Sustainability is fundamental at the Co-op.
From prioritizing local and organic products to supporting responsible sourcing and reducing waste, we’re committed to making choices that care for our community and the planet. By working with values-aligned producers, minimizing packaging where possible, and offering reusable and bulk options, we aim to make sustainable shopping accessible and impactful.
Here are some highlights over the last year:
- We launched Our Sustainable Practices webpage in 2025 and have been tracking our Environmental Impact Metrics since fiscal year 2024. Fiscal year 2025 data has just been updated.
- Brendon wrote a 2026 Sustainability Report in our April 2026 Reader. He goes a little more in depth about the Environmental Impact Metrics.
- Micky also wrote about Plant-Based Proteins for People & Planet in the April 2026 Reader.
- We officially kicked off our first annual Plastic-Free July at Willy Street Co-op. Our feature article in July 2025 was 10 Ways to Celebrate Plastic-Free July which gives accessible but impactful tips on how to adopt plastic-free practices in our everyday lives.
- Here are some plastic-free ideas and solutions you can find at your Co-op.
- A handy guide for even more plastic-free products at your Co-op.
- We launched a brand new webpage for our Seafood Department that includes information on the sustainable standards we rely on. Nick also wrote about Sustainable Seafood Month in our October 2025 Reader.
- Shopping our Bulk Department is as sustainable as you can get at grocery stores these days. Our new webpage gives lots of tips on how to make bulk shopping easy and affordable.
- We brought in new Grab & Go Bakery cases at Willy North and Willy West, reducing the amount of plastic packaging used on select baked goods.
- We had a major cooler and refrigerant upgrade at Willy East during August 2025. The new refrigerant has a significantly lower climate impact than the refrigerant we were using.
