Buying in bulk, bringing your own containers and using a shopping trolley: the new urban habits

‘I used to bring bags and end up with more plastic than a chemistry lab… Until I discovered the shopping trolley.’
Sound familiar? Today we’re going to look at how sustainable shopping is transforming the way we consume in Spain and why using shopping trolleys is more trendy than the latest series on Netflix.

Bulk and sustainable shopping: another way to consume

Bulk shopping is a growing trend in cities where environmental awareness is on the rise. It allows you to choose only what you need, avoid packaging and check products before buying them. This increasingly popular style of consumption connects with the zero waste philosophy: living with less plastic and more common sense.

In addition, many consumers in the UK buy local products, valuing Spanish origin in fresh produce and zero kilometre. Buying in bulk at eco-friendly shops or local markets is part of this change: less packaging, more control, more planet.

Of course, to carry Tupperware, pasta containers or bulk legumes, you need space and convenience. That’s where the shopping trolley comes in.

Consumer trends: online shopping: how does the trolley fit in?

Today’s consumers are looking for authenticity, transparency and digital trust when shopping. More and more people are doing their research before buying: checking reviews, comparing prices, looking for local shops or sustainable brands.

Online shopping is growing strongly, especially among Millennials and Gen Z. But this does not rule out the physical shopping trolley: many shops offer mixed solutions: digital shopping and in-store collection or local delivery. And here the physical shopping trolley remains key: because even if you shop online, many choose to receive orders at collection points or shop online at their local supermarket and walk down to pick up their shopping. And how do you take it home? With your trolley, of course. Online shopping and the trolley complement each other better than it seems.

Why is using a shopping trolley a smart choice?

Using a trolley is more sustainable than bags (including cloth or paper ones) because it is reusable, but above all, it is durable and encourages local shopping on foot, avoiding the use of the car.

A trolley reduces the use of single-use bags, allows you to visit several shops, carry your own containers and save unnecessary trips. What’s more, pushing wheels instead of carrying bags means less effort and more comfort.

This makes using a shopping trolley a sensible urban trend: ecological, practical and in line with conscious consumption.

Shopping trolleys: more than just wheels, a sustainable tool

Nowadays, there are many models of trolleys on the market, but if you really want to shop sustainably, it’s not just the design that matters, but also the quality. Choosing a sturdy, well-made and durable trolley is not only an investment that pays off for you, but also for the planet. Less waste, fewer replacements and more years of use.

At Garmol, we manufacture top-quality trolleys, made in Spain, with materials designed to last and make your daily life more comfortable, practical and environmentally friendly, and above all, designed to last for years. 

📢Tip: if you maintain it properly, it will last much longer.

What’s more, they’re not just for the supermarket: as we explain in ‘Shopping trolleys: more than just for shopping’, they’re useful for transporting books, school supplies, small removals or comfortably carrying everything to your friend’s house for a party. Using it in your daily life for different things makes it a very practical ally. The more uses you give it, the more useful and sustainable it becomes: it’s a smart way to get the most out of your trolley.

If you want to know how to choose the ideal model for your needs, you can find useful tips in this post: ‘How to choose the perfect shopping trolley’. And if you want it to last for years, check out our tips in ‘How to care for a shopping trolley so it lasts for years’.

Where is consumption in Spain headed?

Consumption in Spain is changing, and it is moving towards sustainability and digitalisation. There is a growing commitment to solutions such as recyclable packaging, transparent labelling and the circular economy.

In the food sector, there is growing interest in plant-based products, reusable packaging and shops that sell in bulk or focus on local and authentic products. There is a strong interest in knowing the real origin of products, how they have been produced and by whom, using technologies such as blockchain, which guarantee transparent and secure traceability. Local shopping is also gaining momentum: zero-kilometre products, support for national production and more visits to neighbourhood shops or local markets.. 

In this new landscape, the shopping trolley becomes an ideal companion. Why? Because it allows you to adopt all these trends: walking or cycling with your Tupperware containers, filling your trolley with fresh, bulk products, reducing plastic bags… and carrying less weight with more comfort. Sustainability on wheels.

Conclusions

Change is underway: consumers in Spain want to be more sustainable and consume fresher, more local products. Consumption trends point to bulk buying, local products, transparency and ecological responsibility.

Here, using a shopping trolley becomes a logical decision: it is a way to consume wisely, care for the planet and get around comfortably, without relying on the car or single-use plastic bags. While some click from home, others enjoy the walk, the friendly service and filling their trolley with fresh local produce. Both ways can coexist… and the trolley adapts to all of them: whether you do your shopping in the shop, pick it up or have it delivered to your home, it’s always useful to have one handy.

At Garmol, we offer shopping trolleys that are designed to last and are very versatile. They are an eco-friendly investment that facilitates more responsible consumption habits.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)