Forgot a reusable bag? Find a way to re-use your plastic and/or paper grocery bags. Plastic makes great trash bags for smaller cans, so you can skip buying small trash bags. Or use them as laundry bags when traveling. Paper bags are perfect for taking recycling out to the bins.

There are zero-waste stores all over the state of Minnesota, with tons of products to choose from! These stores typically work by filling up containers you already own with the product, rather than selling you a new set of packaging along with what you actually want to buy.

There are tons of local farmers' markets in the Twin Cities and beyond. Farmers' markets are a fun activity, a great source of local produce and other goodies, and a way to support your community. They're most common in summer, but plenty are running at other times of year.

Co-ops put transparency betweens growers, producers, and consumers first and are an alternative to larger grocery stories. They often have a community focus, meaning their work stretches beyond just selling food.

Food hubs are another way to buy from local farmers and producers. Some say that this model is more time efficient and profitable for farmers than traditional farmers markets because orders are placed ahead of time. You can also usually get different types of products at hubs like flour, meat, eggs, soap, and more!

I love buying fresh produce from local farmers by shopping at farmers markets. Check out the map at the link below to find farmers markets near you across the whole state!

Conviently re-use your favorite coffee tumbler while on the go. Bonus, some coffee shops will give you a discount for using your own mug.

I avoid buying plastic whenever possible, and when I have to buy them, I reuse them by refilling at bulk stores like Co-ops. I've been using the same laundry soap jug for over 10 years

Rural communities can implement successful food co-ops which can help improve healthy food access for the community and support local producers. In the rural community I grew up in, our local food hub is growing and a great place to buy local flour, eggs, and other staples that aren't always available at farmers' markets.

I buy the majority of my clothes second hand. By shopping at stores like Goodwill, I save loads on clothes and still get asked where I go shopping!

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