Sustainability Update: Energy efficiency and zero waste
Energy Efficiency
We are happy to announce that we are a member of the Energy Trust of Oregon’s Strategic Energy Management program. This is a free program available to customers of Avista and Pacific Power, which offers awesome incentives including a paid internship!
The Co-op has partnered with other organizations including Standing Stone Brewery, the City of Talent, Rogue Community College, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and many more to reduce our commercial natural gas usage and focus on energy conservation. Together, we are the Southern Oregon Cohort!
We are welcoming Nina Friedman as our new Strategic Energy Management Intern, and are working on an Energy Policy and Action Plan.
Zero Waste
Last fall, we introduced two reusable bag options for customers. We also removed four plastic bag stands from the Produce department. We have two great options: a white bag made from recycled plastics, or a cotton bag. Each bag costs only 25 cents!
Our cotton bags come from an amazing company in India called Royal Jute. One hundred percent of the profits from Royal Jute go directly to Kiva, a non-profit that funds small business loans to women all over the world. With each cotton bag that you purchase, you are making a real impact on the lives of women worldwide. Not to mention, reducing plastic!
This month, we are focusing on a take-back program with the Seattle Tacoma Box company. A lot of our produce comes in big plastic boxes that say they are “100% recyclable”. Unfortunately they are not recyclable in our region, and usually end up in the landfill. Luckily, there is a way to return and recycle these boxes by transport up to Salem. Through take-back programs like this, we can take bigger steps toward our Zero-Waste goal.
We are also beginning a store-wide waste audit - starting with the Deli! With the help of Recology, we will look deep into the realms of our trash bags… and see how we can get better at diverting recycling and reducing our waste.
If you would like to hear more about our sustainability initiatives, contact Rianna at [email protected].
More Co-op News
Celebrating Cinco de Mayo
We're always learning and growing here at the Co-op and with the approach of Cinco de Mayo we thought we would share a (very) brief history lesson and some thoughts on celebrating this holiday here in the United States.
April 2023 Change for Good Partner: Pollinator Project Rogue Valley
From Kristina Lefever, Pollinator Project Rogue Valley President
March 2023 Change for Good: Klamath Bird Observatory
From Klamath Bird Observatory, March 2023's Change for Good partner:
Frederick Douglass And Co-ops in 1846
When Douglass Came to Rochdale, England a Slave and Left a Free Man
By David J Thompson
February's Change for Good partner: OHRA
OHRA helps low-income people build better lives through access to social service resources. By helping
people move from crisis to stability, OHRA builds more capable individuals, stronger families, and a
better community. We have three core programs:
January Change for Good Partner: Ashland Food Angels
December Change for Good Partner: Rogue Action Center
December's Change for Good Partner is
Rogue Action Center
The Rogue Action Center (RAC) builds organizing infrastructure, leaders, and community power for a just, inclusive, and sustainable Southern Oregon for everyone.
November Change for Good Partner: Vesper Meadow Education Program
October Change for Good Partner: AFC Gives Community Fund
October's Change for Good Partner is
AFC Gives Community Fund
September Change for Good Partner: Truth to Power
September's Change for Good Partner is
Truth to Power
Truth to Power cultivates teen activism and community participation through social justice podcasts and transformative projects.
July Change for Good Partner: Ashland Food Angels
June Change for Good Partner: Maslow Project
Celebrate Ashland Food Co-op's 50th Anniversary
Ashland Food Co-op has been a staple in our community for 50 years and invites you to celebrate this anniversary with them on June 3rd, 2022 from 5:00 PM-8:00 PM, at the AFC employee parking lot for dancing, food, face painting and more!
Music by Eight Dollar Mountain and Wild and Blue.
Siano's Karibbean Cookhouse, Walkabout Brewing Co. and Rogue Kombucha will be joining us with delicious food and beverages available for purchase.