Engaging Customers
added 05/05/10
by Emily Neuman
Sustainability Coordinator
Helping Co-op shoppers make well informed green choices is a key part of our strategy for environmental sustainability. If you are not already familiar with our Sustainable Shopper programs, read on:
SmartCycle Recycling
The Co-op uses a clear, hinged-lid container to pack its salads and certain Bulk items. We recently switched from EcoPak to SmartCycle containers. SmartCycle is made with 100 percent post-consumer recycled plastic – soda bottles to be specific. Reuse it a few times at home, then return it – clean and dry – to a Co-op cashier. We’ll recycle it for you, as we did for hundreds of shoppers in 2009.
Recycle 5
Twice a month, the Co-op collects #5 (polypropylene) plastic from shoppers. More than 100 households participate. We ship the material to a company near Boston called Preserve. (Over a ton in 2009, most of which was yogurt containers). Preserve makes toothbrush handles, plastic bowls, and food storage containers. Look for their toothbrushes in our stores. Collection schedule is available online and at the Service Desk. (Please note that because this program relies on volunteer labor, we cannot offer unlimited collection times. If you would like to see the collection hours increase, please volunteer to help!)
Shopping Bag Recycling
Worn-out Co-op plastic shopping bags can be recycled. We provide collection bins in the lobby of each store. The bags will be shredded and transformed into garbage sacks.
CFL Recycling
The Co-op sells compact fluorescent light bulbs to help shoppers improve energy efficiency in their homes. We also want to help keep mercury out of our environment, so we make CFL recycling easy. Just bring your used bulbs back to the Service Desk and we will take it from there. Many hardware stores also accept the bulbs at no cost.
FishWise
In order to keep our shoppers – and our staff – up-todate about the sustainability of our seafood offerings, the Co-op subscribes to a program called FishWise. FishWise provides labeling that indicates sustainability according to color-code: green (best choice), yellow (some concerns), and red (avoid). Catch method is also indicated on the signage.
Million Bags
Did you know that, as recently as 2006, the Co-op was distributing more than 2 million disposable shopping bags a year? Consumer consciousness in this area has changed tremendously in the last 3 years, so that we are poised to distribute less than half that many in 2010. But, it won’t happen unless Co-op shoppers continue choosing to reuse. We recently launched a marketing campaign to make sure all shoppers are aware of our bag policy: We give a 5-cent credit for each bag re-use or non-use by shoppers. And, we strongly encourage all shoppers to participate!
Please help us cut waste and save valuable natural resources
by bringing your own bags for shopping.
Reusable packaging Reusable packaging Co-op shoppers are encouraged to use their own bags and containers to pack Produce items and Bulk items. In the grocery aisle, bring your own container for dish soap and laundry detergent refills. Just be sure to weigh your container before you fill it. Self-serve digital scales are conveniently located in the Bulk department, or ask a staff person for assistance.
Our hope is that shoppers who engage with programs like Recycle 5, FishWise, and Million Bags will make well-informed choices when it comes to the environmental sustainability of their Co-op purchases. Please join in! Our ecological impact, as well as yours, will be the better for it.
An Opportunity to Serve Your Co-op Community and the Environment!
The Co-op seeks a Volunteer Coordinator to help us grow our successful Recycle 5 program. Responsibilities will include:
- Filling existing volunteer shifts
- Building the volunteer base in order to support increased service to participating shoppers
This is a volunteer position requiring up to 6 hours of service per month. We are looking for an individual who can commit to the position for a minimum of 6 months. Please contact Emily Neuman, Co-op Sustainability Coordinator, if you are interested. or by calling 643-2667. The position will remain open until filled. Please apply early!
