Although National Bulk Foods Week, the Bulk is Green Council-sponsored observance of the economic and environmental perks of buying bulk foods, doesn’t hit for a couple more weeks (Oct. 16–22), it’s never too early to start bulking up when it comes to food purchases. And remember: buying bulk foods doesn’t necessary mean buying Octomom-appropriate quantities. Whether you’re after nuts, grains, beans, rice, coffee, popcorn, sugar, spices, candy or other dry pantry staples, when buying bulk foods you can buy as little as you need (particular helpful when it comes to esoteric spices that you only use once in a blue moon) helping to eliminate waste, avoid excessive packaging, and most importantly, save a few bucks.

 

Naturally, you’ll need something to store all your dried bulk foods in once you get home. Reusing old glass jam and jelly jars (pasta sauce jars are ideal for plus-sized amounts) is the greenest way to go. However, you may want to spruce up your kitchen countertop with something special and new that complements your arsenal of old Newman's Own vodka sauce bottles and antique Ball jars collected at local estate sales. Below, you’ll find eight most excellent countertop storage solutions made from a range of materials including recycled glass, bamboo, BPA-free plastic, and porcelain to help you celebrate National Bulk Foods Week in style. Do you have any bulk food storage tips or tidbits? What's your preferred countertop container type?