So, I made the pledge to go Supermarket Free next month.

I talked about it last week on the blog and some of you decided to take the pledge and join me. Take a read to find out why, how and when.

The question that arose was….. where do I get my stuff from ? 

Good question! I have had a bit of a hunt around and found some awesome alternatives to the big two and come up with…… ta da…. How To Go Supermarket Free!

10 places you get can get your stuff from that doesn’t involve the supermarket.

1. Grow your own. Okay, maybe we have left it a little late to start the orchard and vege garden and getting the chook pen sorted, but maybe your neighbour or friend has a garden you could purchase from or barter with? The website directory, Ripe Near Me, helps you connect with people in your local area who have homegrown food to sell. Also check out My Home Harvest, who provide information and inspiration to get growing in your own backyard.

2. Community Gardens. Join a community garden in your area. The Australian Community Garden Network has a directory of community gardens across Australia. The idea is that you contribute some man hours and you get rewarded with produce!

3. Farmers Markets. The Australian Farmers’ Markets Association has a directory of farmers markets around Australia, making it easy to find the nearest to you. You can also check out Markets Central.

4.  Direct from the farmer. Check what is around in your area. Sometimes producers give you the option of buying directly from them. They may have a delivery service or a farm gate.

5. Local shops. Before supermarkets came about, people would go to the butcher, the bakery, the florist, the health food store, the fish monger and the fruit and vege shop. Meet your local shop owner and check out their wares. You might be surprised.

6. Food box schemes. A food box scheme involves a supplier delivering a box of local, seasonal produce either to your door or a central drop off point. Find out more at The Australian Organic Food Directory. We are lucky enough to have a local organic supplier who delivers fresh produce, dairy and meat and some non-perishables too.

7. Shop online. This is a great way to shop if you are time-poor. I order every couple of months from some of my favourite online stores that are Aussie owned, small businesses. I love getting my groceries delivered to the door. Check out Organics on a Budget, The Raw Food Store and Shop Naturally.

8. Co-ops. As we like to eat organic, joining a local co-op has saved me a fortune! A group of us decided to start one up ourselves. It’s not really that hard and it’s fun to meet up every few weeks for the divvy up. Some of the benefits are getting it delivered straight to your door, the ability to buy in bulk and access reduced prices and the eco-friendliness of reduced packaging. Check out Quirky Cooking for information about how to start up a co-op or find an existing co-op near you.

9. Freeganism and Foraging. Okay so dumpster diving and finding wild weeds and mushrooms may be a little alternate, but they are still options! Just be careful to make sure you are staying within the law and sourcing safe food to eat. Find out more here.

10. Share a cow. It’s illegal to buy unpasteurized milk. The only legal way that you can consume real milk is to drink milk from your own cow. Find out if you can buy shares in a cow in your local area. Find more information about herd-sharing.

Shop for Specifics.

The common questions asked seem to be where do I get my toilet paper, cleaning supplies and dog food from? Okay, well let’s check it out.

1.Toilet Paper. 

Buying toilet paper on subscription with free shipping? Recycled toilet paper that supports charities? Genius.

Let me introduce you to Who Gives A Crap.

Simon, Jehan and Danny launched Who Gives a Crap with a crowd funding campaign in July 2012. After learning that 2.5 billion people across the world don’t have access to a toilet, these guys wanted to do something about it.

They donate a huge 50% of their profits to WaterAid to build toilets and improve access to sanitation in the developing world. Every roll sold provides someone in need with access to a toilet for one week. Their toilet paper is also 100% recycled and free from inks, scents and dyes so it’s as good for your bum as it is for the world!

I was talking to the guys this week and they have kindly offered all of you a discount on their toilet paper!! Use the code: NNAM. You will get 15% off your first subscription so that you’ll never run out of toilet paper again! Expires April 30th – only valid on subscriptions (not one-off orders). I made my first order today and I cannot wait to get my toilet paper delivered!! (is that weird?)

Keep up to date with them on Facebook or Twitter as well.

2. Nappies and Baby Care

You can try online stores like Organics on a Budget or Hello Charlie which also sell some eco-friendly options. Your local chemist may also have some good prices.

3. Cosmetics and Personal Care

Online stores like Beautiful Because and Organics on a Budget all have reasonably priced natural products. Getting everything from one store cuts down on your postage and if you buy enough, most will have a free shipping offer. Your local health food store may also have a good range to choose from.

I found some eco-friendly tissues (sorry I just can’t do hankies!) and I always shop in bulk for organic tampons at TOM Organic.

4. Pet Food.

This is one thing we are going to have to start sourcing elsewhere. As well as making your own, you can check out what your local butcher has on offer, also look at pet shops and farm supply stores. Online you can look at Barf Australia or Melrose products.

5. Cleaning Products.

Well, you could make your own! Aside from that, you can source two of my favourite natural cleaning products, the Abode range and the Kin Kin range online.

6. Bottled Water. 

A few people asked me about bottled water. Ideally the most eco-friendly option is to use a water filter. Apart from that, you can get water delivered to your door from places like Never Fail which also eliminates a lot of the packaging.

7. Superfreegan Discounts. When you join the pledge at Supermarket Free month, you get access to some discount codes from businesses around Australia, so make sure you take advantage! I know I will be!

Some more reading:

Natural New Age Mums Chat About… Supermarket Free Month

Down to Earth Mother: Why I Broke up with The Supermarket and How to Break up with the Supermarket

Energetic Mama:  Are you a locavore?

Frugavore by Arabella Forge is a book that provides a hands-on, practical guide to a new way of living – grow your own, buy local and waste nothing all while eating well.

Support your Local Farmer Organization.

I hope this list of resources helps makes the challenge of Supermarket Free Month a little easier for you! I would love you to add your ideas as well, so please leave a comment. I will be using the hashtag #supermarketfree on social media throughout April, so join in with us and we can all check out what everyone else is up to.

I will leave you with some wise words from my friend, Alexx Stuart……..

“we can shape the world with our shopping baskets”

{parts of this post are sponsored}