15 April 2016

Green since the beginning.

For some businesses, environmental issues are an afterthought, but here at the Stone Store we strive to be green through and through - whether in the products we decide to stock, the packing options we offer, or the causes we support.  Here are some of the highlights!

1. BIODEGRADABLE SHOPPING BAGS
We have had quite a time this year trying to find truly compostable grocery bags.  Originally we got "biodegradable bags" but soon realized that the term "biodegradable," when it comes to plastic, does not necessarily mean "environmentally responsible."  Sometimes the term "biodegradable" just means the plastic will break down into smaller piece of plastic.  So we are in the process of switching to recycled brown paper bags.  (The good old-fashioned way!)  Better than that, we encourage the use of reusable shopping bags or leftover cardboard boxes for carrying groceries.
2. BULK NUTS, GRANOLA, HERBS, FLOUR, GRAINS, NUT BUTTERS & MORE!
Customers can bring their own containers (zero-waste!) for bulk or use the paper or corn-based biodegradable bags we provide.
  For peanut butter, people can weigh their own containers before they fill them, or use a biodegradable tub. It takes a little more work for us to source all of the various eco-friendly containers we use, but we think it's important!
3. 100% OF OUR PRODUCE IS ORGANICALLY GROWN
Supporting organic produce protects land, air, water & animals from the effects of synthetic pesticides and herbicides, and we like that.
4. LOCAL
We prioritize local, environmentally conscious businesses whenever possible. 
5. HIGH-EFFICIENCY LIGHTING
Over the last few years we have been swapping out old light fixtures for high-efficiency ones.  Retrofitting our lighting has already cut our energy consumption from lighting by ~50%!

6. ORGANIC COUNCIL OF ONTARIO 
Every year, we raise money to support the Organic Council in their work promoting and lobbying for organics.  We also had a staff member sit on their board in 2015.
7. COMPOSTING
We recycle and have 2 compost streams – one for the city & one for an employee’s chickens!  Those are some happy, well-fed chickens.
8. GLASS BOTTLES
We sell milk, juice & yogurt in returnable bottles even though it takes extra work for us to do it.
 9. GREEN CLEANERS
We use biodegradable cleaners and reusable cloths for cleaning in the store. 
10. DONATIONS
We donate to local environmental charities including the Julien Project, the Ignatius Old Growth Forest Project (a $2000 donation and tree-planting day in 2014), and a current fundraiser for the Yorklands Green Hub eco-education centre.
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As the title of this post stated, we have been green since day one, and that is central to why we do what we do.  Sometimes the decisions seem small, like what kind of peanut butter container to buy, or offering a box instead of a bag, but together, all of our small decisions add up.

We are thankful for all of our loyal customers who care about the environment as much as we do.   Happy Earth Day from everyone at the Stone Store!