Avoiding supermarkets; what are the alternatives?

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Avoiding supermarkets; what are the alternatives?
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Treacodactyl
Downsizer Moderator

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 25795
Location: Jumping on the bandwagon of opportunism

Posted: Wed Dec 22, 10 4:11 pm Post subject: Re: Avoiding supermarkets; what are the alternatives?

Rob R wrote:

As discussed here there are many reasons we may want to boycott supermarkets and we all know (well, nearly all) how easy it is to buy meat direct from the producer, but what about all those essentials that even the most determined downsizer finds themselves popping into the supermarket to buy? How can we do without/find alternative sources/cut the cost (cost savings can help fund those products that it really is worth/necessary paying more for). Contributions on both sides (asking and answering) are most welcome...

Is it easy to buy direct from the producer? I only eat a small amount of meat, don't want to drive large distances and not found delivery companies that reliable so it's much easier picking it up from the supermarket for me.

On the other hand we bought most of our sundries like kitchen towel, loo roll, washing liquid etc direct from Suma - they have their own delivery vehicles and they are very good.

I'm also curious to know why it's better to buy things from chains such as Boots rather than supermarkets such as Waitrose or Co-op.

Duckhead

Joined: 24 Oct 2009
Posts: 2069
Location: Up the hill, Italy

Posted: Wed Dec 22, 10 4:12 pm Post subject:

It is a cost thing though as well, isn't it.

Most folk on here are so well off, (not financially but in a bit of land and some knowledge, or lots of both, or one or the other). I remember a few years ago being told about the poverty trap, in that folk that couldn't afford a car had to shop locally. They had to pay higher prices than those that tootled down to the supermarket. As they had to pay higher prices they couldn't save for a car. Trapped in poverty. Till Asda twigged and put a free bus on.

I think it's a bit lofty to think that everyone can shun the supermarkets to be honest.

Nell Merionwen

Joined: 02 Jun 2008
Posts: 16300
Location: Beautiful Derbyshire

Posted: Wed Dec 22, 10 4:21 pm Post subject:

sfolati wrote:

and we worked so hard to get rid of truck system

Mrs R

Joined: 15 Aug 2008
Posts: 7202

Posted: Wed Dec 22, 10 4:22 pm Post subject:

I think it's lazy to revert to the the cost thing time and time again without evidence (not just picking on you here sfolati, more the media and those people they always interview bemoaning how poor they are and they can only afford tesco). Since becoming astonishingly poor, I've learnt to avoid supermarkets like the plague even better than when it was purely for ethical reasons and I could still just about afford them! It's pretty much only biscuits and breakfast cereal that they are any good on when it comes to price. And I put the poverty trap far more down to them than anything else - they seem to be masters at that....

Duckhead

Joined: 24 Oct 2009
Posts: 2069
Location: Up the hill, Italy

Posted: Wed Dec 22, 10 4:22 pm Post subject:
Don't understand. Sorry. ETA @Nell Last edited by Duckhead on Wed Dec 22, 10 4:24 pm; edited 1 time in total

Nell Merionwen

Joined: 02 Jun 2008
Posts: 16300
Location: Beautiful Derbyshire

Posted: Wed Dec 22, 10 4:23 pm Post subject:

sfolati wrote:

Don't understand. Sorry.

me?
truck system

we fought long and hard to have the right to purchase good quality goods at reasonable prices. To have the opportunity to shop how and where we like.
Seems we have taken a step backwards and put all our eggs in one basket by relying on supermarkets.
The truck system lead to several very good consumer laws being passed not to mention employment laws. Things like branding and the co-operative grew from it's ashes...

Last edited by Nell Merionwen on Wed Dec 22, 10 4:30 pm; edited 1 time in total

cab

Joined: 01 Nov 2004
Posts: 32429

Posted: Wed Dec 22, 10 4:25 pm Post subject:

sfolati wrote:

I think it's a bit lofty to think that everyone can shun the supermarkets to be honest.

Ideals and aspirations can be lofty. There isn't anything wrong with that.

Duckhead

Joined: 24 Oct 2009
Posts: 2069
Location: Up the hill, Italy

Posted: Wed Dec 22, 10 4:31 pm Post subject:

cab wrote:

sfolati wrote:

I think it's a bit lofty to think that everyone can shun the supermarkets to be honest.

Ideals and aspirations can be lofty. There isn't anything wrong with that.

I fully agree. I wasn't really talking about me, more about some poor sod living on the 14th floor in Hull, or anywhere. What can they do to avoid supermarkets?

Mrs R

Joined: 15 Aug 2008
Posts: 7202

Posted: Wed Dec 22, 10 5:07 pm Post subject:
I'm not really seeing what makes them any different to the rest of us?

Rob R

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 31902
Location: York

Posted: Wed Dec 22, 10 5:30 pm Post subject:

sfolati wrote:

I think it's a bit lofty to think that everyone can shun the supermarkets to be honest.

This thread was intended for people who want to, and is aiming to find practical solutions for helping them, it is not intending to convert people who don't want to, as that's like pushing water up a hill and just leads to arguments.

Duckhead

Joined: 24 Oct 2009
Posts: 2069
Location: Up the hill, Italy

Posted: Wed Dec 22, 10 5:33 pm Post subject:

Dances With Cows wrote:

I'm not really seeing what makes them any different to the rest of us?

The fact that you live on a blooming great farm does give you a few more options than someone in a flat.
For example you aren't killing the Turkeys just yet as Robs dad has that covered.
You have been great to me since I joined here and I respect and admire the pair of you but come on. It's not just a bit different, living in a flat is a world away from your life, as are the options.

cab

Joined: 01 Nov 2004
Posts: 32429

Posted: Wed Dec 22, 10 5:39 pm Post subject:

sfolati wrote:

I fully agree. I wasn't really talking about me, more about some poor sod living on the 14th floor in Hull, or anywhere. What can they do to avoid supermarkets?

Hull? There are some cracking little shops in Hull, and they're not more expensive than the supermarkets. Same goes for a lot of places. Thats the point of this thread, its about trying to find alternatives.

cab

Joined: 01 Nov 2004
Posts: 32429

Posted: Wed Dec 22, 10 5:40 pm Post subject:

sfolati wrote:

You're right. But still, its worth a bash.

baldybloke

Joined: 24 May 2008
Posts: 1388
Location: Wiltshire

Posted: Wed Dec 22, 10 5:42 pm Post subject:

paul1963 wrote:

bagpuss wrote:

Its probably the non food items which are more difficult than the food items

So what about

toilet paper
toothpaste
soap (I know you can make your own but not everyone wants to)
washing powder
cleaning fluids

Madame Paul's hair dye, sanitary products, elmlea, booze.

A problem I don't have to worry about. Wash, polish and go!!

jamanda
Downsizer Moderator

Joined: 22 Oct 2006
Posts: 35056
Location: Devon

Posted: Wed Dec 22, 10 5:43 pm Post subject:
Hmm. If you live in a city you generally have more shopping options than living in a field in the middle of no-where. Nat and Rob might be OK for meat, but they still need veg and bog roll.

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