Happy Co-op, Non-GMO and Fair Labor Month
This article was originally published in October 2018
October is National Cooperative Month! In our new Co-op Corner column on page 5 we review the importance of cooperative membership with a reflection on the history of PCC’s membership benefits and a consideration of benefit updates.
We also are excited to share our new packaging initiative on page 4, with the goal of moving toward environmentally responsible packaging with zero waste, including an inside view into our packaging testing process on page 6. We believe we have a responsibility to minimize our plastic consumption and help raise the bar for better standards across the market.
October also is Fair Labor and Non-GMO Month. This month we are pleased to highlight our producers who support fair labor practices around the world. Our cover story on Organics Unlimited showcases the ways our banana supplier supports producer communities in Mexico and Ecuador. Our producer spotlight on page 7 demonstrates how Sambazon helps provide social, environmental and developmental support to rural communities in the Brazilian Amazon. On page 3, the Non-GMO Project shares project updates and a preview of new genetically engineered products that consumers should be aware of.
PCC endorses 1631
We know that the impacts of climate change deeply affect our food system. Rising temperatures, erratic weather patterns, and increases in extreme weather — including droughts and heavy storms — already are impacting crop productivity and river and marine ecosystems. Human-induced emissions of greenhouse gases are the primary contributor to global climate change.
Initiative 1631 would place a fee on carbon emissions and invest in protecting our air and water across the state. I-1631 will help our state invest in clean energy infrastructure, such as solar, wind and other renewables, and will support clean water and land ecosystems. PCC endorses Initiative 1631 as a way to ensure a path forward to stabilize our climate and maintain a viable food system. For more information visit yeson1631.org.