The Good Shopping Handbook

7 steps to better shopping

Shopping on the run? Here’s Good’s super-quick checklist:

1 Minimal packaging

Does the product have minimal or no packaging? Is the packaging biodegradable or recyclable?

2 Fresh & seasonal

Eating what’s in season makes for a diverse diet and ensures reasonably priced, fresh produce

3 Wholefood

Look for food that has undergone minimal processing or refining and products that contain minimal additives or preservatives

4 Local

Choosing New Zealand-made rather than imported products keeps our farmers and manufacturers in business, and means less distance travelled

5 Responsible

We can’t make everything here. Some imported products, such as fairly traded or handcrafted goods, benefit the communities that make them. Buying from ethical businesses supports eco-innovation all over the world

6 Traceable

Think ‘farm to fork’—who made this food? Traceable food products are tracked to ensure accountability throughout the food chain

7 Certified or accredited

Independent, third-party certification is best, but there’s a huge range of accreditation marks out there—use our Consumer Labels and Accreditation Guide for more advice.