In Your Own Back Yard
SW Green Card Businesses on Buying Local
Fred Coutts
Greenfresh Market
"I've been part of the natural foods industry for 26 years, and our industry has always been at the forefront of sustainability. There was never any question when I decided to do a retail store that sustainability would be a big part of what Greenfresh is about. Our biggest success comes in promoting local products and making connections directly with farmers and producers right here in our own backyard. This goes a long way toward lessening the carbon footprint.
As consumers continue to become more educated, they will demand more from retailers. We'll need to be ready with the right answers and products. We incorporate sustainability into our thinking every day. Specifically, we think about how far food has to travel. So we'll ask ourselves: Do we need to carry certain kinds fruit in winter when you can only get it from Chile? Those are the kinds of questions we attempt to address every day.
We don't try to make any outrageous claims. Greenfresh attempts to make good, sound decisions that incorporate our desire to be sustainable. We don't attempt to draw a lot of attention to ourselves for merely doing what we think is right."
Greenfresh Market is located at 575 Rainier Ave S. in Renton. Use your Seattle Weekly Green Card for a 5% discount on your total grocery bill.
www.greenfreshmarket.com
Carolyn Boyle
New Roots Organics
"One of the reasons is I choose to start an organic produce home delivery company is because I believe in the philosophy and growing practices employed by organic farmers. I wanted to make it easier for more people to support organic growers and enjoy fantastic produce! Hopefully it will encourage more people to make socially responsible choices. People lessen their impact by supporting local, and/or small - scale farms.
The most significant thing I've learned it that everything matters!
Everything we do has a consequence. We take our beliefs home - we try to buy as much of our food from local sources when possible and we support other kinds of small local businesses as well."
New Roots Organics has been delivering fresh organic produce to Seattle area homes since 1999. When SW Green Card holders try a delivery of mixed fruit and vegetables, they receive a pound of organic French Roast coffee free!
www.newrootsorganics.com