Bulk-Brain: A Logical Approach to Shopping and Saving the Planet
Okay, fellow humans of the internet, let’s get real for a second. This isn’t going to be your typical “look at my perfectly curated minimalist lifestyle” post. I’m not here to sell you a brand. I’m here to talk about sense. The kind that seems to be missing in a world drowning in single-use plastic and impulse buys.
I'm a child of the '80s, born in '86, and something just snapped in my brain somewhere between the peak of disposable culture and the dawning of the climate crisis. I see things differently now. It’s not about being trendy; it’s about being…logical.
You know that feeling when something breaks and your first instinct is to just chuck it and buy a replacement? Yeah, that makes me twitch. The microwave plate shattering isn't a reason for a new microwave! Amazon can sell the plate, thank you very much! We live in an age where the information of how everything is made is usually at our fingertips. Why not use it instead of letting some corporation collect your money?
Now, before you brand me a hoarder or a hermit, let me explain. It’s not about clinging to junk. It’s about recognizing value. That broken thing isn't trash until it's been assessed and every possible repair, repurpose or alteration explored. My time is too precious to waste running errands for single items that you can buy in bulk or find a fix to. And honestly, there aren't enough hours in a day to explain to most of society why this makes sense. So, I just don’t try anymore.
So, instead of a “look how organized my pantry is” post, I’m giving you a glimpse into my brain, specifically my shopping strategy. It’s not glamorous, but it is efficient, sustainable, and, dare I say, kind of genius. To be fair, I've been honing these skills since I was a kid. I was part of the recycling team at our local dump, and involved in an environmentalist club for as long as I can recall. I've even started making my own products, such as charcoal toothpaste, to reduce waste and dependence on big corporations.
Here’s the gist: Buy what you need, buy it in bulk, and buy it with intention.
This isn’t some performative thing, ok? I've actually studied the socio-economics and ethics behind this. This isn't about "saving money" in the superficial way it is so often presented. It's about the long game, the ethical choice, and making space for what really matters, like a good book or a walk in the forest.
And, to be completely honest, every time I'm going to toss one thing out, I visualize that item multiplied by my entire year of waste. I then see what that would look like, piled up. Then, I visualize the trash from everyone else who uses that product, at one single dump. The image makes me rethink a lot of my habits!
My "Bulk-Brain" Shopping List (For a family of 4, adjusting as needed):
Toilet Paper:
(Scott's 1000, or recycled alternative): 18 packs. We’re down to 3 rolls? Re-order time. Never again will I have that 3 am existential crisis of running out of toilet paper. Check out these Scott 1000 bulk options.
Batteries:
(AA, AAA, the whole darn spectrum): Enough to power a small town for a year. Maybe two. I'm looking for the rechargeable ones that can be recycled.
Nuts, Bolts, Washers:
(in various sizes and materials): A well-stocked container ensures I can fix anything. We can build a spaceship if we wanted to. Find good bulk choices here.
Dried Goods:
(beans, lentils, rice, oats): Think of this as an emergency preparedness kit, not just dinner. Eco-friendly packaging is a priority here. I look for paper or glass and refuse anything with plastic inside the containers. Bulk dried goods can be great.
Cleaning Supplies:
(concentrated versions, refillable): I find bulk versions that come in glass bottles. Never waste a single use plastic if you don't have to. And lets be real, cleaning supplies are not different from one to the other. There are no "special" cleaning products, it's basic chemistry. Concentrated cleaning products are key to saving.
Paper Products:
(paper towels, napkins - recycled): I use cloth as much as possible, but sometimes paper is necessary. I prefer the unbleached, recycled option.
Compostable Trash Bags:
It is the only option. I've learned to reduce everything else. Check out these compostable trash bags.
Spices:
(bulk bins, reusable jars): I can create anything from scratch with the right spices. This is a science experiment, but this time in the kitchen. Find great choices here bulk spices.
Baking Basics:
Sugar, flour, yeast in bulk, in paper bags and reusable containers. Find your baking basics in bulk here.
Oils:
Olive and canola in glass containers. I prefer these oils in glass containers.
Vinegars:
A few types in glass containers, can't live without it. Get your vinegars in glass.
Baking Soda and Citric Acid:
We'll get everything clean, no corporation will ever get a cent from me from cleaning supplies. Baking soda and citric acid are a must.
Herbs & Seeds:
for my gardening needs. These herbs and seeds will help you get growing.
Large Water Container for Refills:
Get your large water container here to assist in bulk purchasing practices.
Recycling Bin:
A proper recycling bin will help you sort, and reduce waste going to the landfill. These recycling bins are great for home.
Compost Bin:
A proper compost bin will help you compost waste, and not send it to the landfill. Get your compost bin here.
Solid Dish Soap:
Ditch the single use liquid soaps, and use a solid dish soap bar for less packaging and waste.
Bamboo Palm Brush:
Combine a solid soap bar with a bamboo palm brush, for sustainable dish washing!
The "Real" Cost: Decoding Price Per Unit
Now, let's talk about price – but not the obvious price you see on the tag. Corporations use all sorts of tricks to make us believe that items are cheaper than they are. This is where price per unit comes in. Calculating "per unit cost" will show the truth about pricing. Here's how to calculate it and see past the trickery:
What is Price per Unit?
This is the cost of a single piece or measurement of the product, allowing for comparisons of different sizes. For instance, not the cost of a 12 pack of toilet paper but the cost of a single roll.
Calculate:
Divide the total price by the number of units. For example, if a 12-pack of paper towels is $10, the cost per roll is $0.83 ($10 / 12 = $0.83).
Tricks to Avoid:
Watch for "family size" or "value" labels, that will often be more expensive per unit. Always do the calculations.
Sustainability:
Consider not just the price but also the packaging and material. If two options are a similar cost, opt for the one with less plastic, or with more sustainable ingredients!
Consider the Long-Term Cost:
Buying durable or repairable items may be more expensive upfront, but cheaper in the long run!
Pro Tip: A good calculator is essential for all shopping trips. This vintage calculator is perfect for stylish shopping trips!
The "Why" Behind the Madness:
Time is precious:
I’m not wasting hours in a grocery store every week.
Sustainable:
Buying in bulk means less packaging, which means less waste. Plus, I’m not tossing out broken things constantly.
Economical:
I buy once, maybe twice a year. Saving not only money, but brain power.
Empowering:
Knowing how things are made means you will know what to do to fix them
Ethical:
I’m not participating in the consumerism cycle. I buy intentionally, and less frequently.
Peace of Mind:
I know I have everything I need, when I need it.
A Call for Intentional Living
Look, I get it. This isn't for everyone. But maybe, just maybe, this way of thinking can start a shift. We don't need to be hyper-consumers to be happy. We can learn to appreciate what we have and extend its life, which will also extend our own. And, hey, maybe you'll find some extra time to read some encyclopedias yourself.
Final Thoughts
So go ahead, call me antisocial, call me a weirdo, call me whatever you need to. I’ll be over here, fixing things, saving resources and living a more intentional life. What will you be doing? Let me know what you think, but please note: I'm not here to have a debate about this. I'm putting this information out here so it can help someone who can identify with me.
Note: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through the links on this page.
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