Earth Month
Our co-op exists to create and sustain a vibrant community of healthy individuals, sustainable local food systems, and thriving cooperative commerce. Achieving our mission includes supporting the natural environment, and the environmental returns outlined in our ends policies are just as important as the economic and social returns.
Our co-op exists to create and sustain a vibrant community of healthy individuals, sustainable local food systems, and thriving cooperative commerce. Achieving our mission includes supporting the natural environment, and the environmental returns outlined in our ends policies are just as important as the economic and social returns.
For our environmental stewardship and sustainability efforts, our co-op was designated one of the first Green Grocery Environmental Leaders by the state of Vermont in 2016.
Sustainability at the Co-op
The Co-op continuously seeks to lessen our local and global environmental impact throughout our business operations. We actively track our sustainability metrics, including energy usage and volume of compost, recycling, and trash through Co+efficient, a national sustainability program developed by National Co+op Grocers. For example, last year, we diverted 73.7% of our waste to composting and recycling streams, and the Co-op experienced no perceptible refrigerant leaks, which contribute to greenhouse gases. We often hear from customers who are concerned about the use of so much plastic. We agree and one of the ways we work to keep plastic out of the waste stream is to recycle our pallet and plastic wrap at ARCC. We recycle about eight watermelon bins (otherwise known as gaylords) of this plastic each month. If you are looking for options to reduce your plastic consumption here are a few: eat in the cafe, rather than using “to go” containers, purchase and use a reusable to go container for our food bar, use cloth bags for your produce, return can carriers to our collection point in the exit way. They will be reused by local beer companies.
In recent years, our co-op has made innovative improvements in energy efficiency by targeting refrigeration and HVAC systems. We reduced our refrigeration demand in the winter by installing a system for walk-in coolers that circulate in cold, outdoor air. Additionally, we installed a heat reclamation tank that captures excess heat from our refrigeration system to preheat water used on-site.
The carport in our parking lot has solar panels and a free electric vehicle charging station for customers to charge their electric vehicles. The solar panels generate energy that is returned directly back into the grid, and the Co-op gets a credit applied to our electric bill. They currently offset nearly two percent of our energy use. In February of 2022, the Co-op purchased two solar arrays. The power generated from the solar panels will equal almost all of the Co-op’s electrical consumption.
Shop Bulk Foods & Save
Bulk departments have always been a staple in food co-ops. You can find as little or as much as you need of items like spices, oils, rice, pasta, flour, beans, grains, nuts, dried fruit, maple syrup, candy, and coffee. Have you taken our cool new grinders for a whirl yet? In addition to almonds, cashews, and peanuts, we have also added some sweetness with the honey peanuts and a chocolate peanut combo.
Buying in bulk is better for the environment and can help you save money. Reducing packaging and reusing containers means less energy is used to bring the product to you, and less waste is sent to the landfills. Reduced packaging also allows you to save money by paying for the product and not the packaging.
From April 17 – April 30, 2024, Co-op Member-Owners receive $5 off a $25 purchase in the Bulk Foods Department.
On Earth Day, April 22, 2024, everyone can save an additional 20% off in the Bulk Foods Department.
- The offer includes bulk coffees, herbs, teas, and packaged bulk items.
- Offer excludes wellness bulk items (shampoos, conditioners, soaps, lotions) and bulk deli foods (olives, pickles, kimchi, sauerkraut).
- The member discount is only for member-owners in good standing.
- This discount cannot be used for special orders.
- Other shopping discounts, including senior, Co-op Cares, working members, council, and staff, will be applied before the bulk discount.
Check out these great environmental-themed Co-op workshops from years past:
