At East Brunswick Village, we believe sustainable living can intersect with modern convenience. Our vibrant community offers more than just beautiful apartments; it embodies a commitment to a greener future. One part of this is the world of sustainable grocery shopping, which is simple in Brunswick!
EBV is leading the way in creating an eco-friendly lifestyle, and as grocery shopping is an essential part of our lives, it is a great place to focus our efforts to positively impact the environment. With an increasing focus on sustainability, many individuals are interested in aligning their everyday activities with eco-conscious choices. EBV makes it easy to embrace a greener lifestyle without compromising on convenience or comfort.
We have local farmers’ markets and tips for embracing package-free options to create a more eco-friendly shopping approach. So grab your reusable shopping bags, and let’s discover how to shop for groceries sustainably in Brunswick for a greener future.
Why Sustainable Shopping is So Important
Climate change and environmental degradation are pressing concerns, which is why sustainable shopping has become increasingly important. When grocery shopping, adopting a sustainable approach can significantly impact the environment and our well-being. Sustainable grocery shopping is one way to reduce your carbon footprint. By opting for locally sourced produce and products, you can significantly reduce the emissions associated with long-distance transportation. Supporting local farmers and producers lowers carbon emissions and helps strengthen the local economy.
With sustainable grocery shopping, we can reduce plastic waste. Single-use plastic packaging has become a pervasive environmental issue, clogging landfills, polluting our oceans, and harming wildlife. By choosing products with minimal or eco-friendly packaging or by embracing package-free alternatives like bulk shopping, we can make a tangible difference in reducing plastic waste and promoting a circular economy.
Sustainable grocery shopping also encourages mindful consumption. By planning our meals, reducing food waste, and only buying what we need, we can minimise unnecessary resource consumption and save money. All of this helps to shape a better future for the planet!
Sustainable Grocery Stores in Brunswick
EBV has easy access to a number of grocery stores in Brunswick that make it easier to adopt sustainable shopping practices. They also happen to stock some very cool wares, which is a great bonus! Some of our favourites include:
Wholefoods
5 Village Ave, Brunswick East VIC
EBV residents have a Melbourne institution on site thanks to Wholefoods, a family-run business with multiple locations, one of which is in EBV! This makes it easy to get high-quality eats that you won’t find anywhere else! With a huge range of quality pantry products and some of the best fresh produce available, a trip here is always fun and delicious.
The best part is that everything stocked here is completely organic and totally package-free. This means residents have the option to shop in the most healthy and sustainable way possible without having to venture far from home! Grocery shopping couldn’t be more convenient than this.
The Source Bulk Foods
112 Sydney Rd, Brunswick
The Source Bulk Foods is a great spot to find selected grains, beans, oils, health, cleaning products and much more at very reasonable prices. Stock up on pantry essentials and avoid single-use plastics. In the last year, 102,900 kgs of packing waste have been saved from landfill by buying in bulk.
Terra Madre
775-781 Sydney Rd, Brunswick
Terra Madre has been a popular spot in Northcote for many years and, to the joy of many, recently opened another location in Brunswick! Now the leading certified organic wholesaler in Melbourne, Terra Madre, offers organic products at wholesale prices. You’ll find Australia’s largest certified organic range here, with everything from fresh produce to pantry staples, snacks, beverages, and more.
CERES Organic Grocery
34 Edna Grove, Coburg
Try sustainable urban farm shopping at CERES, which is located within the hilltop community park. This is the place for loads of in-season and fresh organic fruits and vegetables. Locally grown produce is the main focus to help support local producers, but there is also a wide selection of other organic products and bulk foods. You can shop in an eco-friendly, waste-conscious manner, plus, weekends feature live music and a bakery for a treat and (reusable) cup of coffee.
Interested in finding more places to shop for organic groceries in Brunswick? Check out our article, the Best Places in Brunswick to Buy Organic Foods
Why sustainability is so important to EBV
At EBV we are passionate about promoting a greener future and prioritising sustainable practices throughout our development. Curating the retail spaces allows us to welcome sustainably conscious businesses to our community. EBV is committed to creating a community that embraces environmental responsibility.
Handpicking retailers with the same values in the sustainability space, ensures our entire community aligns with our vision of a more eco-conscious world. Bellboy engages Reground to repurpose their coffee grounds, arriving soon, Rumi is ditching gas for electricity in their kitchens, Wholefoods offers an entire aisle to bulk food purchases, Bridge Road Brewers has used recycled cardboard furniture to fit out their pop up. Our retailers prioritise sustainable sourcing, ethical production methods, and environmentally friendly practices wherever possible, further enhancing the sustainability credentials of the village.
East Brunswick Village incorporates innovative waste management systems, including recycling stations and composting facilities, to minimise landfill waste and promote a circular economy. Alternative modes of transportation are also promoted, such as cycling and walking, thanks to bike parking facilities and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. With convenient access to public transportation, residents are encouraged to reduce their reliance on cars, leading to decreased carbon emissions and improved air quality in the community.
Our tips for grocery shopping sustainably
As sustainable grocery shopping is a powerful way to make a positive impact on the environment, we’ve compiled some tips to help you embrace sustainable practices the next time you pop to the supermarket:
- Choose local and seasonal produce:
Opt for locally grown fruits and vegetables at the nearby organic markets. Choosing seasonal produce supports local farmers and reduces the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation. - Embrace package-free options:
Reduce your plastic waste by choosing package-free alternatives. For example, bring your reusable bags, containers, and produce bags to the grocery store or participate in bulk shopping at stores offering loose grains, nuts, dried fruits, and spices. This way, you can minimise packaging waste and only purchase the quantities you need. - Minimise food waste:
Plan your meals and create a shopping list based on what you actually need. Be mindful of expiry dates and try to use up ingredients before they go bad. If possible, compost your food scraps to minimise landfill waste and contribute to nutrient-rich soil for gardening. Read some helpful tips for this here. - Prioritise organic and ethical choices:
Select organic products free from harmful pesticides and synthetic fertilisers. Look for Australian Certified Organic (ACO) labels. Additionally, consider opting for a plant-based diet that avoids causing harm to our animal friends. Plant-based foods also have a lower carbon footprint than animal products and can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with the livestock industry. - Reduce single-use plastics:
Minimise your use of single-use plastics by avoiding individually packaged items. Instead, opt for products with minimal or recyclable packaging.
Sustainable food options to add to your grocery list
So, you’ve got lots of tips now, but what about the specifics? Here are some of the most sustainable options you can consider adding to your grocery list:
- Seasonal and locally grown fruits and vegetables:
As mentioned above, fresh fruits and vegetables that are in season and locally sourced require fewer resources for transportation and storage, resulting in lower carbon emissions.Interested in growing your own vegetable garden? Check out our article for tips on how to grow vegetables in an apartment building - Legumes (Beans, Lentils, Chickpeas):
Legumes are nutritious and environmentally friendly; they have a low environmental impact, use less water and emit fewer greenhouse gases than animal-based protein sources. - Whole grains:
Choose whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, and oats. These grains are minimally processed and retain more of their nutritional value. They are also generally produced with fewer environmental inputs compared to refined grains. - Plant-based milk alternatives:
Instead of dairy milk, consider plant-based options such as almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk. These have a lower carbon footprint and require fewer resources to produce. - Locally roasted coffee:
Look for locally roasted coffee beans that are sustainably sourced. Supporting local roasters reduces the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation, and choosing coffee with certifications like Fairtrade ensures ethical practices.
Remember: Sustainability goes beyond specific food choices. It also involves reducing food waste, choosing sustainable packaging, and supporting local and ethical food systems. Making conscious decisions can contribute to a healthier planet and a more resilient food system.
We all hold the responsibility to embrace an environmentally friendly lifestyle
Making a positive impact on our planet should be a priority for everyone, regardless of our living situations. Living sustainably may seem challenging, especially for apartment dwellers, but at East Brunswick Village, eco-living is easier. EBV offers a sustainable-focused apartment village where every address boasts an impressive 7.5-star average NatHERS rating and strives for operational carbon neutrality.
As a “20-minute neighbourhood,” EBV enables residents to walk to all their daily needs, eliminating the reliance on cars. By choosing EBV, you not only embrace sustainable living but also become part of a community dedicated to creating a more sustainable future for all. Making a difference is possible, and it starts right at home with EBV.
