We (Wedge Co-op shoppers) are Successfully Getting Back to the Eco Basics

Landfill Schmandfill:
Reducing Plastic Bag Use at the Wedge

Congratulations Wedge Co-op Shoppers: Since March you have saved thousands of plastic bags from the landfill by using and reusing your shopping bags for groceries. In March, the Wedge stopped offering plastic shopping bags at the registers and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Thanks for all your dedication towards reducing our impact on the environment, one piece of plastic at a time.

But what about the next step? What about bags elsewhere in the store? Customer comments have been pouring in with questions about ways we could go further on this campaign and "green-up" the rest of our store's bagging options.

Let's begin by returning to one of the old catchphrases of the eco-movement: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Did you realize that phrase was meant to be a priority order? Use it as a checklist when it comes to deciding whether to take a plastic bag or not: Reduce your usage, and if you can't, then reuse a bag. Recycling, getting rid of the bag, is a last resort.

Dave Schermerhorn, Supplier Programs Manager for the National Co-op Grocers Association (NCGA), says he uses that three-part checklist when researching and finding bag options for NCGA co-ops like the Wedge.

"The best of all worlds would be to reduce, for customers to not take that plastic bag, or any bag, at all," Schermerhorn said. "But that's not always possible." Indeed, for the Wedge to stop buying all plastic bags, without educating or preparing customers, would be a huge shock for most. How would they carry green beans to the cash register? What about rice? The Wedge couldn't simply do away with plastic bags without warning.

"If customers can't reduce, then the next best thing is to reuse," according to Schermerhorn, and this is where finding a more ecologically friendly plastic bags is key, while customers learn to bring their own bags for produce and other items. Schermerhorn's mission is to find bags and other kinds of packaging that use as little "virgin material" as possible, that is, finding bags made from reused or "recovered" plastic elements. Recovered, in this case, refers to any plastic diverted from going to the landfill. Crown Poly, the company that makes the produce bags used at NCGA co-ops, uses scraps, trim and regrindings in order to make their bags.

"It's not the perfect solution, but I like it that NCGA co-ops are creating a market for this material and keeping it out of landfills," Schermerhorn said.

Of course, co-op shoppers can re-use bags in ways that avoid plastic altogether, too. The Wedge offers durable and easy-to-clean reusable bags in two different sizes from "Eco-Bags" (small bags are $4.29; large are $4.99). These unbleached, muslin bags have a convenient drawstring tie. No need to wrestle with hard to open or tied up plastic bags any more—just pack and cinch. These are a great option for bulk items like kidney beans, rice, grains, and produce items like peaches, green beans, potatoes, etc.), but will handle wet produce too; they rinse easily and dry quickly. Eco-Bags are available in our produce department now.

Another good option is the reusable nylon "Chico Bags" in beautiful candy-bright colors. These are lightweight, compact, and expand to carry a lot of groceries. You'll be amazed at how much weight this rip-stop nylon can handle--perfect for wet or frozen groceries. Find these bags at Customer Service and at most registers.

Last in the three-part checklist, Recycle, is a trickier option, according to Schermerhorn, since only a small amount of post-consumer plastic is actually used in creating plastic bags. "If I could find a reliable and consistent source of post-consumer recycled plastic, that would be ideal," Schermerhorn said. "But the 'recovered,' post-industrial resin is a more consistent and reliable source [for bags]. Once we go through our current stock, within eight weeks, the plastic produce bags that the Wedge uses should be made from 100% recovered resin."

The Wedge, NCGA and Puget Sound. Co-op in Seattle continue to research reusable and biodegradable bagging options. Schermerhorn is skeptical of biodegradable plastic bags, however, saying that he believes that the technology isn't there yet. "I don't think [those bags] really degrade in a manner that would be environmentally beneficial. But there's new research all the time, so I'll keep looking at that."

Meanwhile, make a commitment to yourself, the earth and your fellow co-op members by bringing reusable bags for shopping. If we can reduce plastic bag usage, the Wedge's bottom line will go down, making your store more profitable and environmentally friendly at the same time.

written by Barth Anderson
reposted from wedge.coop

Veriditas Botanicals: Veriditas Botanicals: Local Therapeutics

While many people in the city are focusing on eating locally this month, why not take it one step further and promote your health and wellness with therapeutic products made by local companies? This month, Wedge Worldwide will be featuring Veriditas Botanicals essential oils, a company owned and operated by locally-grown herbalist and aromatherapist, Melissa Farris.

Veriditas Botanicals offers pure, therapeutic grade, organic essential oils imported directly from their producers worldwide. Their close relationships with internationally known essential oil distilleries allows them to provide these oils at affordable prices. These organic essential oils are produced with the intention of being used for their healing properties. It is our privilege to bring them to you with the love and regard in which they were grown. Come to the Wedge and smell the difference. Once you've tried Veriditas, you'll never go back.

Why Choose Therapeutic Grade?

Most essential oils on the marketplace are traded through distributors or brokers and pass through many hands before reaching a retail store. These oils are often adulterated with substances that "boost" or "extend" one or more of the fragrant properties in the oil. One liter of pure, organic Lavender is sold for around $300. On the other hand, a liter of synthetic or adulterated oil is sold from $10 to $60. One can see why boosting and extending a true oil to increase profit margins might be a seductive choice. Adulterated oils can also cause short term side effects such as rashes, burning or other irritations. It is unknown what long term effects synthetically treated oils have on human physiology.

Veriditas offers only pure therapeutic grade essential oils, shipped directly from the producers that grow and distill them organically. This direct relationship allows them to offer essential oils that you and your nose can trust.

Why Choose Organic?

When an essential oil is labeled "organic," this certification ensures that the plants were farmed, harvested, distilled and distributed according to organic methods. Following organic farming methods ensures that oils are free of pesticides, synthetics and adulterants.

written by Wedge Co-op HBC staff

reposted from wedge.coop

What's the big idea?

Wedge Worldwide puts a lot of thought into the types of products we carry and why we carry them. The decisions we make are laid out in our buying practices. They reflect our commitment to the following big ideas:

• Eco-Friendly and Natural Products
• Organics
• Fair Trade
• Social Responsibility
• Local Products
• Recycled Materials and Products

We try to think about these things, so that you do not have to worry about the products as you browse (shop) our website. We are absolutely commited to each and every one of these big ideas in order to lessen the impact that our products have on the planet. Check out our icons, which are designed to help navigate and easily recognize which of these guidelines each product meets.

We also have separate and possibly even more strict guidelines for our Natural Body Care products. Check out Wedge Worldwide's Body Care guidelines on our website. We also layout information for you regarding the majority of our body care vendors, letting you know who you are buying the products from and how each company functions as socially conscious companies in the sometimes bleak world of body care products.

There are many things to consider as consumers and we hope that our exacting standards help make the process a bit easier.

written by Jessie

Dr. Bronner's Fair Shake Program

Wedge Worldwide loves Dr. Bronner's! They are an amazing example of an ethical, green company that is committed to doing good in the world. And their all-natural body care products are amazing! Their companies founder Dr. Bronner (pictured above) believed "constructive capitalism is where you share the profit with others and the earth from which you made it!" The company's Fair Shake Program, which gives assistance to individuals who have just been released from prison, is a great example of this constructive capitalism.

Dr. Bronner's website shares the following information on this program:

Every year over 600,000 people are released from prison. In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics, over 95% of all state prisoners will again rejoin us in society. Sadly, however, less than three years after leaving prison, nearly 70% of them will return. For many former inmates, walking away from prison does not mean the punishment is over. On this side of the fence, they are faced with overwhelming challenges, including:

Finding employment
Securing housing
Paying restitution or fines
Re-developing relationships
Maintaining self-confidence and a positive outlook

We all need hope and opportunity to succeed. Formerly-incarcerated people are among the most stigmatized and least regarded segments of our population. Since they often lack ways to prove pro-social ambitions, employers, property managers and neighbors are justifiably skeptical of their intent. When they are shunned by communities, their chances of staying out of prison are further reduced. Desperation then leads to poor decisions and increased risk.

Fair Shake has created a non-traditional re-entry and reintegration program. They offer reflections and exercises in the following areas:

Employee Training
Critical Thinking
Relationships
Citizenship

HealthFair Shake offers these studies through a variety of educational formats, including a self-guided web site simulation program, in-prison and in-community workshops, printed materials and their web site. A handy re-entry tool kit is also available to anyone who is incarcerated, whether or not they participate in the program. The Fair Shake Web site is available to former inmates, families, employers, property managers and community members. Formerly-incarcerated people will be able to create a personal web page and an email address to encourage communication and networking and offer a place to present information to potential employers, family and property managers.

People who break the law need a "time out" to understand the gravity of their crime, reconsider their role as a member of our society and plan their return to the community. Once they have served their sentence deemed a fair punishment for their crime, formerly-incarcerated people should be able to make amends and get on with their lives in a productive and peaceful manner.

As taxpayers, we are all investors in corrections, and a 32% success rate is simply unacceptable — considering both our safety and the return on our investment (ROI). A reasonable ROI will be realized when we slow the revolving door and cease to repeatedly warehouse the same people. Only then will we truly become "tough on crime."

So, supporting re-entry programs will produce important and tangible results:

Increase public safety
Build stronger communities
Encourage accountability and civic responsibility

written by Shannon

Fair Trade Jewelry From Far Fetched

We've recently added several new items from one of our favorite jewelry vendors, Far Fetched, to Wedge Worldwide. Far Fetched is a great example of a company that practices Fair Trade principles in their business, and we are impressed with the relationship they have with their employees (pictured above) who produce their wares. By aiding and supporting the individuals who work for them, they in turn receive high quality, wonderfully crafted jewelry pieces from a dedicated and talented group of artisans.

Their sister company is located in Taxco, Mexico. Taxco has been renowned worldwide for silversmithing since the 1500's. Their company is located in the heart of the artisan community, with winding cobblestone streets and red tile roofs. Our vendor works intimately with 45 small, independent artisan workshops, ranging in size from one to eight people. Some of these artisans have been with them for over 20 years, and our vendor is committed to their livelihoods and preserving the traditions of silversmithing for their children.

Listed below are just some of the ways that that Far Fetched assists their suppliers:

Central shop facility- Far Fetched provides a workshop in their Taxco office that is used daily by their suppliers, at no charge. It’s outfitted with equipment and tooling that is not typically available to small shops. They also offer equipment consignment, so some of these tools can be used in the artisan’s own workshops.

Technical support-Free workshops are offered to introduce new techniques and tools, address safety considerations and discuss production issues.

Interest free loans- Far Fetched offers interest free loans to help their suppliers invest in their own businesses and for personal uses.

No middleman-Wedge Worldwide's vendor eliminates the cost of the middleman, which allows the artisan to earn more money .

Education fund-They have been working on ways to give rewards to the artisan’s children when they get good grades in school.

Daily workshop supervision-A dedicated person visits the workshops of the artisans daily to help prioritize work, check quality, problem solve production, and discuss seasonal demand.

Open Door Policy- Far Fetched is interested in long-term relationships with their suppliers. For this reason, artisans have access to everyone within their organization. Far Fetched recognizes that they have a symbiotic relationship with the artisan community, and they strive to keep the exchange of ideas flowing in both directions.

Stop by and visit us again soon at wedgeworldwide.coop because we are in the process of adding even more fun jewelry from this outstanding company!

written by Shannon

Youth Enhancing Facial Care Formulas

Interested in helping your skin look vibrant and youthful? Wedge Worldwide would love to tell you about a few special facial care products from Dr. Hauschka that will bring out the beauty in your skin. Hauschka's Firming Mask is an intensive mask that hydrates and deeply nurtures the skin (the ideal thing for lack luster, end-of-winter-complexions). Personally, I also relish using this mask as a facial moisturizer on days when I'd like to look my best. Firming Mask does an amazing job at temporarily diminishing puffiness, and it softens fine lines and wrinkles. Not only will you look fantastic, you'll also be strengthening the collagen and elastin in your skin thereby supporting it's overall resilience! Firming Mask is gentle, doesn't irritate my sensitive skin and tightens my pores as it moisturizes.

Luckily for us, Hauschka, in their infinite wisdom, has also developed a moisturizer specifically for toning the delicate eye area. Their Daily Revitalizing Eye Cream contains pineapple fruit extract, which is not only rich in vitamins and minerals, but also smoothes wrinkles and fine lines. This formula deeply hydrates and is absorbed quickly and completely, so there is no need to worry about eyeliner or mascara smearing.

Firming Mask and Daily Revitalizing Eye Cream are an excellent choice for those with mature skin, but women and men of any age can happily enjoy their benefits! Wedge Worldwide is committed to offering the purest, highest quality, all natural body care available. The facial and body care items from Hauschka are a great example of what we look for in the products that we carry. Hauschka's manufacturer WALA Heilmittel has been working with healing plant and mineral extracts since the 1940s. Their thirty-five years of pioneering work in holistic esthetics have allowed them to create the purest, most effective natural skin care preparations available. Dr. Hauschka carefully chooses every plant and mineral ingredient that goes into their products based on its individual effects and the way it interacts with other ingredients. Finding ecologically and ethically sound sources for their raw ingredients is also important to this forward thinking company.

written by Shannon

New Locally Made Jewelry

Wedge Worldwide loves to carry items produced by talented artist, crafts people and excellent vendors from our home region of Minnesota and/or one of our neighboring states. Buying locally helps support our community and saves on the amount of fossil fuels used in delivering merchandise.

One of our all-time-favorite local artists that we feature on our website is Robin Rifé, an amazingly gifted jeweler who makes one-of-a-kind pieces by hand. Robin lives and works in Minneapolis, Minnesota, but travels extensively to gather beautiful and exotic material that she later fashions into incredible necklaces, bracelets and earrings. Influenced by the traditional tribal designs of Native Americans and the indigenous peoples of Africa, Nepal, Thailand, and China, Robin is able to create high quality classic pieces with an ethnic feel and displays an exquisite sensibility in her use and combination of materials.

Take a look at some of the incredible items by Robin that we have recently added on Wedge Worldwide, like this beautiful necklace made with Chinese turquoise and Balinese silver, the fresh water pearls necklace with a sweet Indian pendant or these lovely faceted carnelian teardrop earrings. Go directly to the Robin Rifé section in the Fair Trade Jewelry area on our site to see all of her available pieces!