Bring It Back

May the Fork Be With You

We are excited to launch our "Bring It Back" program here at the Co-op. We have phased out the distribution of single-use plastic utensils and are inviting everyone–whether dine in or to go, local or visitor–to use our utensils guilt free.  Bring it back when you can, if you can.  If you are a traveler, no worries!  Keep them in your car, pass it along, or… you decide!  If you are a local and they end up accumulating in your drawer, no problem!  When you are ready to return them just bring them back and put them in one of the bustubs located in the dining areas.  They will be washed and sanitized and put back in rotation to be used again and again! 

Returnable Utensil Program FAQs

Q: Why are you doing this? Why can't I get a disposable fork?  

A: We are always on the lookout for ways to eliminate waste in our landfills and this is another way we are helping to accomplish this goal. 40% of Plastic Pollution is from Single Use Plastics (SUP).  A disposable fork is guaranteed to be trash but a reusable one can be used and washed and used over and over again.  

Q: I am not coming back to the Co-op in the near future. Can I just get a disposable utensil?

A: We are not attached to the return of the utensil, really! You can keep it in the car, donate it somewhere, or… you decide! Bring it back when and if you can.  

Q: Are there other benefits to reusable utensils?  

A: The environmental footprint of a metal fork is better than a plastic fork after only two uses, after that every use increases the environmental benefits.  

Q: I am an Owner, and while I support the environment the Co-op needs to be fiscally responsible. Won't this be expensive?  

A: The financial benefits are similar to the environmental ones! A metal fork pays back after only two uses, and when also considering the money saved not buying the plastic alternative the co-op is expecting to save money on utensils. Do good and save money. Icing on the cake!

More Co-op News

Meet Board of Director Trine Ostergaard

Trine Ostergaard is a newly elected Ashland Food Co-op Board of Director. She brings a world, literally, of experience to the table and has a sincere passion and love for the Co-op. We are thrilled to have her aboard and asked her to answer a few questions.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Meet Board of Director Dean Williamson

Dean Williamson is a newly elected Ashland Food Co-op Board of Director. He brings to the table a plethora of co-op experience and a love of chocolate chip cookies. We are thrilled to have him aboard and asked him to answer a few questions.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Staff Picks: Favorite Local Products

September is Love Local Month!  All month long we’re celebrating our local farmers and vendors with demos, events and more. Here are some of our staff's favorite local products.

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How Can I Reduce My Plastic Use at the Co-op?

By Rianna Koppel, Sustainability Coordinator

Plastic pollution today is a global dilemma. Did you know that more than 40% of plastic is used once, then tossed? In 2015, 79% of total plastic waste ended up in landfills or the environment. How can our co-op help reduce the amount of single-use plastics? Luckily, we offer a variety of options for owners.

Stainless Steel Straws

Meet Pachamama Coffee Cooperative

By Lauren Taber, Pachamama Coffee Cooperative

Pachamama Coffee Cooperative started in 2001 with a few simple questions in mind: what would it look like to take Fair Trade a step further? How can coffee farmers be in direct relationship with end consumers in the United States?

We found that the answer was even simpler: cooperative ownership. Pachamama Coffee has been 100% farmer-owned since day one, and is currently owned by 140,000 small scale family farmers across the coffee producing regions of the world.

Community Cider Backyard Fruit Drive

How often can you browse the shelf at your neighborhood grocery store, see a bottle of hand crafted, local cider and say, “Hey, I help make that!” Well, at the Co-op you can.

2018 Board Election Results

The AFC Board of Directors is pleased to announce the results of the 2018 Board Election. There were three excellent candidates running for two Board positions. In total, 905 votes were cast.

Congratulations to the following candidates who will serve three-year terms on the Ashland Food Co-op Board of Directors.

Thank you for voting!

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Meet Store Manager Barry Haynes

By Barry Haynes, Store Manager

Twenty three years ago my wife and I began our quest to relocate our family from the midwest to the west coast. We were looking for a beautiful area with an  engaged community that would enable our children to thrive. Equally important, we wanted our new home to have a vibrant natural food store. When we arrived in southern Oregon, we felt as though we hit the jackpot.

Beat the Heat

When the heat of summer takes over, it can be hard on our bodies and moods. Don’t let the scorching temps get you down, cool off with one of these refreshing Staff recommendations.
 

Report from the Board of Directors: Strategic Plan Update

By Jeff Golden, External Relations Committee Chair

Ashland Food Co-op is striding into the future with careful intention. We’re especially focused on the three top priorities of our strategic planning process, a collaboration of our board and management team. A quick update:

Riding off into the Sunset

 

By Annie Hoy, Retiring Marketing Manager

Since I was born and raised in far West Texas, I cannot help but use some imagery from what is so familiar to me.