Co-op News | Summer Quarterly 2018
B.Y.O.D.: Bringing Your Own Durables to the Co-op
As an organization, North Coast Co-op is committed to the goal of “zero waste.” While zero waste can be perceived as individuals producing no garbage, zero waste is an industry term that has to do with the design of products.
The Co-op’s goal of zero waste means we aim for our stores to be a place of waste prevention by mindfully choosing to offer compostable packaging alongside our products, as well as always offering the option to use durables, or any containers, cups, or bags that can be used and reused, in our stores. It means that we are taking responsibility for the way we do business. We are intentionally setting ourselves and our shoppers up to create the least amount of waste.
To help reduce waste and achieve our zero-waste goals, the Co-op encourages our members and shoppers to bring their own durable containers to our stores. Whether it’s a washed yogurt container or your favorite mason jar, here are the simple steps it takes to save money and divert waste while you shop in all departments at the Co-op.
Drinks
For smoothies, juice, kombucha, espresso, tea and nitro coffee.
1. Bring your own durable cup to the counter and order your drink. A barista will hand you an order slip indicating the price of your drink.
2. Take the slip to checkout. You’ll receive a 25-cent discount for using your own durable cup.
3. Pick up your drink at the counter.
Deli Cold Case
For entrées, sandwiches, sliced meats and cheeses.
1. Ask a Deli Clerk to fill your own durable container. Our clerks will mark the tare weight of your empty container and fill it with delicious food. (No tare weight is needed for sandwiches and other individually priced items.)
2. Once filled, they will provide a sticker indicating the price.
3. Take containers to checkout – you won’t be charged for your container’s weight.
Full-Service Bakery Case
For any cakes, pies, cookies and more behind the glass.
1. Let a Bakery Clerk know you’ve brought your own durable container and place your order. Our friendly clerks will fill it with delicious baked goods and provide a sticker indicating the price. (No tare weight is needed for individually priced items.)
Self-Serve Bakery Case
For scones, croissants, breads, and rolls inside and outside of case.
1. Use the tongs to place goodies in your own durable container.
2. List the quantity and Item Number for each item. Feel free to use the stickers and pens we provide.
3. Take containers to checkout.
Meat Counter
1. Ask one of our knowledgeable Meat Clerks to fill your own durable container. Our clerks will weigh your order, put it in your container, and provide a sticker indicating the price.
Bulk Dry Foods and Sticky Stuff
For grains, spices, honey, molasses, nut butters, etc.
1. Bring a container from home, or purchase one of ours. Have your own container weighed at Customer Service before filling up so you aren’t charged for the container’s weight, just the delicious food inside. If there is a barcode on the container, draw a parallel line through the barcode to prevent it from scanning at checkout.
2. Fill your container with as little or as much as you like.
3. Write Item Number on container. Feel free to use the stickers and pens we provide.
4. Take to checkout. Please inform the cashier if you are purchasing one of our containers. You won’t be charged for the container’s weight.
Bulk Liquids
For extracts, oils, sauces, vinegars, soaps, detergent, etc.
1. Bring a container from home, or purchase one of ours. Make sure the container has the fluid ounces clearly labeled. If not, have your own container measured at Customer Service before filling up so you aren’t charged for excess volume.
2. Fill your container with as little or as much as you like.
3. Write Item Number on container. Feel free to use the stickers and pens we provide.
4. Take to checkout. Please inform the cashier if you are purchasing one of our containers. Our trained cashiers will perform a visual inspection to determine how many fluid ounces are being purchased. You’ll only be charged by how full the container is.
Hot & Cold Self-Serve Areas
Our Hot Bar, Hot Soup, Olive Bar and Salad Bar are full-service areas.
1. Let a Deli Clerk know you’ve brought your own durable container and place your order. Our clerks will mark the tare weight of your empty container and fill it for you. (Per the California Health and Safety Code 114075, a customer cannot serve themselves due to the potential risk of cross contamination.)
2. Take containers to checkout – you won’t be charged for your container’s weight.
Additional Zero-Waste Efforts
- Skip the stir sticks
- Bring your own utensils
- Use a durable shopping bag
- Choose not to print your receipt
- Take a free box
- Sort your waste in our tri-sorting bins
- Prioritize local products
- Use durable bags in our Produce Depts., or skip a bag all together
