i ♥ my local coop p.4

Three reasons I am oh so fond of Rainbow Grocery in San Francisco covered, two more to go. For those just joining me in this numerated list of love, let me share what’s going on. This week I am letting everyone know that my grocery store, Rainbow Grocery, an employee owned co-op, is far better than any other grocery store anywhere, ever.

Reasons for love Monday through Wednesday -

#1 – It’s 100% vegetarian friendly.
#2 – They have an amazing bulk section which allows me to cut down on packaging.
#3 – An awesome variety and abundance of Fair Trade, Local and Organic goods.

Thursday is a good day for number 4, which actually has nothing to do with food, but other awesome services my darling Rainbow provides…for free.

Photo credit to Armisteadbooker

#4 Recycling for batteries, used ink cartages and CFLs – How many of you know its important to make sure your compact fluorescent light bulbs get to your local CFL recycling/handling facility? Until a few months ago I had no idea.

CFLs contain mercury, and while in small doses it’s not terribly harmful; if you drop one light bulb it’s not the end of the world, having millions of CFLs in landfills cracking open can poison ground water, and end up in our oceans and lakes. They can also break in garbage cans, trucks, and in storage containers, exposing anyone who handles these items to a toxic chemical.

No need to fear though, if you live in the San Francisco Bay Area you can drop your used bulbs off at Rainbow Grocery! It’s in the mission, which is pretty much in the center of everything, so it’s likely at some point you will be passing it. If you don’t live in San Francisco, a few IKEA stores will take your used bulbs off your hands, or you can check out Earth 911 for somewhere in your area.

More on how Rainbow captured my blood pumping muscle to come!

photograph taken by Armisteadbooker and used under creative commons.