According to the EPA, plastic containers and packaging make up almost 30 percent of garbage nationally. To cut down on food packaging waste, keep these tips in mind when visiting the grocery store. 

1. Check the Recycling Guide
   You are more empowered to make conscious decisions at the grocery store when you know which materials are recyclable. Check out the SanJoseRecycles.org Recycling Guide for information on how to dispose of food packaging and hundreds of other items. Our website is mobile-friendly so you can quickly pull it up when you’re out shopping. 
2. Be Prepared
   Bring your own alternatives to replace single-use plastics. The average American family currently takes home about 1,500 bags a year and uses each for only 12 minutes. To cut back, you can bring your own reusable totes and produce bags or simply reuse the bags from your last shopping trip. 
3. Make Your Own
   Think about packaged foods you could make yourself at home. Find ideas and recipes online to make staples such as bread and crackers, condiments and salad dressings, or nut butters and milks. Staples made at home give you the option of avoiding additives and preservatives and allow for greater flexibility in making and freezing large batches. 
4. Be Intentional with Your Plastic Purchases
   It can be difficult to ditch plastic and buy only items in sustainable packaging. Don’t get discouraged! Instead be aware and intentional about your purchases. Keep an eye out for the packaged items you need in more sustainable materials like glass, tin and aluminum. Purchasing items in larger containers also reduces packaging. Continue reducing, reusing and recycling packaging whenever you can. 

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