Are Big Box Stores a Greener Choice?

Big box stores aren't typically considered green. After all, those big box stores produce waste, cut profits from local businesses, and use commercial farms for produce. Typically, shopping at big box stores isn't thought of as socially or environmentally responsible, but that does not mean those stores aren't ever the greener choice. Big box stores have their advantages when it comes to shopping responsibly.

Buying in bulk means less package waste

Landfills are stuffed with wasted packaging. Maybe its for safety reasons, maybe its just because products look prettier in all that cardboard and plastic, but product manufactures pile on the packaging. If you buy an item in bulk you are rescuing pounds of paper and plastic from a landfill fate. Not to mention products sold in bulk are often cheaper overall. A higher quantity and less packaging typically means a lower price per ounce.

Reduce energy consumption by shopping at the big box stores

You may not realize it, but it takes a lot of fuel to travel to and from farmers markets and local stores in your car. You likely have to travel to several stores to get everything you need from a local vendor. If you live in a suburban area that caters more to chain stores then independent stores you also have to travel a farther distance to get to your destination. By shopping in one big box store you are cutting out all the extra trips in the car. Plus, by buying in bulk you will need to shop less often, which means even less energy consumption and pollution.

Modern day box stores are changing with the times

It used to be that those big store chains sold only mass produced products from equally large manufactures, but some big box stores are starting to take a hint. More consumers are demanding organic or local products, and bigger retailers are taking notice. In recent years, it has been possible to find organic produce sections, grain-fed meats, and fresh baked goods at the bigger stores. Some retailers even have a small local section, particularly in areas where local products are abundant. You can even find organic health and beauty products if you look hard enough. Your options won't be as good as a specialty store catering to local or organic products, but the options are still there.

Of course a big box store being the greener choice is up to the individual. If you live farther from the big retailer then the farmers market it may be a smarter choice to load up on reusable bags and head there. If you live alone or have a small family, and bulk products would go to waste, then it doesn't make sense to buy them. However, if you live right down the street from your local box store, have a large family or know the best way to preserve bulk foods, and don't mind limiting your organic produce options, then a big box store may be your greener choice.