Shop Earth Friendly Choices at Your Coop!
Small everyday choices can add up to meaningful change. Adopting more sustainable shopping and living habits doesn’t have to be overwhelming—it’s a journey, not a race. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your sustainability game to the next level, here are some easy ways to make your shopping trip greener and reduce your impact on the planet.
Start Simple: Reduce Waste, One Step at a Time
Every eco-conscious action counts. Bring your own coffee mug and enjoy 25 cents off your favorite co-op brew—good for your wallet and the planet. Remember to carry a reusable shopping bag, or if you forget, ask for a used box at checkout. Bring your own clean container or a reusable bag to fill up on essentials in the bulk department!
“Buy Local: Eat Closer to Home
When you buy local, your food travels fewer miles, helping to reduce transportation emissions and support local farmers and makers. Look for our Red Local Indicator on produce tags and shelf signs, as well as the red shelf runners throughout the store that highlight locally sourced products.”
Produce with Purpose
Skip the plastic when shopping for fruits and veggies! Apples, bananas, and other loose produce items can go directly into your cart—no bag necessary. Choose individual beets, carrots, and potatoes rather than pre-bagged options to reduce waste and get only what you need. Pick up bunched greens instead of pre-packaged salad mixes, and bring your own cotton, mesh, or reused plastic/paper bags for smaller items.
The Power of Bulk
Our Bulk Department offers an easy way to reduce packaging and food waste. Bring your own clean jars, cloth bags, or containers—just weigh them at the bulk station and write the tare on the container before filling. Don’t forget to write the PLU number on your container! You’ll find a wide selection, including grains, flours, beans, trail mixes, granolas, herbs, spices, teas, and even sweet treats. You can also grab large packages of tofu and tempeh, which use less packaging than individually wrapped options.
Sustainable Cleaning, Kitchen & Personal Care Options
Go beyond food! We carry an array of eco-friendly household and personal care products. Look for:
Recycled or compostable paper products, including paper-wrapped toilet paper
Compostable & recycled cooking essentials and sandwich bags from If You Care & Compostic
Ingredients Matter Powder Laundry Detergent in plastic-free packaging
Recycled-content toothbrushes
Package-free bar soaps and shampoo bars—just bring a reusable tin or bag to carry them
Bulk liquid soaps—fill up your own container
Plastic-free deodorants, shampoos, insect repellents, and more (only at our Hertel location)
By making even a few of these swaps, you're helping to reduce landfill waste, cut down on plastic pollution, and support a more sustainable economy. Do what works for you, and remember: the goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress.
Together, let’s create a cleaner, greener future—one shopping trip at a time!
