Principle #8: Concern for Ecosystems
The internationally-recognized seven cooperative principles align co-ops of all kinds, but in 2016 our board voted to adopt an additional five principles to help guide how we put our values into practice here at Sno-Isle Food Co-op.
Principle #8: Concern for Ecosystems
We value the Earth’s living systems, beings, and resources. We are committed to minimizing our impact on them and to supporting their regeneration.
We love our planet, and it has never been more important to protect sustainable food systems than it is right now. Here at the Co-op, we demonstrate Concern for Ecosystems in many ways, from the selection of products on our shelves to being a local leader in sustainable business practices.
Our Product Guidelines help us prioritize products that are clean, sustainably produced, locally produced, socially responsible production, appropriately packaged, and healthful. Additionally, we look at whether products are organic, fair-trade, and B Corporation certified.
In June 2019, Sno-Isle Food Co-op became the first business in Snohomish County, as well as the first cooperative grocery store anywhere, to earn B Corp certification. B Corp certification identifies a company that uses the power of business to solve social and environmental problems. The Co-op was certified by the non-profit B Lab to meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. In doing so, the Co-op has evaluated how their practices impact their employees, the community, the environment, and their customers. B Corp Certification enables consumers and investors to identify companies (more than 3,500 in more than 70 countries) that align with their values. You can find a number of B Corp certified brands in our aisles.
Though the Co-op has always remained environmentally conscious - always composting and using paper bags instead of plastic - the certification process inspired the creation of the Co-op's Green Team. This team of employees monitors the Co-op's waste habits, energy use, and creates new procedures to better the store's systems. Programs initiated by the Green Team resulted in decreases in both our in-store energy usage and the percentage of store waste that ends up in a landfill.
As part of National Co+operative Grocers (NCG—a co-op for co-ops), we are part of a unified voice which advocates for social and environmental issues that are important to food co-op owners, shoppers, and communities. On a local level, we look for opportunities to work with government agencies and non-profit organizations such as Snohomish County and the Snohomish Conservation District on programs and events that promote healthy ecosystems.
