environment and business owners. Here are some ways to shop responsibly for your favorite treats at bulk candy stores.
Look for Recyclable or Compostable Packaging
Whether you’re shopping for candy at your local bulk candy store or buying online, there are several things you should consider regarding sustainability. First, look for recyclable or compostable packaging options.
Compostable packaging helps reduce the amount of single-use plastic that goes into landfills. It also makes it easier to recycle.
Additionally, it can cut shipping costs because the materials used to make compostable packages are lighter than boxes. This is especially true if you’re sending products over long distances.
Compostable options are also a great way to connect with your customers on a deeper level and showcase your commitment to sustainability. This will help your brand stand out from competitors and encourage more people to buy your products.
Look for Zero-Waste Options
Zero waste stores also called bulk stores, are great places to shop for your favorite treats in an eco-friendly way. They often offer a wide selection of bulk nuts, seeds, beans, dried fruit, grains, flour, pasta, spices, tea, coffee, cooking oil, and self-care items.
They usually encourage consumers to bring their containers and often have refillable options for soap, shampoo, laundry detergent, and household cleaning products. Some also carry a small selection of cosmetics and personal care items that promote sustainability in their supply chain and packaging.
In addition to these stores, many zero-waste online shops sell various products to help you be more sustainable in your everyday life. These companies typically take pride in where they source their goods and ensure that all their packaging is either recyclable or compostable. They are committed to bringing zero waste to their customers in a way that is convenient, affordable, and helps reduce single-use plastics.
Look for Fair Trade or Organic Options
When you shop for your favorite treats, it’s essential to consider where they come from. Many of our staple foods, like coffee, chocolate, and bananas, are sourced from around the world and often come from countries where labor conditions and environmental practices are not up to par.
Buying fair trade products is one way to help ensure that farmers are treated fairly and paid for their hard work. This is particularly important for commodity-based goods such as coffee, cotton, and cocoa grown at low prices and sold to traders thousands of miles away before they reach your doorstep.
In addition to international products, looking for fair trade options on domestic items such as tea and peanut butter is essential. This is because the commodity market system in the United States is unfair to U.S. farmers and an excellent way to help pay more to local artisans.
Look for Non-GMO Options
When shopping for your favorite treats, looking for non-GMO options is essential. Genetically modified ingredients and their growing methods threaten our health and the environment.
Choose foods with a USDA Certified Organic label to protect yourself from these ingredients. The seal indicates that the item has been grown using all organic practices and is not genetically engineered.
You can also find products verified as non-GMO by a third party. For instance, the Non-GMO Project Verified label features friendly butterflies that ensure the product is safe for you and the environment.
However, the best way to avoid GMOs is to eat a wide variety of whole, seasonal foods and try new things every week in the produce aisle. That way, you’re not eating only the same things repeatedly and getting a broader range of nutrients you can count on.
