Let’s Talk About It…

With it being Plastic Free July®, we wanted to take the time to talk acknowledge the current plastic the Davis Food Co-op has in the store and discuss the steps we are actively taking to reduce our plastic waste.

As the demand increases, some brands are switching their packaged items to more environmentally conscious packaging. Whether that be recyclable, biodegradable/compostable packaging, or no packaging at all! While that cannot be said for all brands we carry in the store, the Co-op is always looking for plastic free alternatives whenever possible.

 

Covid-19 was another setback for us in 2020 regarding our plastic usage.

Customers were not allowed to self-serve, meaning no reusable bags/containers for their groceries. Bulk items then had to be prepackaged in plastic bags and containers. Which we know, kind of defeats one of the major purposes of bulk.

The Co-op tried to do whatever we could to continue offering sustainable options with these new restrictions and once the restrictions were lifted in June of 2021, customers were once again allowed to use their reusable items for their groceries. Here, we will go over some of the alternatives we offer to customers, that are typically plastic at other stores.

 

 

 

Compostable Produce bags

 

 

 

For Produce we have compostable bags, which are opaque and cloudy. They are highlighted with signage, while all other bags are landfill.

Compostable Bulk Bags

Thought these were plastic, right?! THEY’RE COMPOSTABLE! 

Some of our Deli “plastics” on the Grab and Go wall are compostable!

 

The containers that hold many of our salads and various bowls are made from bamboo and unbleached plant fiber which are certified compostable, soak-proof, freezer safe, and contain no wax or plastic lining. The clear PLA box lids are made from corn resin.*⁠
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The containers that hold many of our pastas, spreads, cupcakes, and single-sliced cakes are made from eco-friendly and renewable Polylactic Acid, a biodegradable and fully compostable bio-resin made from corn.⁠ 
 
However, because of supply chain issues, it can be difficult for us to keep the same containers for our Deli items at all times.
 
*The sandwiches and some of our baked goods, in these brown compostable containers, are still wrapped in plastic. The Co-op has been actively looking into alternative options, so those meals can be 100% plastic free.⁠ ⁠

If you’re ever unsure about the packaging, look for the following to ensure that it is indeed compostable:⁠

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-A circle with a 0 in the middle⁠
-A triangle with a 7, and PLA underneath⁠
-The word “compostable” or “biodegradable”
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Here are a few more symbols that also mean they’re compostable⁠:

Forgot your reusable bags? the co-op has you covered!

The Co-op has paper bags(never plastic) as an option for our customers to purchase.

While we may not be able to go plastic free completely as a store, the Davis Food Co-op is continuously looking for ways to reduce our plastic use, one day at a time.

If you have any suggestions or feedback on how we can reduce our plastic consumption at the co-op, please fill out a Suggestion Form.