Defining "sustainability"

Following are the guidelines that the CoG sustainability committee has created for defining sustainable food and products. Feedback will be welcome at the next committee meeting. Please see the CoG calendar or visit the sustainability committee group page for the date and location..

Products that score 9 out of the 9 following criteria will be promoted and featured. We strive to offer products that meet at least 6 out of the 9. Products that do not fulfill even 6 out of 9 will be considered if there is an overwhelming demand from the co-op membership.

1. Ecologically Sound This means the production of this product has enhanced rather than depleted the soil or environment where it is grown. It may be certified organic or biodynamic or individually assessed by our own sustainability committee. We do not accept products that have been genetically engineered or require any chemicals or artificial fertilizers to be grown.

2. Whole Foods This means the integrity of the food is maintained, by little or no processing. We promote unrefined, clean foods that are nutritious and of a high quality. (Foods with no additives, artificial heating/drying, freezing or re-hydrating except in situations where a minimal amount of processing is necessary in order to meet the USDA standards for food safety).

3. Animal Care This means the product is cruelty free. The animals involved are treated humanely, with respect and live in healthy conditions (cage free, high quality diets, no antibiotics, artificial hormones or genetic engineering).

4. Seasonal This means the product is in season when we buy it and comes from a very local source supporting regional farmers and producers. It is fresh and the seasonality encourages us to have diverse and flexible diets that support our health and local culture.

5. Local We carry local products (within a 250 mile radius) in order to reduce food miles, transportation costs, and to support the local economy. However products considered local may include some ingredients from further away which are processed here in the Bay Area such as bread from a local bakery whose business we want to support.

6. Diversity This product increases either the biodiversity or cultural diversity (or both) of choice at the co-op. It is either from a rare or heritage variety of plant or animal, or this product reflects the cultural diversity of different tastes and traditions.

7. Economic Justice This product comes from an operation which pays a living and fair wage to all the workers involved. The company producing the product has either a) unionized workforce b) capacity building for workers c) social justice agenda. We support international products that are certified 'Fair Trade'.

8. Relationship This product brings with it an evolving relationship between the producers and the consumers. We can buy it directly therefore removing the 'middle man' that helps to maintain a fair price for all.

9. Reduced Packaging The product comes with the least packaging material possible. It can be reused or locally recycled although we seek to avoid plastic. We favor products that do not demand any landfill space and preferably our members can bring their own containers for refills.