Canadian couple shares 3 tips for shopping locally and sustainably

When it comes to that weekly trip to the grocery store, shopping Canadian and supporting sustainable practices has never been more important. In Canada, an estimated 46.5 per cent of all food is wasted, creating a major challenge with significant environmental and social impacts.

While we all have these good intentions as we start filling up our cart, we could all do with a couple of tips and tricks to make grocery shopping easier on the environment.

Just take it from Canadian influencer couple Sean and Lacey of That Vancouver Couple. Tagging along on their mission to fill up the fridge, we got an inside look at their grocery haul.

Here’s how they shop local and sustainable at their local Real Canadian Superstore.

Skip the picture-perfect produce

Loblaws

Lacey and Sean’s first tip for keeping your grocery bill in check — while staying sustainable — is to skip the picture-perfect fruit and vegetables.

Instead, they reach for  no name Naturally Imperfect strawberries and lemons. They may not look flawless, but they’re just as fresh and flavourful.

 

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no Name Naturally Imperfect produce uses fruits and veggies that would otherwise be passed up for shape or size — skipping the landfill. It’s just one of many programs that have been implemented by Loblaw, which has helped divert over 80,000 tonnes of food from landfill in 2024 alone.

To save even more money and reduce food waste, Lacey and Sean also use the Flashfood app. The app allows you to save up to 50 per cent off everyday essentials that are nearing their best-by date or where the store has excess inventory.

“Sustainable choices don’t have to mean changing your routine or spending more. Sometimes making better choices is as easy as doing your regular grocery run,” says the couple.

Sign, sign, everywhere a sign

Loblaws

When it comes to shopping for food grown, caught, or raised locally and sustainably, reading all the signs is especially important.

That’s not a problem for Sean and Lacey, who usually grab some sustainably sourced shrimp.

The star of the couple’s seafood pasta dinner, these delicious crustaceans are a fantastic choice all around. “All of these products are clearly marked to ensure you know what to grab,” says Lacey.

Remember, though this may seem like a simple swap, the payoff is monumental! Every time you purchase  sustainably-sourced seafood, you’re helping to stop food waste and protect natural ecosystems.

Look for the fine print

Loblaws

Beyond the environmental impact of the shrimp, Lacey also makes a point to pay closer attention to the packaging of everything she buys — and that’s not a problem at Loblaws’ banner stores.

Previously packaged in styrofoam, these shrimp — along with many other options, like salmon and tilapia — are now sold in a recyclable PET clear tray, making it a better, more impactful choice for dinnertime that also helps reduce landfill waste.

Since sustainable products are readily available, there’s no need to visit specialty stores just to make a positive choice.

“We love that our local Real Canadian Superstore offers sustainable and seafood options built right into your regular shopping experience,” said Lacey.  She adds that across Loblaw banner stores, Canadian-made and produced items are always labeled with big signs and large fonts, making it even easier for shoppers to find and support local businesses.

Your grocery bill (without the environmental or financial impact)

Loblaws

Making conscious choices while grocery shopping doesn’t have to be hard (or expensive). As Sean and Lacey have shown, a few subtle changes to your routine can make a big difference, and it’s something you can easily do at any Loblaws banner store.

No changing your routine or spending more money here, just a better grocery trip. Loblaws’ sustainable programs have been specifically designed for Canadian shopping habits to make more sustainable choices.

With no name Naturally Imperfect produce, sustainable Seafood offerings, Flashfood, and responsible packaging, you can feel good about your impact — without compromising quality.

Fighting climate change, reducing food insecurity, and supporting communities, all while eating a tasty dinner? It doesn’t get easier than this.

Shop these sustainable programs at your local Loblaws banner store and learn about their commitment to sustainability.