Reuzi's 7 easy switches for more sustainable food shopping

If anyone was going to rise to the task of making sustainability sexy its Pane Kane. The founder of reuzi hails from Rio and has Latin va va voom in spades.

Pat studied Economics and Finance in Rio de Janeiro before moving to the Caribbean to work. She met her Irish husband Stephen while at Digicel, an Irish telecommunications business. They now live in Dublin with their 2 boys, Conor and Thomas.

After having her first child, Pats eyes were opened to the sheer amount of waste created by a family household and she began to investigate alternatives. Her passion for sustainability flourished into reuzi.ie, a sustainability store and resource. reuzi has since grown to a bricks and mortar store in Dublin.  

We first ran into Pat in 2018 in a branch of Nourish health store when we were doing a tasting. The seeds of a friendship were sown whilst nibbling on some Quinoa Crunch and since then we’ve collaborated on a bunch of fun stuff. She’s definitely our go to person when we have questions around sustainability. 

So, for our very first blog post, we asked Pat to share with us her top tips and favourite swaps when it comes to grocery shopping – our favourite pastime!

“Figuring out how to live a more sustainable lifestyle may seem overwhelming, but there are small changes everyone can make to stop being so wasteful. From plastic-free shampoo bars to denim made from recycled materials, it’s now easier than ever, you just need to start with a bit of prep” she says.

“Grocery shops are packed with stuff wrapped in plastic packaging. The problem with single-use materials – think soft plastics like crisps and popcorn bags, sweet wrappers, fruit punnets, cling film- is that is that a lot of those are not recyclable in Ireland and most likely, the largest nations in the world don't recycle them either.”

But, says Pat, there are several ways we can reduce or entirely avoid excess packaging when out shopping. 

Begin with Bags

This one is super easy.

“At this point, we all have a bunch of for-life bags hanging around. Add a few cotton produce bags and containers of any sorts and you are good to go. Next time you are visiting the butchers or the local fishmongers, skip plastic bags and ask if they could use your containers instead. I keep my jars and my bags in my car at all times so I am not caught by surprise.”

Bare All

Start with the low hanging fruit – literally.

“All types of fruit and veg can be purchased “naked” and free of plastic bags and punnets. This is a double whammy – you avoid plastic and buy what you really need, not more, so you avoid food waste at home too. The same goes for bread. Some of the best bread like sourdough comes in an unpackaged loaf. Skip the packaged option and buy just the loaf!”

Don’t buy, DIY

Mass market cleaning products are the worst offenders when it comes to plastic. Pat suggests making your own.

“We say go DIY all the way! Bicarbonate of Soda and White Vinegar will go a long way. You don’t need much more than that to get your entire house clean. And if you fancy IT, Just add a few drops of your favourite essential oil to create a lovely scent.”

Plastic free body care

When it comes to personal care, being more sustainable isn’t matter of sacrificing your appearance.

“Plastic shampoo bottles are sooo 1998! I dare you not to find a fantastic, plastic- and packaging- free alternative for shampoo, conditioner, soap and even intimate wash. Brands such as Janni Bars and Soap Out Loud both offer great and effective bar options for body and haircare. Alternatively you can always come to us to refill your bottles with shampoo, body wash, hand wash and conditioner!”

Convenience foods 

Skip the soups, spreads and salads that come in plastic and instead embrace your Inner batch cook is Pat’s advice.

“I love making my own food and that includes dips such as hummus and babaganoush as well as quick meals such as soups and salads. If you are a chef-wannabe like moi, give it a go! It’s fun and healthier than buying the ready-made stuff. Alternatively, some local delis offer these products package-free, you bring your own container and voila, you are good to go.”

Shop new stores

You might have noticed new zero waste shops popping up around the place. Vote with your feet and give them your business. 

“There are fantastic zero waste grocery shops popping all over Ireland and some will even deliver your goodies to your door. Minimal Waste Grocery, The Source, Noms and The Good Neighbour are some of the finest packaging-free shops out there.”

Hang on to Jars 

I for one, am a hoarder for empty glass jam jars, passata jars, you name it!

#Jarlady, my husband calls me. They come in very handy when shopping for pulses, grains and pasta at packaging-free shops. So clean your jars and keep them!

Will starting with these changes will actually make a difference ?

“Absolutely, yes.  If by making a few swaps we can inspire our family and friends to do the same, we are already making a difference. We can’t change the world all at once but we can certainly do our part.”

For more sustainable living inspiration and to find some of the products mentioned in this blog post, follow @reuzi.ie on Instagram or visit www.reuzi.ie