Purchase power

I think it was this story about Tesco's profits that finally goaded me into attempting to reform the way I shop. I realised that more and more of my cash was going into Tesco's coffers rather than local businesses or those that matched my own views on things like fair trade, animal welfare and so on.

Obviously having an allotment and growing everything from lettuces to blackcurrants on it helps in terms of eating locally. Five  minutes' walk is about as local as you can get. But there are lots of things I can't grow myself. So I've gradually been making some changes to my purchase patterns:

1. I'm buying as much of my other fruit and veg as possible from a local farm shop. Some of it is still not local or even UK-based, but my money is going to a local business. I also buy locally produced milk, yoghurt, cut flowers and eggs from there. (In fact the eggs are so local they're usually still warm from the rare breed pullets in the yard where I buy them)

2. I'm buying all my wine from organic online wine shops like Vinceremos. It's very convenient, I don't have to haul heavy bottles home and it seems to work out at roughly the same price as Tesco

3. I buy tea, coffee, toilet roll and tissues in bulk from Traidcraft, who deliver to my front door

4. Wherever possible I buy my meat from small local producers: sometimes organic, sometimes not

5. I am taking along my own shopping bags whenever possible and refusing plastic bags

For all that, Tesco is still taking a sizeable chunk of my  budget each week.

How are you navigating the minefield of trying to do your shopping quickly and efficiently while trying to stick to your guns when it comes to priniciples you believe in? Or is this all a drop in the ocean and a complete waste of time? I'd be interested to know your thoughts ...

Comments

[brian]

I'm in the U.S., but I've switched pretty much completely from the big supermarkets to smaller, local shops. I figure, even if I'm buying something that isn't produced locally ( although I strive for local farms ), at least the shop is local and I'm supporting local business. I'm in Orange County, California, and my favorites are Mother's Market, Trader Joe's, Whole Foods ( a long drive sadly ), and Hi-Time for beer/wine needs. Every drop counts.

The other thing I was wondering if you have any experience with is "Earth Friendly" soaps. I got some for the kitchen, but I haven't been brave enough to throw it on any of my plants yet, you know, to use the grey-water.

[Jane Perrone]

Hi brian

I use a brand of "eco" soaps - washing up liquid, handwash and clothes washing liquid, called Ecover: it's really the only widely available environmentally friendly brand I've found. I regularly throw the resulting "grey" water on my lawn and flowerbeds without any damage - provided the water's coolish I think it's fine.

jane

[Haddock]

If everyone did try and source locally, then a lot of drops would become puddles, and a lot of puddles would become.....etc.
Must admit we only source meat locally, but we do intend to check out a local farm shop. The profits that some of the big supermarkets are obscene, and the stranglehold that they place on suppliers is terrible.
I think I am definately on the 'could do better' list

[Crayfish]

This year due to busy commitments we have arranged our local wholefood store to deliver fresh, organic food. I think it is the best thing we have ever done! We now get a box each week, delivered, of fresh veg, fruit and their own muesli. The quality of the fruit and veg is noticeably better: not only do the apples taste like apples, the zucchini is juicy instead of dry, but everything lasts longer. I have noticed for years that supermarket veggies only last a few days before going bad. I have recently read that this is because they use ethylene for ripening; apparently this reduces the life of the fruit/veg. But the organic stuff lasts and lasts - the apples are still good a week later, as are the avocadoes.

Living in Western Australia, we can grow everything from blueberries and peaches down south to Mangoes and tropical fruits up north. Nothing should be more than a 5-10 hour truck drive away, if not closer. However, in the last couple of years, our major supermarkets - Coles and Woolsworths - are sourcing more and more of their fruit and veg from overseas, particularly China. I find it very disturbing that when I visit the supermarket, there is only one type of snow pea, and one type of garlic - both marked as "iimported". There is no real consumer choice: unlike the UK, there is a much more limited "organic" section. We also unfortunately have weak labelling laws, which is an issue right now in the newspapers - most are arguing for country of origin labelling, which the Food Standards Aust and NZ is resisting.

I very much feel that I cannot rely on the supermarkets to provide fresh, quality produce, and sourcing organic fruit and veg (and we usually try to visit the organic butcher as well) makes a big difference.

Having said that we still buy tinned tomatoes, baked beans and toilet paper from the big guys!!!

I'm impressed with your shopping efforts - I think you have done much more than the average person!

Hang in there, your purchasing power (and your blog) is the best influence you can have.

[Lisa]

Some great tips from everyone - thank you! We are trying to buy locally and eco-friendly, the only downside has been the cost, but we're new to it so still finding ways around that - how do you find the cost compared to shopping at the supermarket?