(photo credit newskudo.com)
A very helpful trend for those of us looking to reduce the plastic packaging is the zero-packaging food store.
We are lucky that we have one near us, and that they stock some of the items we use regularly. They package food and other supplies in returnable glass bottles, collecting a deposit which is partially refunded when you bring the jar back for cleaning and refilling.
Some of the useful items we've bought at our local zero-packaging food store are locally brewed chai, locally made gluten-free bread, toothpaste tablets, shampoo bars, nuts, and grains. They are also a good source for bulk cooking oils in reusable jars.