The Co-op Difference. We’ve been talking a lot about it, and will continue to do so because it is what truly differentiates us from other grocery stores.

It’s our commitment to a triple bottom line that accounts for people, profits, and planet.

Our commitment to give back to our community, with donations and free community-building events like our annual summer party. Our commitment to community education through our Healthy Connections cooking and wellness classes and The Real Food Show elementary school assembly program. Our commitment to support local, sustainable agriculture in our community via the Co-op’s Farm Fund. Our commitment to our 10-year strategic plan goals that keep us on track. And, our commitment to sustainability.

The Co-op joined the Sustainable Food Trade Association (SFTA) in 2012. In doing so we are required to report annually on our sustainable business practices in 11 action categories. Our first full report covered the 2013 business year, and now that we have completed two more reports we are excited to share the measurable progress of our commitment to sustainability with you.

Sharing these results informs Co-op staff and shoppers on ways to work even harder to improve our already strong environmental business practices.

It takes all of us to make these changes. Much of our progress is driven by our shoppers’ conscious purchasing choices, like the fact that paper shopping bag use by Co-op shoppers averages only .13 bags per customer. Not sure how you all do that, but keep it up.

If you really want to dig in and see how the Co-op has committed to sustainability read more, including our reports to the SFTA.