More Than Groceries: Expanding Our Community Impact
More Than Groceries: Expanding Our Community Impact
General Manager Laura Sanchez shared a behind-the-scenes look at how the co-op performed operationally and how the store is continuing to evolve.
This year, the co-op made a major push to reach more people in Davis and beyond through expanded marketing and outreach efforts, including:
- A billboard along I-80 reaching approximately 350,000 weekly impressions
- Print mailers delivered to 23,000 households in Davis and Woodland
- New in-store signage highlighting local farms and producers
Local products remained a major priority, with $5.6 million in local product sales this year alone.
“Purchases from local producers help strengthen the local economy while also promoting access to healthy, local food.”
-Laura Sanchez
The co-op also continued its strong commitment to supporting the broader community:
- Over $241,000 in food donations
- More than $44,000 in sponsorships and donations
- Support for 93 local nonprofit organizations
Perhaps most impressively, member sales continue to make up around 75% of total store sales, reflecting the continued strength and engagement of our ownership community.
New & Upcoming Projects
The Q&A session sparked thoughtful conversations about the future of the co-op, upcoming improvements, and new ways members can get involved.
The Deli Remodel
The deli remodel was one of the topics members were most excited and curious about. Leadership shared that the goal is to bring the space back to more of a traditional deli experience while expanding fresh meal offerings and dinner options.
In addition to the new food offerings, the remodel will also include:
- Updated bathrooms with gender-neutral individual stalls
- Renovated back offices and break areas
- Improved workflow and expanded deli space
Future Store Improvements
Members also asked about what improvements may come after the deli remodel.
Projects currently being explored include:
- Flooring upgrades
- Improvements to the meat department
- Patio furniture and upgraded outdoor seating updates
- Potential future expansion opportunities, including exploring a second location outside Davis
The Board emphasized that all future investments are being evaluated carefully to ensure they align with the co-op’s mission and long-term values.
New Ways to Get Involved
One especially exciting discussion centered around future member engagement opportunities.
Rather than returning to traditional member worker programs, the co-op is exploring new volunteer initiatives and member clubs that would allow people to gather, collaborate, and support community projects outside the store.
Thank You for Being Part of the Co-op!
This year’s Annual Meeting was a powerful reminder that the Davis Food Co-op is more than just a grocery store. It’s a community-driven organization shaped by the people who shop, work, and invest here every day.
From exciting store upgrades to new ways for members to get involved, this year’s meeting showed that the co-op continues to grow while staying rooted in the values that make it special.
Whether you’ve been a member for decades or just joined recently, thank you for helping shape the future of the co-op. We’re excited for everything ahead and grateful to continue growing alongside this incredible community.
If you attended the Annual Meeting or have general feedback you’d like to share, please take a moment to complete our survey: Annual Meeting Feedback
If you are interested in reading exciting wins and updates from The Co-op’s new five-year strategic plan committee update, read Looking Ahead: The New 5-Year Strategic Plan, HERE. To read about our election outcome, read 2026 Election Results, HERE.
Easy Plastic-Free Swaps
EASY PLASTIC-FREE SWAPS
Reducing your plastic use doesn’t have to mean changing your entire lifestyle overnight. Sometimes the simplest swaps can make the biggest difference. At the Davis Food Co-op, we’re always looking for ways to make sustainable shopping easier, whether you’re picking up fresh produce or stocking your home with everyday cleaning essentials. Here are some of our favorite plastic-free and low-waste alternatives to help you reduce waste without sacrificing convenience or performance.
Plastic-Free Produce
Did you know one of the most plastic-free departments in our store is Produce? While many grocery stores rely heavily on plastic packaging, we’ve made thoughtful choices to reduce unnecessary waste whenever possible.
Look for:
- Paper bags for potatoes, onions, and other produce instead of plastic.
- Paper sleeves on our fresh flower bouquets.
- Compostable packaging on bagged citrus. While the packaging may look like plastic netting, it’s certified compostable, helping reduce landfill waste.
You can also skip disposable produce bags altogether by bringing your own reusable mesh produce bags or choosing our compostable produce bags available throughout the department.
Cleaning Products
Our favorite sustainable swaps are often powder versions of products!
Why Powder? Liquid detergents are made up largely of water. No need to pay, store, or transport water! Powders are more concentrated and pack a punch. Choose less filler ingredients, higher concentrated options and more natural clean using powerful enzyme cleaning that doesn’t require a pre-rinse or rinse aid. See easy swaps below that pack a punch. They will make you wish you switched sooner!
Plastic-Free Laundry
Laundry is one of the easiest places to reduce plastic in your home. Many of these products are also water-free, making them lighter to transport and reducing emissions associated with shipping.
Some of our favorite options include:
- Ingredients Matter Laundry Powder (Hypoallergenic, PVA-free, with sensitive skin and planet friendly ingredients!)
- ECOS Detergent Sheets (4.4 Star reviews, Cruelty Free, hypoallergenic, Vegan, sensitive skin friendly)
- Tru Earth Detergent Sheets (4.8 Star reviews, Cruelty Free, Chlorine Bleach-Free, Vegan)
- Nellie’s Laundry Soda (4.6 Star reviews, septic safe, hypoallergenic, highly concentrated formula)
- Nellie’s Laundry Cubes in our refill department (4.7 Star reviews, PVA-free, highly concentrated and gentle formula)
- ECOS OXO Brite Powder in plastic-free packaging, use for all-purpose house cleaning too! (4.6 Star reviews, only two mineral-based ingredients, gentle formula)
- Nellie’s Lamby Wool Dryerballs (4.2 Star reviews, 100% pure New Zealand sheep’s wool, all-natural, softens fabric)
- Tru Earth Reusable Wool Dryer Balls (4.8 Star reviews, 100% premium New Zealand wool, all-natural, softens fabric)
Prefer liquid detergent? Bring your own container and refill it with Oasis laundry detergent in our bulk department.
Plastic-Free Dishwashing
Whether you use a dishwasher or wash dishes by hand, there are plenty of low-waste alternatives to conventional plastic bottles. For automatic dishwashers, we carry:
- If You Care Dishwasher Tablets (4.6 Star reviews, biodegradable, non-toxic, with minimal impact on aquatic life!)
- ECOS Dishwasher Tablets (4.1 star reviews, Cruelty Free and Climate Positive)
- Seventh Generation Dishwasher Tablets and Powder (4.6 star reviews, Cruelty Free, & Bio Based USDA Approved)
- Nellie’s Dishwashing Cubes in our refill department (4.5 star reviews, plant-based, biodegradable ingredients)
If you prefer liquid dish soap, refill your own container with Oasis biocompatible dish soap from our bulk section.
For handwashing, pair your soap with reusable cleaning tools like:
- Full Circle wool dish sponges
- TAG loofah kitchen scrubbers
- If You Care reusable sponge cloths
- If You Care natural rubber gloves
All-Purpose Cleaning
Looking for one product that can do it all? We’ve got you covered.
For a completely plastic-free option, try Bon Ami or Bar Keepers Friend powdered cleansers.
If you prefer a liquid cleaner, Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Soap is one of our favorite multipurpose products. Purchase a bottle once and continue refilling it in our bulk department whenever you run out. If you don’t bring your own container, refill cartons are also available and use 86% less plastic than purchasing a new bottle.
Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap is incredibly versatile and can be used for:
- Dishwashing
- Fruit and vegetable wash
- Homemade all-purpose cleaning spray
- Mopping floors
- Hand soap and body wash
- And more!
One bottle can replace multiple cleaning products, making it an easy way to simplify your routine while reducing plastic waste.
Don’t forget everyday paper products! Caboo paper towels and toilet paper are made from sustainably sourced bamboo and sugarcane instead of trees, offering a plastic-free packaged alternative that helps conserve forests while reducing household waste.
Every Swap Makes a Difference
Going plastic-free doesn’t have to happen all at once. Replacing just one product at a time can have a meaningful impact over the course of a year. Whether you’re refilling your laundry detergent, bringing reusable produce bags, or switching to a multipurpose cleaner, every small choice helps reduce waste and supports a healthier planet.
Looking Ahead: The New 5-Year Strategic Plan
Looking Ahead: The New 5-Year Strategic Plan
During the Annual Meeting, Board member Joe Martin shared updates on the Co-op’s new five-year strategic plan, developed collaboratively over several months with input from stakeholders across the co-op community.
The plan focuses on three major priorities:
- Financial Growth
- Member Engagement
- Staff Development
Financial Growth
The Co-op reached $18.3 million in gross sales this fiscal year, driven by strong holiday promotions, increased member participation, and continued community support.
Some standout moments included:
- A member 20% off sale that generated more than $150,000 in sales in a single day
- Thanksgiving deli meal orders that more than doubled from the previous year
The Co-op is also exploring new sources of revenue, including a provisions program that would allow customers to order case-sized quantities of products.
Member Engagement
One of the biggest themes of the night was creating a stronger, more engaging experience for members.
If there was one topic members couldn’t stop talking about, it was the deli remodel. Members got a sneak peek at what’s coming next:
- A fresh new hot bar and salad bar
- Expanded ready-to-eat meal options
- Soup wells
- A dessert case with more vegan and gluten-free offerings
- The return of Mermaid Sushi
The updated deli will focus heavily on fresh, high-quality ingredients and is projected to be 98% organic.
The Board also discussed plans to increase outreach to younger shoppers and UC Davis students through targeted marketing campaigns and stronger campus partnerships.
Staff Development
The Co-op continues prioritizing employee wellbeing and workplace culture. Staff satisfaction remained strong overall, with employees reporting positive experiences with their work environment and treatment.
The Board also acknowledged that compensation remains an important area for continued improvement. Leadership shared that they regularly review pay scales, benefits, and employee recognition programs, including the recently launched customer service recognition initiative.
How to Limit Plastic Use: BYO Container
HOW TO REDUCE PLASTIC: BYO-CONTAINER
Happy Plastic Free July! Join millions of people around the world in reducing plastic waste through simple, everyday choices. Plastic Free July is a global movement that encourages us to rethink our reliance on single-use plastics and adopt habits that are better for both our communities and the planet. You don’t have to eliminate plastic overnight, even small changes can make a meaningful difference.
One of the easiest ways to reduce plastic waste is by bringing your own reusable containers when you shop. Whether you’re buying produce, bulk foods, meat, or bulk eggs, there are plenty of opportunities to choose reusable over disposable.
Produce
Skip the plastic produce bags by bringing your own reusable mesh produce bags. If you don’t have reusable bags yet, our produce department also offers compostable corn-based bags and paper bags as lower-waste alternatives. These usually come with tare weights on the tag so that you only get charged the weight of your produce and not charged for the weight of the bag.
Refill Station [Bulk]
Shopping our bulk and refill department lets you purchase exactly what you need, reducing unnecessary packaging while often saving money.
Bring your own containers to refill pantry staples, spices, teas, nuts, grains, and more. You can also refill everyday wellness and household products, including shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hand soap, dish soap, laundry detergent, and lotion. Still have a little bit of spice in your container? Tare the weight of the container and your existing spices so that you don’t have to wait until you are fully out of your staples.
This July, members can also enjoy 15% off select bulk items throughout the month:
- 7/4-7/10: Dried Fruit & Granola
- 7/11-7/17: Beans, Lentils, & Split Peas
- 7/18-7/24: Rice
- 7/25-7/31: Nuts & Nut Butters
Looking to stock up? We carry bulk staples like 25 lb bags of organic rice, beans, and oats, as well as 1 lb bags of organic teas and spices.
Need a refresher on shopping our refill section? Check out this video: Refill Station: Tips & Tricks
Meat/ Butcher Counter
Did you know you can bring your own container to the Meat Counter? We’ll gladly package your selections in your reusable container, helping reduce single-use packaging. Once the meat has been placed in your packaging, there are no takebacks due to food safety and sanitation standards! However, our team will ask you to confirm before they place it.
Bulk Eggs
Buying bulk eggs? Bring a reusable egg carton on your next visit. Whether it’s a durable plastic carton or an empty cardboard or pulp carton, reusing egg containers is a simple way to reduce waste while shopping.
Take the Plastic Free Pledge
This month, stop by the store and make your Plastic Free July pledge! Whether it’s bringing a reusable coffee cup to your favorite café, carrying reusable shopping bags, or remembering a reusable produce bag, every small action adds up. We are placing all pledges on our walls by our registers.
You don’t have to be perfectly plastic-free to make a difference. Every reusable container, every refill, and every sustainable swap helps reduce waste and move us toward a healthier future for our community and our planet.
Annual Meeting Highlights
Annual Meeting Highlights
On May 1st, members joined our Board of Directors and General Manager virtually to reflect on another impactful year at the Davis Food Co-op. From exciting store improvements and strong financial growth to ambitious plans for the future, this year’s Annual Meeting highlighted what makes our co-op unique: a community of people investing in local food, shared values, and each other.
A Year of Growth and Reinvestment
Board President Sam Conselman opened the meeting by reflecting on what the co-op accomplished during the 2024–2025 fiscal year and what it means to continue growing while staying true to our cooperative values.
The co-op saw impressive momentum this year, with 5.6% year-over-year sales growth, allowing us to reinvest directly into projects members will actually see and experience throughout the store.
Some of the biggest improvements included:
- A newly resurfaced parking lot
- Installation of a backup generator to keep the store operational during outages
- The beginning of the highly anticipated deli remodel
But growth at the co-op means much more than increased sales. It means:
- More support for local farmers and producers
- More community dollars staying local
- More opportunities for shoppers to align purchases with their values
“Every time you shop at the Co-op, you’re doing more than buying groceries. You’re supporting community over convenience and shared ownership over distant control. You’re helping build a food system rooted in dignity, connection, and local resilience.”
– Sam Conselman
2025 Davis Food Co-op Board of Directors
The Board also reflected on ongoing conversations around cooperation, collaboration, autonomy, and what it means to remain a community-owned business in a rapidly changing food landscape.
To read about our election outcome, read 2026 Election Results, HERE.
2026 Election Results
2026 Election Results
Thank you to all Davis Food Co-op members who participated in this year’s elections and member voting opportunities. Your voice helps shape the future of our cooperative, from electing Board members to selecting the local organizations supported through our Round Up program.
Board Election Results
Members elected three candidates to serve on the Davis Food Co-op Board of Directors for the next three years:
Briza Ramirez
29.9% of votes
“I’ve worked at The Co-op for 18 years. I started as a cashier and made my way up to my current role as Store Support Manager. For the past three years I’ve also had the opportunity to serve on the Board as a director. During that time, I’ve been part of the Governance Committee, and have also served as Head of the Board Nominating Committee, through this work, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of how The Co-op operates and how strong governance helps it succeed.”
Vince Ortiz
24.3% of votes
“I’m passionate about our mission of sustainable and ethical food practices, and I believe in the power of our community-owned model. If elected, I pledge to leverage my knowledge and skills to ensure our community owned store’s continued success. I will work with fellow board members to guide our future impact during varying economic and social times while acting as an employee representative.”
Joe Martin
24.2% of votes
“I’ve been a co-op member since 2005, and a member of the Board since January 2024. Prior to that, I worked as a journalist, a teacher, and a communications specialist with UCSF and UC Davis. I believe the choices we make about what we eat and how it’s produced have a profound impact on the climate, economic inequality, and other things I care deeply about, so it’s been a privilege to be able to help address those issues on a local level as part of the DFC Board. Among other things, I was able to help craft the co-op’s 2025-2030 Strategic Plan, which sets goals and priorities for the next five years.”
Congratulations to our newly elected Board members, and thank you to all candidates who participated in this year’s election process. We appreciate your commitment to strengthening our cooperative and serving the Davis Food Co-op community.
Future Round Up Recipients
Members also voted to help determine future Round Up recipients. Every time you round up your purchase at the register, you help support local organizations making a difference in our community. The selected organizations are:
August 2026: Yolo Diaper Bank
21.8% of votes
Yolo Diaper Bank works to remove diaper need as a barrier to the health and stability of Yolo County families. An estimated one in three families in Yolo County must choose between purchasing diapers for their children and paying for basic living expenses. To address this challenge, Yolo Diaper Bank collects and purchases diapers for distribution through local agencies serving families in need, helping ensure children have access to this essential resource.
September 2026: Davis Schools Foundation
16.0% of votes
Davis Schools Foundation is a nonprofit that supports student well-being and educational opportunities in the Davis Joint Unified School District (DJUSD). Through partnerships with families, educators, and community members, the foundation provides grants that fund programs and services beyond what public funding can support. Its funding priorities include mental health and counseling services, equitable access to educational resources, and providing educators with the tools needed to create safe, supportive, and effective learning environments.
January 2027: Orphan Kitten Project
16.0% of votes
Orphan Kitten Project is a student-run non-profit organization at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. Orphaned and abandoned neonatal kittens under 4 weeks of age are taken in from the community and given a complete physical exam by the project coordinators. These kittens are then fostered by veterinary students or giving members of the community who bottle-raise them in their own homes. The kittens are weaned, vaccinated, FeLV tested, spayed or neutered, and dewormed before they are put up for adoption, usually by 10-12 weeks of age.
Thank you for helping direct support to organizations that strengthen and enrich our community!
Celebrating LGBTQIA+ Owned Brands
Celebrating LGBTQIA+ Owned Brands
Happy Pride Month, Co-operators!
This June, we’re celebrating LGBTQIA+ owned brands we carry here at the Davis Food Co-op. Pride Month is a time to honor the resilience, creativity, and contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community while embracing the values of love, inclusion, and equality. It also reflects Cooperative Principle #8: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. At the Co-op, we are committed to fostering a welcoming community and ensuring diversity, equity, and inclusion are reflected throughout our organization and the products we carry!
We hope you enjoyed celebrating at Davis Pride and continue supporting LGBTQIA+ owned businesses throughout the year. Be sure to round up your purchases this month to support LGBTQIA+ advocacy through the Davis Phoenix Coalition. Read on to learn more about some of the inspiring LGBTQIA+ owned brands on our shelves and the stories behind them.
Fat and the Moon (Local)
Herbalist Rachel Budde channeled her passion for plants and the human body to create Fat and the Moon. The intentionality can be seen in every small-batch, hand-poured product with locally sourced, organic and fairly traded ingredients. Their head-to-toe body care products are made for every body with a wide variety of offerings for every need.
GT’s Living Foods
At just 15 years old, GT Dave began sharing kombucha after witnessing its positive impact on his mother’s health during her recovery from breast cancer. In 1995, he bottled his homemade kombucha in the family kitchen and became the first person to bring kombucha to grocery store shelves in the United States. Today, GT’s Living Foods offers a variety of fermented and functional foods, including kombucha, COCOYO coconut yogurt, mushroom elixirs, and water kefir. The company remains committed to traditional brewing methods, wellness, and fostering a culture of growth, mindfulness, and community.
Cowgirl Creamery (Local)
Founded by couple Sue Conley and Peggy Smith, Cowgirl Creamery was built on a shared passion for organic agriculture and artisan cheesemaking. Since 1997, the company has partnered with local Sonoma County dairies to source organic, pasture-based milk and create award-winning cheeses. Cowgirl Creamery is dedicated to supporting sustainable agriculture, strengthening local food systems, and reducing its environmental impact through composting, waste reduction, and energy-efficiency initiatives.
Boichik Bagels (Local)
When Emily Winston moved from New Jersey to the Bay Area, she couldn’t find the kind of bagels she grew up loving. After years of perfecting her recipe, she launched Boichik Bagels, opening her first Berkeley shop in 2019. Made with premium organic ingredients, Boichik Bagels quickly developed a loyal following for their authentic East Coast-style flavor and texture. Alongside quality food, the company is committed to supporting its employees through competitive wages and comprehensive benefits.
Real Mojo Foods (Local)
Founder Dee Siazon turned a lifelong love of food into Real Mojo Foods after leaving the tech industry to pursue culinary school. Inspired by her childhood experiences preserving fruits and vegetables with family, she began creating small-batch jams, sauces, and pickles using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Based in Sacramento County, Real Mojo Foods produces handcrafted products without preservatives and maintains a hands-on approach throughout the production process, ensuring quality, flavor, and attention to detail in every jar.
Puzz E Gata Jamaica (Local)
Founded by Pamela Marquez, Puzz E Gata Jamaica is a queer Chicana-owned company dedicated to preserving the traditions and flavors of authentic Mexican jamaica. Inspired by family memories and conversations with women across Mexico, Marquez developed recipes that honor the cultural significance of hibiscus tea while using fresh ingredients and avoiding artificial additives or preservatives. The company’s distinctive jalapeño and nopal infusions reflect a deep connection to heritage, community, and the stories passed down through generations.
Stonewall Kitchen
Stonewall Kitchen was founded by partners Jonathan King and Jim Stott, who began by selling homemade jams at local farmers markets in Maine. Inspired by family recipes and a passion for quality food, the pair built the company into an award-winning specialty foods brand recognized throughout the industry. Today, Stonewall Kitchen also includes brands such as Montebello and Tillen Farms, continuing its commitment to high-quality ingredients, craftsmanship, and culinary creativity.
Peace Coffee
Owned by Lee Wallace, Peace Coffee began as a nonprofit initiative focused on supporting coffee farmers and building more equitable supply chains. Inspired by the resilience and stories of farming communities around the world, the company partners with organic and Fair Trade certified growers, many of whom are cooperatives themselves. Peace Coffee remains committed to environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and producing exceptional artisan-roasted coffee while uplifting the communities behind every cup.
Pip’s Heirloom Snacks
Siblings Jen Martin and Jeff Martin, along with Jeff’s wife Teresa Tsou, founded Pipcorn, now Pip’s Heirloom Snacks, after discovering heirloom corn at a farmers market. What started as a small operation hand-popping popcorn and stamping bags by hand quickly grew into a nationally recognized snack company. Pip’s uses non-GMO ingredients, heirloom corn, and clean oils such as avocado and sunflower oil to create flavorful snacks with simple ingredients. The company continues to focus on innovation, quality, and making better-for-you snacks accessible to more people.
Nuts for Cheese
Nuts For Cheese was founded by Margaret Coons, a vegan chef who set out to create rich, flavorful plant-based cheeses that could satisfy cheese lovers and vegans alike. What began as experiments with nuts and seeds for a restaurant cheese board soon evolved into a thriving business after customers began requesting products to take home. Since launching at farmers markets in 2015, the company has grown into a dedicated team committed to crafting high-quality, dairy-free cheeses that are both delicious and accessible.
Dr. Bronner’s
Dr. Bronner’s family-owned soap brand has been a leader of the organic soap industry for decades. The brand is now LQBTQ+ owned by David Bronner, grandson to the founder. Known for its variety of fair trade body-care and home-care products, each product is made with people and planet in mind.
5 Easy Ways to Reduce Waste
5 easy ways to reduce waste
Did you know that, on average, Americans throw away almost a pound of plastic every day? In the U.S., an estimated 30–40% of the food supply goes to waste. These numbers highlight how small, everyday habits can have a significant environmental impact. Reducing food waste doesn’t just benefit the planet, it can also save you money. The average family of four spends nearly $3,000 per year on food that never gets eaten. That’s up to $56 per week wasted. Food scraps alone make up 20–30% of what we throw away.
This year, show some love to our planet by adopting these simple, sustainable habits. You don’t have to go completely waste-free to make a difference! Small changes truly add up.
1. Shop the Refill Section
Shopping the refill station allows you to buy exactly what you need, reducing both food waste and single-use packaging while saving money.
This April, enjoy rotating 10% discounts on bulk items at the Co-op throughout the month:
- 4/20–4/26: Dish, laundry, and castile soaps
- 4/27–5/3: Nuts and nut butters
We’re also offering select refill items in compostable packaging for added convenience. Our refill nuts are, on average, 20% cheaper than packaged options, making it easy and affordable to try something new.
Looking to stock up? We carry bulk staples like 25 lb bags of organic rice, beans, and oats, as well as 1 lb bags of organic teas and spices.
For tips on how to shop our refill section, check out this video: Refill Station: Tips & Tricks
2. Swap Single-Use for Reusable
Single-use items like plastic bags, water bottles, paper towels, and utensils are often not recyclable and contribute to long-term environmental damage.
When possible, try carrying or switching to reusable alternatives like water bottles, tote bags, and containers, or opt for compostable single-use products when needed. Even going plastic-free one day a week can prevent up to 39 pounds of plastic from entering landfills each year!
3. Donate & Shop Secondhand
Before throwing items away, consider donating or repurposing them. Clothing, appliances, and household goods can often find a second life through local organizations or thrift stores. Shopping secondhand or swapping clothes with friends not only reduces waste but also supports your local community.
Explore local donation options here:
4. Shop Local
Shopping locally not only supports small businesses, it also reduces environmental impact. Local businesses typically require less transportation, resulting in fewer emissions—up to 26% fewer automobile miles.
Food production accounts for 26% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Buying locally helps cut down on emissions from processing, packaging, and transportation, while also supporting more sustainable agricultural practices.
5. Compost and Recycle Correctly
Did you know that recycling 1 ton of paper saves 17 trees, 7000 gallons of water, 3.3 cubic yards of landfill space, 2 barrels of oil, enough energy to power a house for 6 months? Small actions like recycling and composting can have a major environmental impact when done correctly.
Many people mix up what can be recycled, composted, or sent to the landfill. Knowing what goes where is essential, because contamination can prevent entire batches from being processed. In fact, incorrectly recycling just one item can cause an entire bag to be sent to the landfill!
Common recycling mistakes:
- “Wishcycling” (guessing what’s recyclable): Tossing items in the recycling bin hoping they’re recyclable, even when unsure. This often leads to contamination.
- Not rinsing recyclable containers: Food or liquid residue can contaminate entire batches of recycling.
- Recycling soft plastics: Plastic bags, wrappers, bubble wrap, and film plastics usually aren’t accepted in curbside recycling.
- Recycling non-recyclables: Items like greasy pizza boxes (top is recyclable, bottom is not), paper towels, and disposable coffee cups (often lined with plastic or wax).
- Bagging recyclables: Putting recyclables inside plastic bags can cause sorting issues, so most facilities require loose items.
Common composting mistakes:
- Throwing in plastic or “lookalike” items: Plastic utensils, cups, and containers (even if they look like paper or eco-friendly materials) do not belong in compost unless clearly labeled compostable.
- Forgetting to remove stickers and labels: Produce stickers, barcodes, and packaging labels are not compostable and should be removed before placing food scraps in the bin.
- Adding liquids or bagged waste incorrectly: Pouring liquids directly into compost bins or tossing in tied plastic bags can cause contamination. Only use compostable bags.
When in doubt, check the bottom or label of your items to determine the correct bin. This month, we’re also pre-packing our refill nuts in compostable containers, making it easy for you to reduce waste. Taking a moment to check labels can make a big difference, as some items that seem recyclable may actually be compostable, while others that might be tossed in the landfill could have a second life through recycling or composting.
For a detailed guide to recycling and composting in Davis, visit: City of Davis – Which Bin Does It Go In?
Celebrate Earth Month with Us!
Reducing waste doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By making small changes in your daily habits, you can make a meaningful impact on the environment, and you can save a few dollars! Happy Earth Month! You can support these other sustainability efforts right here at the Co-op:
Round Up for Tree Davis
This month’s Round Up recipient is Tree Davis, an organization dedicated to expanding and maintaining the urban forest. Through education, tree planting, and community engagement, Tree Davis helps create greener, healthier neighborhoods. Round up your purchases this April to support their work!
Sustainable Swaps
Check out our Earth Month plastic free items in the Refill Section and our display by the fresh bread and Customer Service Desk for swaps you can make such as reusable and compostable food-safe bags, containers, reusable water bottles, plastic-free self care products and more!