The signs are promising; robins and snowdrops are appearing outside. Inside the Co-op, we know spring has arrived when we start to see those beautiful potted hyacinths and narcissus in our Produce section. There is time yet, but I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of the vegetable seedlings. I cannot wait to get my hands into the dirt! Now we just need some sunlight!

Spring means that Earth Day is approaching on Wednesday, April 22. We hope you will join us for a fun event! Members will enjoy an extra 5% off on Bulk and Produce purchases, and there will be lots to do! Ticket to Ride will be here exploring bike commuting options to reduce the carbon footprint, Eco-Depot will be offering cell phone recycling, and Kellogg-Hubbard Library will have story time at 1:30 pm with earth-centered books and crafts. And this is only a few of the many activities planned; there will be a lot going on that day. Here is a full list.

Looking to cut down on your plastic? Do you know about our eco-container program for use at our hot and cold bar? You can purchase a reusable container and exchange it for a fresh one each time you use it.

Another way to reduce waste is to reuse containers and refill them in our Bulk and Wellness sections. Many people know about our Bulk section and refill their containers with a wide range of options, from rice to peanut butter. What you may not know is that we have been expanding our bulk options in our Wellness section. There are a variety of products, from cleaning supplies to body care. And don’t forget, members get an additional 5% off on Earth Day on these bulk items, and 0.30 cents off for bringing your own bulk containers in April.

Want to learn more about what the Co-op is doing to focus on environmental sustainability? Members from our Green Team (staff) and the Sustainability and Resilience Committee (council) will both be present at the Earth Day event. Please stop by to say hello and learn more.

One last call for interest in the Strategic Planning Committee. If you would like to apply to participate in our Strategic Planning Committee, please email me by April 6 with up to 150 words explaining why you are interested and what in your background you would bring to this work. We anticipate the committee will meet twice a month, or as needed, over the next year, with some preparatory reading and collaborative discussions in between. Committee members will be compensated for their time. If you have any questions or would like more details about participation, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me.

—Mary Mullally, General Manager