Shopping for fresh produce is something that can be a chore given the lack of true organic food options available at most large grocery chains.  Heading to specialty markets to purchase those foodstuffs can put a strain on your wallet.  But there is a way to get cheaper, organic produce and help the environment at the same time.  What is it?  A produce co-op, a simple way to get fresh produce delivered weekly.  And your local farmer will thank you for your help in supporting them and you’ll also drive up the local economy.

 

If continued attempts to reduce your carbon footprint leave you stumped in the grocery store, you are not alone.  Standing amidst the sea of Guatemala green beans and Chilean cherries, the answer to the question “what should I eat?” remains elusive.  Buying products that are grown closer to home via produce co-ops is a good first step in the quest for greener eating habits. However, short of growing your own fruits and vegetables in your backyard, the best options in the grocery store are often the only options available.

 

Frustrated by limited choices at their local grocery stores and horrified by inflated prices for organic foods at their local specialty shops, concerned people in communities throughout the country have come up with a solution; organic produce co-ops.  The principle is simple: the co-op organizer arranges with a local organic farm to buy fresh, seasonal produce in bulk on one day each week.  The organizer opens their garage on that day, receives the delivery of boxes and divvies up the carrots and bok choy.   Co-op subscribers arrive at a specified time, pick up their produce and drop off their reusable bags and cash for next week’s supply.  As an incentive for all the work organizing, sorting and allowing hungry subscribers to invade their garage, the co-op leader typically feeds their family for free.

 

There are a myriad of Green benefits to organizing produce co-ops.  Typically, they have only 15- 20 subscribers and so will be limited to a small community.  This means that members can walk or drive only a short distance for their vegetables.  In addition, sourcing the bulk produce locally means that the truck that brings the boxes has a short drive also.  Bulk packaging means much less individual packaging- with the exception of lettuce and mushrooms, everything goes directly into the reusable cloth bags subscribers bring.  Making organics affordable, the co-ops also help eliminate the environmental pesticide contamination that comes with conventionally-grown produce, especially that grown in developing countries.  The money they save while enjoying higher quality fruits and vegetables is a plus too for most subscribers.

 

Getting to know other Green-minded members of your community while picking up your week’s supply of grapefruits and eggplants is another incentive for starting a co-op.  There is something to be said for the adventure too.  Each week, the farm sends whatever is ready and available so you never know what you are going to get.  Figuring out what to do with collard greens or an acorn squash inspires diversity in your culinary experience.

 

Many produce co-ops already exist throughout the country.  Check with your local yoga studio or community center for information or just surf online.  Starting a produce co-op in your community takes an initial investment of time locating the farm, arranging the drop-off and collecting the initial subscriptions.  More and more people are finding that given their limited produce choices at their local stores, the time and energy pay off quickly when the apples start rolling in.

 

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This article is provided by GreenGroup.com .  GreenGroup.com is dedicated to becoming a part of the solution to the Earth's pressing energy, and sustainability issues. Our aim is to promote living, teaching and building green and eco-friendly to preserve the Earth.