Gabriela Cimadevilla

Snacks! Which serves as a distraction from the food that is more quickly perishable and could properly satiate me. By sticking to my grocery list, I am omitting buying unnecessary snacks that I will indulge in before prioritizing the items that need to be eaten first.

I have wasted significantly less food because I am more aware of the quantity of food I have. If I buy potatoes bagged in plastic, it's an arbitrary amount I am buying, immediately creating a disconnect with my food. Whereas if I buy 3 loose potatoes, then I know exactly how much I have and need to use. Buying in bulk gives more agency to the consumer. At first, it is less convenient. But it eventually becomes more convenient because it allows the consumer to think more freely about their food choices and have more control. As opposed to being obligated to buying a large supply of ingredients they don't need and will not use.

Moreover, one of the surprising parts about consistently buying in bulk is that it makes ingredients more visible. Because food items aren't pre-packaged, it doesn't enforce the same out of sight, out of mind experience consumers have with food as a result of food packaging. The visible barrier is eliminated.

Yes, cosmetic imperfections do not impact the quality of the produce.

I notice that when I get a cart, I am that much more tempted to fill it with items I don't necessarily need. Whereas when I get a basket, I find myself putting things back that I don't need when it gets too full. It's an easy way to visually remind myself that I don't need to spend more money on items that I don't need. Also, no one likes carrying around a heavy basket!!