Celebrate Earth Day with Bulk, Bargains, & Planet-Friendly Picks

This Earth Day, April 22, People’s Food Co-op is offering the perfect way to honor the planet while stocking your pantry. For one day only, everyone will receive 15% off all bulk items, including herbs and spices on all in-store purchases. Plus, if you bring your own reusable container, you’ll receive an additional 5% off your bulk purchases. That’s up to 20% off on high-quality, package-free products that support a more sustainable lifestyle!! 

Whether you’re a long-time bulk section regular or curious to explore it for the first time, this is the ideal moment to dive in. Bulk shopping helps you save money, reduce packaging waste, and cut down on food waste—all key parts of building a healthier planet and a more intentional pantry. 

Why Buy in Bulk? 

When many people hear the word “bulk,” they might picture oversized sacks of rice or wholesale quantities of nuts. But at People’s Food Co-op, buying in bulk simply means buying exactly the amount you want, no more, no less. That could be a full jar of lentils or just a spoonful of cinnamon. 

This approach offers real benefits, not just for your wallet, but for the planet. 

Cost-Effective Choices 

Bulk items are often more affordable than pre-packaged products because you’re not paying for branding, packaging, or marketing. When you shop in bulk, you’re paying only for the food itself. Over time, that adds up to real savings, especially on pantry staples. 

Reduce Packaging Waste 

Most packaged products come with layers of plastic, cardboard, and single-use materials. Bulk shopping allows you to cut down on disposable packaging by using your own reusable containers or bags. Even if you forget to bring your own, the co-op provides bags and reusable options to help keep your environmental impact low. 

Buy What You Need, When You Need It 

Only need a teaspoon of turmeric? Curious to try quinoa without buying a whole bag? Bulk shopping lets you purchase the exact amount you need. This reduces food waste, saves storage space, and helps ensure your ingredients stay fresh and usable. 

Fresher Ingredients 

The co-op's bulk bins are restocked frequently, so you can count on ingredients being fresh. And because you’re likely buying in smaller quantities more often, you’ll use them up before they lose their flavor, texture, or nutritional value. 

How to Shop Bulk at People’s Food Co-op

Shopping bulk is easy, eco-friendly, and affordable. Here’s how:

1. Choose a Container
Use a co-op-provided bag or container, or bring your own clean, dry, food-safe container from home.

2. Weigh Your Container (If BYO)
Before filling, weigh your empty container at the scale and write the tare weight on it. (Skip this step if using co-op containers.)

3. Fill What You Need
Scoop or dispense the product you want — no hands, please!

4. Label with PLU
Write the PLU (price look-up) code from the bin onto a twist tie or sticker. Label each item separately.

That’s it — bulk made simple!

 Using your own container not only reduces packaging waste, but during the Earth Day Bulk Sale, it also gives you an extra 5% off your purchase. 

What You’ll Find in the Bulk Section 

People’s Food Co-op offers one of the most robust bulk sections in the region. Here are just a few categories to explore on Earth Day: 

• Grains and Rice: Brown rice, basmati, wild rice, quinoa, millet, and more. 

• Beans and Legumes: Black beans, chickpeas, lentils, split peas. 

• Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, flaxseeds, chia seeds. 

• Granola and Snacks: Great for snacking, breakfast, or making your own trail mix. 

• Flours and Baking Ingredients: Whole wheat, almond, rye, gluten-free blends, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda. 

• Herbs and Spices: From everyday essentials to hard-to-find flavors. 

• Oils, Vinegars, and Syrups: Refill your containers with what you need. 

• Tea, Coffee, and Sweeteners: Purchase by the ounce to keep your shelf stocked with fresh, aromatic staples. 

Whether you're cooking from scratch, meal prepping, or simply restocking essentials, bulk goods give you flexibility and freshness that packaged products can't match. 

A Perfect Way to Celebrate 

Earth Day is about taking steps—big and small—to protect the planet. Shopping in bulk is one of the easiest and most impactful everyday actions you can take. It cuts down on unnecessary waste, promotes thoughtful consumption, and supports a more sustainable food system. 

The Earth Day Bulk Sale is a chance to make that habit even more rewarding. On April 22, enjoy 15% off everything in the bulk department including herbs and spices and take 5% off more if you bring your own container. 

Explore new ingredients, refresh your pantry, and take pride in making a simple, sustainable choice that supports your health, your community, and the Earth.