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
Looking for a green smoothie boost on these hot summer days? After the success of the City of Ashland’s “Straws on Demand” pilot project, the Co-op will no longer offer single-use plastic straws. We provide paper straws upon request and stainless steel straws (which can be purchased for 75 cents at the Deli Counter).
Dine In and Save
Stopping in for a bite to eat at our Deli? You can save 15 cents when you use our in-house durable plates and bowls,or bring in a reusable container for drinks. Don’t forget your stainless steel straw! We also offer reusable sporks for $4.99.
Reusable Produce Bags - Coming soon!
Reduce your use of plastic produce bags and invest in our new reusable produce bags. Find them in the Produce Department mid to late September. These new bags are made from recycled plastic and can be washed by hand. They are large and strong enough to hold your kale, lettuce, or bunch of carrots. Other options include using recyclable paper bags, or washing and reusing plastic bags from home.
Clamshell Recycling
Additionally, we offer plastic clamshell recycling - with some important conditions. The Co-op will only take clean #1 PETE plastic clamshells for recycling that have been originally purchased at the store. One of our produce suppliers brings these recyclable plastics to International Paper for processing. Bring in your clean clamshells to a member of the produce department today!
Glass Containers
For bulk products, you can find clean, reusable glass containers by the hand washing sink, next to bulk liquids. You can also bring in your own clean containers for stocking up. Be sure to measure the tare weight of your container first - we have scales throughout the bulk section. Feel free to ask a co-op employee to help you find the glass containers or measure the tare of your container.
Plastic Wrap
What about plastic wrap? According to a webinar from the Climate Collaborative on bio-packaging and plastics, in the overall life cycle of a product, packaging is one of the lowest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. Proper packaging can prevent product loss in transport and food waste at home, which has a greater impact on reducing these emissions. Currently, we are researching options for sustainable packaging that also reduces our use of plastic wrap. Maybe one day you’ll be able to bite into a seaweed-based edible sandwich wrap!
At the Co-op, our first goal for sustainability is to become zero-waste. We are committed to reducing our plastic use to the best of our ability by researching new options and providing the best choices to our owners. The road to zero-waste takes collaboration with producers, suppliers, manufacturers, retailers and consumers. We hope that these options provide ways for all of us to make easier choices that leave a positive impact on our local and global community.
More Co-op News
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.
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.
Report from the General Manager and Board of Directors
By Emile Amarotico, General Manager and Ed Claassen, Board President
Ashland Food Co-op Signs Contract to Purchase Property
The Ashland Food Co-op expects to soon complete the purchase of an undeveloped lot at 120 Clear Creek Drive in Ashland. The parcel is located directly behind Ashland Lumber. This purchase is a major step in the Co-op’s vision for growing its downtown presence.
Staff Picks: Summer Hikes and Trail Snacks
Our staff loves to head outside and enjoy the gorgeous Oregon outdoors. Here's a few of their favorite trails and the Co-op snacks they like to take with them.
Be a Zero Waste Hero in Four Easy Steps
By Stephanie Koerella, Education Coordinator
Reducing our waste has continued to be of greater concern for Rogue Valley residents, especially since January, when options for recycling became even more limited. While the Ashland Food Co-op is ramping up our efforts to reduce waste as a business, there is a lot that our community can do at home to help the cause.