Last weekend, I had the opportunity to go to Mr. Bulky’s and buy a lot of things in bulk.

I didn’t really have my act together and have glass jars that were empty and clean for the amount of items that I wanted to buy, so I grabbed a stack of already used (and washed) Ziploc bags and headed out.

I didn’t really ask about using my own bags beforehand…..they’re a bulk store that’s been around for awhile and I assumed that they get people who use their own containers.

I bought all sorts of spices, nuts, and candy. And I thought it was a little ironic that the majority of the spices I was refilling was for my taco seasoning recipe and Mr. Bulky’s has a taco seasoning mix that you can buy in bulk. I’ll have to keep that in mind for next time.

I debated for a long time what would be the best container for the powdery spices. I have a plethora of small canvas bags from some Pura Vida bracelets that I bought, but using a canvas bag with something like chili powder……eh…..

I think if I didn’t have already used Ziploc bags and wanted to go plastic free, then little glass jars would be the way to go.

On my Ziploc bags, I wrote the bin number and item with my Sharpie that I had with me. For the bigger items in my reusable bags (rice, M&Ms, corn chips, raisins), I wrote the bin number on my shopping list paper that I could recycle instead of on their little twist ties (which I have no idea if they’re recyclable).

When I got to the register, I began my spiel (which I’ve learned is best to start by stating my goal)…..“so, I have a question – I’m trying to cut out single use plastics out of my life, despite my use of Ziploc bags today…..but if I had had my act together and brought containers, can I just bring them up first for the tare weight and then fill them?”

Before I finished that plea, another worker had walked up and they were both bobbing their heads to say yes and even responded, “yes, absolutely – we actually prefer if customers bring their own containers”.

Huzzah!!!!!

I’m wondering if I’ll also start saving my plastic sour cream containers and cottage cheese containers since for bulk use also.

Now I do have to say, my plain white sugar has little bits of coconut in it since that’s the bin right next door and the raisins were a little hard from probably being old.

I tried a raisin in the store before filling my bag and felt they were OK for my kids who will find a raisin or craisin on the floor from who knows when and eat it anyways.

It’s cool seeing the change in my pantry. Here’s a shot from January 1:

And here it is now:

I feel like I’m starting to see the change to items in bulk and less plastic packaging which is exciting.

I recently finished off a jar of peanut butter and I am looking forward to refilling it at one of the “nut stations” in the bulk section.

Has anyone tried one of those??? Actually now that I’m thinking about it, maybe I should use a glass jar and save the peanut butter jar for catching fireflies this summer.

And yes, I had just cleaned the pantry before that picture. 😊

I’ve been bad about writing consistently lately, but I have a bunch of things I still want to write about so don’t go thinking this is over yet. ‘Til next time….