Shop Smarter During Distancing
This time of crisis gives us the opportunity to make changes to how we shop that can help those within our community as well as improve how we shop in the future.
Shop with a Plan:
We have been asked to limit our trips outside of our homes to once a day for exercise and only go to the shop when it is essential. The smartest way to limit our shopping expeditions is to put some planning into meals and shopping lists. For many city dwellers this is difficult with limited space and for many it means changing our habits. It is important to remember that limiting shopping trips and buying larger amounts does not mean panic buying, it means buying smarter. Here in the Hipster Home, we have changed our shopping habits from our usual stops on the way home from work to twice a week shops. There are three key factors to planning your shop :
First, Know what you have…
Knowing the contents of your cupboard, refrigerator, or freezer can help you to plan and limit waste or repeat purchasing. It is far too easy to forget what you already have in stock and miss out on some delicious meal possibilities, especially when it comes to frozen items, tinned ingredients, and dried good such as pulses. We will be posting our fun tips for organising and tracking your stocks soon, keep an eye out.
Second, Plan dishes not meals…
So often meal planning can feel restrictive. Living in the city with such a wide variety of shops and restaurants at our fingertips, switching to set meals without options can leave you feeling trapped over time. To avoid feeling restricted and losing interest in your meals part way through the week, plan dishes that can be used in various combinations. Choose a few mains and sides that share some basic ingredients, such as a couple of chicken dishes and a veg main that shares ingredients with a simple side. Use spices and herbs, and do not be afraid to experiment with flavours or themes where the same base ingredients can provide greater variety with just a small change. Remember, leftovers can also make another great meal, especially a tasty lunch when working from home.
Third, Keep a list…
It can be a hand written list, a list you keep on your phone, or one you keep through a home assistant, such as Alexa or Google Home. Share the list amongst the members of your household to prevent repeat items or missing anything off. When you think of an item you want or need put it on the list, including items you use regularly and are running low on. Review the list before you go out to do your shopping. This will help you limit the amount of trips you require and make your shopping more productive.
Popular electronic lists include AnyList, Any.Do, Todoist, and Microsoft To Do app (replacing Wunderlist)
Support Local:
This may seem obvious without being able to use public transport, but this does not mean simply going to your closest chain store. Support small business, visit your local butcher, green grocer, fish monger, speciality shop, or bakery. A lot of people often avoid smaller speciality vendors out of fear that it will greatly increase their grocery bill, however this is not necessarily the case. Talk to staff, they can help you find the cut or product that best meets your needs while fitting in your budget. Remember, a lot of meat cuts are not readily available in the mainstream shops, as they are not as popular or well known, so you could be missing out on some cheap and delicious alternatives. Speciality vendors also have invaluable insight when it comes to picking the right cut or item for your meal, so you get the most bang for your buck.
Shopping at small shops you do not usually visit can open up new options you will continue to use even after this crisis ends and your support will help to ensure these small businesses will survive through this economic downturn.
Shop Surplus:
While many panic purchase bulk items that will most likely not be used, many suppliers are finding themselves with a surplus of goods that would normally go to restaurants that have closed due to the virus. Many small vendors are taking on these excess supplies to help their suppliers. Check around to see where you can buy such items. Many shops are announcing these extra offers on their websites, social media, or in person. Keep an eye and an ear out to get some great deals on fresh produce or something a little different.
Deliver Smarter:
We have all heard the stories of delivery slots being impossible to get and many stores are understandably limiting slots to those who cannot leave or shop for themselves. With that it mind, not all delivery is limited and some support small businesses that would have to close without this option. These services include wines, vegetable boxes, breads, meat, and more. These deliveries are often contactless and help to keep small and local businesses running.
However you plan to see yourself through this crisis, remember it is important to stay home, stay safe, stay healthy, and look after yourself and others. Practice physical distancing, not social distancing. Check in on friends and loved ones via text, phone, or through any of the various of apps available. Help those who cannot get out to get their own supplies and generally do your part to help all of us get through this together.