Celebrate the Benefits of Buying in Bulk!National Bulk Foods Week in OctoberImagine if there were an aisle in the grocery store where many everyday foods cost an average of 89% less than the same foods found on different aisles in the same store. Now imagine if simply buying those foods not only saved money, but also helped saved the planet, as well. If such an aisle existed, wouldn’t that be cause for celebration?
That’s exactly the idea behind National Bulk Foods Week. The Bulk is Green Council (BIG), a national non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness of the economical and environmental benefits of buying natural and organic foods in bulk, is again partnering with retailers across the country to celebrate the wonders of the bulk foods aisle with the annual National Bulk Foods Week. 
“Bulk foods offer something for everyone, and National Bulk Foods week is all about celebrating those benefits” said Ellen Bouchard, bulk category manager at Frontier Natural Products Co-op and a BIG Council member. “Whether shoppers are new to buying in bulk or are frequent bulk buyers, fun and savings will be experienced by all who venture down the bulk foods aisle.”
Shoppers this year have even further incentive to take part in National Bulk Foods WeekEarlier in the year, the Portland State University Food Industry Leadership Center conducted a first-of-its-kind study in the United States to quantify the benefits of buying natural and organic foods in bulk. The study concluded that natural and organic bulk foods across all categories are on average 89 percent less expensive than their packaged counterparts. The study also found buying bulk foods significantly reduces the amount of product packaging going into landfills, and that the ability to purchase from bulk bins only the amount needed cuts down on food waste.
Retailers participating in National Bulk Foods Week do their part during the week by offering specials and discounts on select bulk food items in addition to the everyday savings shoppers can expect from buying in bulk. In 2011, more than 600 retailers nationwide joined BIG in celebrating National Bulk Foods Week, and BIG expects to top that number this year.
Also in 2011, governors in 13 states proclaimed National Bulk Foods Week in their respective states. So far this year, governors in Arkansas, Arizona, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon and Vermont have issued proclamations, with additional states joining the cause each day.
Also please visit bulkisgreen.org for more information in general about BIG, National Bulk Foods Week, the PSU 2012 bulk foods study and the many benefits of buying in bulk.
ABOUT BULK IS GREEN COUNCIL
The Bulk is Green Council is a national non-profit organization dedicated to increasing consumer, retailer and grocer awareness of the economical and environmental benefits of buying natural and organic foods in bulk. Founded in 2008, the council serves as a research and advocacy group, conducting and publishing studies on industry trends and offering educational tools and resources online. The board includes industry leaders Frontier Natural Products Co-Op, The Hain-Celestial Group, Lundberg Family Farms, SunRidge Farms and Trade Fixtures. Additional information is available at bulkisgreen.org. | 
