Staying Sustainable in A Changing World
By Rianna Koppel, Sustainability Coordinator
In the midst of a health crisis, how can we focus on sustainability? Let’s be real - these are tough times!
What does sustainability look like now? I like to refer to the definition of sustainability - meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. How can we meet the needs of the present, while keeping the future in mind?
Here are some suggestions for staying sustainable in our changing world, based on two of the Co-op’s 2030 goals, Zero Waste and Sustainable Relations.
Staying Zero Waste
Eat Fridge First
The best way to save money and reduce food waste is to shop at your local refrigerator first. An easy practice that I like to use at home is organizing the shelves. Use clear containers to store food - seeing what is in front of you can make a difference. Move that fresh produce to the front to make sure it gets eaten first! Do a weekly fridge clean-up to see what’s hiding in the back. Use a whiteboard to write down meal plans, and keep a running shopping list.
Shopping Strategies
Going to the store for groceries is an essential need - be sure to come prepared. Choose one person to shop for the whole family if you can to reduce exposure. Make a clear list, thinking of what is needed for an entire week or more. You can also order from our Deli online.
Bring sanitizer, gloves, and a mask. Sadly, we can no longer bring reusable mugs, containers, or bags inside, so leave them at home. Be prepared to wait outside if the Co-op has enacted metered entry to ensure safe social distancing.
When leaving the store, sanitize your hands before touching your car door handles. Consider cleaning your steering wheel too.
If you are an at-risk community member, our store hours are reserved for you from 7 am - 8 am every morning.
If you need help with grocery shopping or can help others, check out the City of Ashland’s Adopt A Neighbor program.
Choose Local Products
Now is a wonderful time to support local farmers and producers. Look for local cheeses like feta or fromage blanc from By George. Try out Ton Ton’s hummus on local breads from Rise Up! or the Village Baker. For a tasty and nutritious crunchy snack, Kale Yeah! chips do not disappoint! Ask a Produce clerk about which vegetables are coming in from local farms. Stock up on immune support from Herb Pharm, and make sure to wash those hands with bars of soap from Sappo Hill. You can find local products marked with our green circular “Local” marker.
Don’t forget to order from small stores when possible - before buying a book online from Amazon, call up Bloomsbury books or Powell’s. Choosing small businesses can be a lifesaver for those employees!
Clean Out Your Container Collection
Do you have a shelf hidden in the kitchen where you put all those clean glass jars that you could use for storage? Guilty as charged! Jump into spring cleaning and clear out your containers. Take time to label bulk jars, check expiration dates in the pantry, and recycle what you don’t use.
Recycle It Right
Take a moment to read about what goes in your recycling cart through Recology. Remember that recycling should be clean, dry, and free of food residue. No egg cartons, lids, soft plastic, or items contaminated with food should go into a commingle cart.
For more information, visit Recology.
If you live outside of Ashland or Talent, contact Rogue Disposal.
Start A Victory Garden
April is the best time to start a garden to grow your own food. Plant starts like kale, lettuce, beets, cilantro, sugar snap peas, carrots, and so much more are ready to go outside! You can find a variety of vegetable starts from local nurseries outside of the Co-op entrance.
Maintaining Sustainable Relationships
Stay Connected
There’s never been a better time to call up friends and family, whether they’re across town or a few states away. A one-on-one conversation can be the perfect remedy to feeling down or overwhelmed. Use online apps to have a video chat, or create a group text with friends. It can be heartwarming to see photos of pets, garden projects, or hear about a book someone is reading. Even sharing frustrations can be affirming - it’s helpful to know other people out there are also having rough days.
Say Hello To Your Neighbors (From A Distance!)
If you’re sheltering at home, most likely your neighbors are too! Welcome those serendipitous moments when checking the mailbox or walking the dog. Say hello and ask how they are doing. Check to see if your area has a Nextdoor neighborhood hub at www.NextDoor.com.
Take 10 And Meditate
The most important person to stay connected to is yourself! Give yourself the gift of time, and take ten minutes for a quiet moment. A meditation can be as simple as closing your eyes and focusing on your breathing, or putting attention on your heart.
Focus On Gratitude
Find three things to be grateful for each day. Here’s one - I’m glad that I have toilet paper at my house! Gratitude doesn’t have to be extravagant, just noticed. Be mindful of blooming flowers, laughter, and sunshine. Let yourself enjoy a comedy special, take a nap, or blast some music for a dance break.
More Co-op News
Jackfruit 101
You might have noticed a rather large, prickly fruit hanging out next to the apples, oranges, and papayas in the Produce Department. Meet the Jackfruit, the newest addition to the Produce Department. In case you don't know "jack" about Jackfruit, here is a crash course.
- The Jackfruit is native to South and Southeast Asia and is a close cousin of the fig.
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The Co-op sources the fruit from Patagonia Orchards. Their fruit is grown in the tropical rainforest of Nayarit, Mexico.
Get Your Garden On
This is one of our favorite times of the year. The sun is out and the days are longer, time to play in the dirt. Our Produce Staff share their favorite seeds and starts to help you get your garden going.
Meet the Meat Department
Welcome back to our Behind the Scenes blog series. So far you’ve meet the dynamic Produce and Deli teams. Next up, the department that is packed with protein, meet the Meat Department.
Did you know?
Rachel's Spring Produce Picks
Rachel Rose, Assistant Produce Manager, shares her spring produce picks.
Strawberries
Most people are surprised to know that early spring are two of the best months out of the year for tasty strawberries. The first batch out of California is usually so sweet and full of flavor that the rest of the year I often shy away from strawberries. They just don’t measure up to the fruit coming out early in the year.
5 Edible Plants to Start in Your Garden Now
Spring is most definitely upon us, and we are lucky enough to live in Southern Oregon where the weather during this time is usually (ahem) co-operative enough to let us get some plants in the ground in between the hail storms and rainbows. There are actually many plants that do quite well in this time of transition, as they prefer the cooler temperatures that we get here this time of year, before the real heat sets in. Here are a few that we have right now at the Co-op, direct from local, organic farms. Plant these in your garden now for best results!
UPDATED Organic Raw Macadamia Nuts Recalled Because of Possible Health Risk
UPDATED 3/17/16
Ashland Food Co-Op of Ashland, Oregon issues the updated press release to clarify that we re-packed and sold Organic Raw Macadamia nuts in random weight bags at our retail store in Oregon only between January 5th, 2016 and February 4th, 2016. We do not have any internet sale or distribute affected product outside Oregon.
Garden of Life Raw Meal Recall
Garden of Life has issued a voluntary recall on all Raw Meal products shipped after August 15, 2015.
Please see the below link to Garden of Life’s blog for all lot numbers that they are recalling, as well as details of the recall.
Let Thy Food Be Thy Medicine
Rachel Rose, Assistant Produce Manager, shares her winter produce picks.
The cells in our bodies are all made using the building blocks that we provide in the food that we eat, the air that we breathe and the water we drink. If we want healthy bodies, feeding ourselves and our families the cleanest healthiest foods is a real good start. We are what we eat!
Burdock root
Behind the Scenes: The Deli
Welcome back to our Behind the Scenes blog series. We recently took you into the colorful world of Produce. Now we’d like to introduce you to the department that enters beast mode daily: the Deli.
Did you know?
31 Reasons to Visit the Co-op
Happy 2016! It’s a brand new year, new month, new day. No doubt many of you’ve made a variety of resolutions to make this year the best yet. The Co-op can help you succeed. How? Let us tell you. Here are 31 reasons why you should visit the Co-op every day this month to improve your life and your community.
Behind the Scenes: Produce Department
You shop for groceries at the Co-op. For lunch, you often stop at the Deli for a quick meal from the Hot Bar. You meet friends outside on the plaza, give each other long hugs, and catch up on life. After a long week, you swing by for the Friday beer and wine tastings at the Kiosk. But how well do you really know the Co-op?
2015: A Year to Remember
Can it really be that time of year again? 2015 was full of so many things for which to be grateful. Here’s a list of some of the highlights.
We celebrated the 10-thousandth person to become a Co-op owner! Co-op ownership is a way to help create a more humane and democratic way to do business locally. A robust cooperative economy is one way to take a stand against corporate misbehavior.
Smart Chicken® Holiday Giving Challenge
The holiday season is upon us. Amidst the shopping frenzies, family gatherings, and parties it can be hard to remember this is also a season of giving. Luckily, you have us and we are making it easy for you to give back.
During the month of November, Co-op shoppers can nourish their own families and help fight hunger in the Rogue Valley.