Sustainable by Design
From product and packaging choices to building design, the co-op incorporates earth-friendly practices into our everyday operations.
Sun Powered
Rooftop solar panels generate 20% of our annual electricity usage!
Reclaimed Heat
Freezers and refrigerators consume significant energy and generate substantial heat in the process. We capture the heat from refrigeration and use it to heat the hot water used at the co-op.
Reduced Food Waste
Our produce department reduces food waste by juicing fresh fruits and vegetables.
Built to Reduce Energy Use
The co-op’s architecture is designed for sustainability.
Large dormer windows let natural sunlight illuminate the store and reduce lighting electricity usage.
Rubberized flooring materials reduce the need for cleaning and polishing chemicals.
Composting
We donate food scraps that can’t be sold to local farmers for compost or animal feed to generate as little landfill waste as possible.
Thoughtful Packaging
Food packaging is chosen specifically to be recyclable or compostable, made of plant-based sources whenever possible.
Green Spaces
Vibrant green space is an important part of our design to create a welcoming space and to enable groundwater infiltration. Plant beds are maintained by hand by local landscapers who do not use pesticides and herbicides.
Reduced Plastic
The dining area offers metal flatware that is washed and reused!
Plastic shopping bags were removed from the store in 2015 and replaced entirely with paper. We also offer boxes for carryout and encourage shoppers to bring their own reusable shopping bags.
We do not carry single-use plastic water bottles and offer filtered water in the eating area.
