Making the world a greener place, one month at a time.

In today’s world, going “green” is one of the most important aspirations a business can have. At Community Market, we strive to make greener business practices a goal everyday of the year. That’s why starting January of 2010, we have decided to set a goal each month that will bring us closer to becoming a “greener” business. Some of our aspirations include: discontinuing conventional cow’s milk (which was mentioned in the November newsletter), installing eco-friendly hand dryers in our bathrooms, and distributing our newsletter via email in addition to printing them out on paper. We hope you, as our customers, will help support us through this endeavor. Thank you for your support.

WHY?

By discontinuing conventional milk and stocking only organic, we feel we are supporting farms that are more environmentally friendly. Unlike conventional dairy farming, organic farmers don't use chemical pesticides, and use techniques such as composting and crop rotation, along with natural, non-toxic methods of pest control. By supporting organic farms, you are paving the way to a greener future.

WHY?

Eco-friendly hand dryers (Dyson) use up to 80% less energy than warm air hand dryers, they cost less to run and are better for the environment (paper-free).

WHY?

For the month of March, Community Market will begin charging for paper bags. We hope that this will help to encourage our customers to bring their own bags, thereby reducing the amount of paper we use.

WHY?

Starting in April, Community Market will no longer carry single-serving size plastic water bottles (with the exception of functional waters). Inspired by Ashland Food Co-op in Oregon, who chose to discontinue single-serving size water bottles in September 2009, we believe this is one step closer to becoming a more sustainable business. There are many environmental concerns with bottled water: the production and consumption of bottled water consumes energy, pollutes the environment, and contributes to global warming. This is all done in the name of convenience. According to one report, 80% of water bottles end up in a landfill instead of in the recycling bin, and some cities, like London, have even banned the sale of single serve water bottles. To help promote this step, for the month of April, Community Market will be having a 20% off sale on reusable water bottles as well as giving away free water to those who fill up your reusable bottle. The sale and free water only applies to water bottles 64oz and under.

We realize that for many this is a lifestyle change. And just like with the bag charge, we are confident you will begin to feel good about carrying and filling up your durable, reusable water bottle. As a business that prides itself on being as sustainable as possible, we hope that you, our customers, will help to support us through this endeavor. Thank you.



May - Installation of a vegetable and herb garden.

WHY?

On May 16th, Community Market will be working with the organization Green Sangha on the Garden Wheel Project. This project will emphasize neighborhood organic food production, food exchange and food donation to FISH (Friends in Service Here), a local food bank.
Green Sangha Sonoma County, a local organization that brings spiritual practice along with environmental awareness to help heal our planet, will be setting up a garden in the front of our building as well as on our patio. They will begin building the garden on May 16th. Our goal is to plant an herb garden at the front of the building by Gaia’s Garden and the Last Record Store, and plant vegetables and produce on the patio.

On their Garden Wheel Project, Green Sangha works with the SRJC Neighbors for Sustainability, an unincorporated group of residents collaborating to create and implement replicable models for sustainability in the Santa Rosa College Neighborhood. The Edible Landscapes team will help participants select plants and design and install the gardens using organic and permaculture principles, water conservation, and ecological systems design. They have been approved for a Community Advisory Board grant to help applicants with the costs and will be receiving donations of gardening supplies as well.

WHY?

For the month of June, Community Market will purchase a blue Schwinn Cruiser from the Santa Rosa Bike Peddler and use it to run errands rather than driving our company van.

WHY?

To conserve water, of course! The below graph will show you just how much water we will save.

WHY?

For August, Community Market wanted to promote living structures! To learn more about, go to livingearthstructures.com