The Co-op has a mission to identify and implement strategies to reduce the environmental impact of our internal systems and operations. We also seek to engage with our Co-op and community to educate, collaborate, and raise awareness around sustainable practices including waste reduction, closed-loop systems, and environmentally conscious buying practices. During April, we celebrate Earth Month by making a concerted effort to work together to reduce our waste. Our Green Picks are a list of environmentally friendly and sustainable items that we think you’d be interested in trying.

Ball mason jars are perfect for buying and storing your bulk and dry goods. You can bring in your own containers, too, just make sure to weigh them before filling them.

Bee’s Wrap food wrap is made in Vermont from beeswax, organic fabric, and jojoba oil. It’s a reusable and biodegradable alternative to plastic wrap, plastic bags, or tinfoil.

BioBag pet waste bags are made from materials derived from plants, vegetables, and compostable polymers.

ChicoBag reusable snack, sandwich, and produce bags provide an alternative to the single-use bag habit, saving consumers money while reducing waste.

Down to Earth Basics features practical goods for natural living. This collection of items is made from recycled, biodegradable materials, felt, bamboo, ceramic, glass, cast iron, wood, and stainless steel.

DuraFresh natural okra eco-scrubby is made from 100% okra vegetable fibers making it compostable and gentle yet effective for scouring and is safe for pots and pans, dishes, glassware, and countertops.

Eco Bags reusable nut milk bags are 100% organic cotton designed for straining your own nut milk. Their reusable produce and bulk bags are also made from organic cotton. Both are responsibly sourced and packaged in recyclable cardboard.

Ecos laundry detergent sheets are made with a base of plant-derived ingredients and natural plant molecules. These sheets also feature a biodegradable formula with plastic-free packaging.

Everlasting Herb Farm Meadow Bee solid deodorant helps stop plastics from entering the landfill and oceans by coming in a compact tin that is refillable. Made in Vermont, one bar lasts four months and 2% of their profits are donated to the Vermont Center for Ecostudies to save our bees.

Full Circle is a carbon and plastic neutral company, meaning for every ounce of plastic they use, they work to recover and recycle the same amount of plastic. They feature household products that are designed to last using innovative materials and thoughtful practices.

GladRags reusable cloth menstrual pads are made of cotton and greatly reduce the amount of waste created by the manufacturing, packaging, shipping, and use of traditional pads.

Honest diapers are a more sustainable solution with the core of their diapers being turned into fluff pulp made from well-managed responsibly sourced trees in North America, reducing their carbon footprint. Free of latex, fragrances, and parabens, with a plant-based back sheet and an efficient design that uses less material in each diaper.

ICU eyewear is made from reclaimed plastic, recycled metal, and sustainable bamboo, using eco-friendly practices.

If You Care rubber gloves are reusable, fair trade, non-GMO, all natural, and made with no animal testing. They’re also made from rubber sourced from a responsibly managed plantation. Their coffee filters are chlorine-free, GMO-free, vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, allergen free, made with no animal testing, and compostable. We also carry cheesecloth, sponge cloths, paper sandwich bags and reusable paper towels.

Klean Kanteen is one of the most recognizable names in reusable bottles, tumblers, and mugs. The family-owned company remains committed to social and environmental responsibility while making high quality reusable containers that replace plastic and reduce waste.

Nature’s Path is dedicated to making delicious organic food and to the environment by using 68% less packaging in their Eco Pac than in the conventional cardboard cereal box.

Preserve products, including razors and toothbrushes, have handles made of 100% recycled materials. The toothbrushes, for example, are made from recycled #5 plastic, like yogurt cups. They can be recycled at facilities such as the Additional Recyclables Collection Center in Barre, VT.

Radius toothbrushes have dye-free bristles made from vegetable-based materials and handles made from bioplastics, derived from renewable biomass sources, agricultural byproducts, or recycled plastics.

Repurpose utensils, plates, cups, and straws are the perfect compostable supplies for a picnic or any meal. They are made from plants using methods that require fewer fossil fuels, lowering their carbon footprint.

Skoy cloths are earth-friendly reusable cleaning cloths which are 100% biodegradable, chlorine-free, unbleached, non-GMO, and made using water-based colors and inks.

Sunbeam candles are made and delivered to our store using several eco-friendly and sustainable practices, from their solar-powered candle shop to carbon-neutral shipping.

To-Go Ware utensils are made of bamboo and are a simple and easy way to reduce plastic waste by providing an earth-friendly reusable alternative to plastic forks, knives, and spoons.

Tru Earth laundry detergent eco-strips dissolve completely in hot or cold water and work in all washing machines. Manufactured in Canada, these Eco-Strips have a dramatically smaller footprint than some liquid and powder detergents. With less plastic packaging, the lightweight, small size saves space not only in your home but also reduces transportation pollution by 94%.

Wellness bulk soaps and cleaners are a great way to reduce waste and packaging. Bring your own reusable container to buy just the right amount that you need. We carry Better Life glass cleaner and floor cleaner, BioPac laundry detergent and dishwashing liquid, Mrs. Meyer’s soaps, Dr. Bronner’s pure-castile soaps, Shikai shampoo and conditioner, and Vermont Soap Company bulk bar soap and soap ends.