This weekend, owners who attend the Co-op Fair can participate in a test of a glass deli container.
As we work toward our 2020 goal of zero waste, we’re considering new options for packaging the products made in our kitchen. One idea is to use a returnable glass container for products other than milk. A study released in 2010 by the UK environmental organization WRAP stated that the extraction of raw materials and manufacturing consume, by far, the most energy in the life of a milk container. A 1997 EPA study corroborates this; refillable glass was found to use about half as much energy during its lifecycle than either plastic or gable-top cartons.
While the benefits of returnable containers are clear, there will be challenges. We decided to do a test run of glass deli containers as the first step in understanding exactly what challenges exist. With your help, the trial will get us one step closer to our goal of zero waste.
We’ll package hummus in glass containers and work through the logistics of handling this product, from filling the containers in our Food House to delivering them to the stores, informing customers about them, and eventually taking them back at the stores and reusing them at the Food House.
You’ll pick up a free container of hummus at the Co-op Fair. Take it home and eat some great hummus. Then return the container to the store. Once the test is complete, fill out a brief online survey to give us feedback. We want to know how you liked the glass container, and if you had any concerns about using it.
Be sure to pick up your test container at the Co-op Fair this Sunday. If you still need your (free) ticket, register here.