discovering a simpiler life

discovering a simpiler life

Tuesday 1 October 2013

Supermarket Break Up Challenge for October



Many everyday utilitarian items nest conveniently when not in use such as the orange traffic cone or the supermarket shopping trolley.

I have a love hate relationship with the big 2 supermarket chains.  I love their convenience, access to choice but I do try to conscientiously shop when I go, buying Australian made and avoiding "their brands".  What I do hate is the duopoly they have in the market place.  I'm scared that one day if we don't do something drastic they will ditch all the other brands from their shelves and we will be left with no choice.  Every dollar we spend with them is a vote to what we as consumers want. So, it probably won't come to much of a surprise to my regular readers what this challenge is going to be for October. 

I read a blog post from Down to earth Mother titled Why I broke up with the supermarket.  It makes perfect sense. So, for the month of October I am challenging myself and any of you who want to come along for the ride, to break up with the two big boys, shop locally owned and lets see how we fair.  There may be a few slip ups along the way, but thats ok, breaking up is hard to do, there are years of firmly formed habits to undo, I promise there will be no judgement.

Where I live we have a locally owned and operated IGA, Aldi, Go Vita, lots of butchers, bakers and green grocers so I hardly think it will be difficult.  My biggest reason for wanting to do this is all the impulse buying I do when I hit Woolies or Coles.  I go with my carefully prepared list which has been well thought threw with a menu plan in mind and while yes I do get all thats on the list, I usually end up with way much more that I intended.  Those multi-buys get me every time, I'm a sucker for a bargain and of course there's my stockpile to think about.

I know for some of you you will be thinking "whoa there sister she gone crazy!" But I think its crazy if we don't at least try and invest in our local crew.  Some websites you may want to check out are who gives a crap for your toilet paper with free postage, go toddler who if you like on facebook will give you $5 off your first order.  Approach your local green grocers, butchers and bakers and ask if you could place your order over the phone and have your order ready and waiting for you to collect, you will be surprised at how many are happy to oblige.  You may even find some added freebies.

                             FEAR, is a horrible thing. FREEDOM, sounds better. Have the courage!
So, who's going crazy with me?

Ciao, Jan

7 comments :

  1. With you in spirit, Jan. I've spent many moments wondering how to do what you have so bravely taken on, as I feel the same way about the 2 said food stores. And you know what? A fair old proportion of the stuff posing on their shelves as food is not even food. It's rubbish! I'm taking on the challenge!!!! Thanks for the inspiration.

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    1. Your welcome Jayne, I'm nearly a week down and I've survived!!! I've loved it actually and it is certainly saving me money, I'll be blogging the first weeks tallies next tuesday......keep me posted how you go :)

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  2. What a great idea! :D I might place an order for that loo paper. Love that they give 50% of profits to the Water-Aid charity. Also thank you so much for the lovely comment that you made on my blog. I'm so chuffed that you liked it! :D

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    1. Oh Lorraine, I'm thrilled to have you here! Thank you for taking the time to drop by. I'm way chuffed straight back at you!! Jan x

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  3. Yep I'm in this week!! (old post I know but meh) I just shopped at my local chicken shop, found out they stock awesome stuff, bakery, green grocer.. where I got cheese.. I got local eggs and went to the chemist and newsagent. Yes, I went to lots of shops but I got some really nice things, it was cheaper! I also went to the supermarket for things like shavers and toilet paper, shampoo etc this week but I am going to source some suppliers for these things and are considering buying them in bulk. I'm sure that will save me shopping time in the long run too. I only spent an extra 40 minutes out and about and honestly, it was a lot more pleasant than the supermarket. Definitely going to work towards ditching them altogether. I'm going to start going to things like farmers markets and buy handmade gifts online too! Supporting the local economy feels awesome too x

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  4. Hi Jan, how did you go, I am putting out a challenge for Australia to go Supermarket Free this April. Would love for you to share your experiences and join us! www.supermarketfree.com.au and www.facebook.com/supermarketfree

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    1. Hi Lucy,
      It went really well, I did shop at my local IGA but supported the fruitier and butcher. I still try to avoid the duopoly if I can all these months later. Thanks for stopping by, will check out your site.
      Cheers Jan

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