Petrol or packaging?

It has been reported lately that increasing petrol prices and mortgages are straining the budget. Some people are downgrading their diet rather than riding a bicycle, and buying “edible food-like substances” from the supermarket instead of pure organic whole foods.
Unlike other organic food shops, the coop has unpackaged goods at a lower price, so why pay for the attractive packaging? Also the coop is a non-profit organisation and this flows into the lower cost of goods.
Bring your own beautiful, clean containers.
On the topic of “edible food-like substances”, this video of Michael Pollan informs about good food, nutrition and culture.

Saturday opening times

The coop is now open from 9 am tll 5 pm on Saturdays, with a happy hour for fresh vegetables between 4 and 5 pm. Come and get your wholefoods and organic produce earlier on Saturdays.

tags technorati : organic wholefoods

Toxicity in GE maize approved for Australia

Genetically-engineered maize which has toxic effects on the kidney and liver of laboratory rats has been cleared for use as food for humans and animals. This maize has been authorised for markets in Australia as well as other countries.
Would you know if you are eating GE maize? In restaurants, for example? Would you know that you got sick from the maize oil used for cooking or in a salad dressing?
Meanwhile in Europe, organic farmers are trying to protect their regions from the damaging effects on farming caused by the introduction of GE crops. These include contamination by GE pollen and the effects on bees producing organic honey.

Global warming

Shopping at the coop is a contribution to reduction of global warming. Together we can prevent Manly from going under water.
The coop encourages you to think about and act on a number of things when shopping.
Bring your own containers. Wasteful packaging not only rubbishes the environment but also uses energy. Transporting packaged food requires more energy than bulk food which you pack in your own container. Remaking containers for single use wastes large amounts of energy.
Buy local produce. The coop sells a range of local seasonal produce which is organically grown. The high energy use in transporting food from the other side of the world is avoided. Is it really necessary to eat mangos in winter? Try creative cooking instead.
Use sustainable transport. Shopping by bicycle is easy in Manly. You can park at the door. So often we see multi-purpose wheeled vehicles parked illegally with the motor running while someone is shopping ("Honest officer, I was not parked there. See the engine is running!"). A car trip for a carton of milk costs the Earth.
Support responsible farming. The coop researches all its products for sustainability in all respects. You can be sure that what you are buying is not costing the future.