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The Earthlings Organic Co-op is :
- a buying club of United Natural Foods, the largest U.S. distributor or organic and natural foods products, with over 17000 products
- accepting new members
- a peaceful (vegetarian and vegan-centric) organization, but does handle packaged and canned meat and dairy products, for those who are still evolving.
The Earthlings Co-op is a group of Richmond area community members who buy organic food and nontoxic personal products from the co-op's distributor , often in bulk, consistent with our values of environmental consciousness, organic agriculture, community, and thrift.
On a purely financial basis, we have seen some great deals, like organic sugar at about half of prevailing retail. We are aiming to provide some tools to allow even better "deal finding".
On a social basis, you being a member of Earthlings will give you a chance to be among some of the most conscious Richmonders, and to discover some natural products that you haven't yet uncovered.
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Our Philosophy....And Stuff |
Welcome, Friends of Healthful Food
Thank you for your interest in supporting affordable organics in Richmond. The members of Earthlings Cooperative look forward to meeting you. Before we sign any new households into the co-op, we try to let the new members know about a couple of policies of the organization. When you join the co-op, you too will appreciate the extra attention to detail & security steps.
Although we are loosely organized in some ways, there are a few 'rules' that are consistently important to us. Hope these elements of our identity will pass muster with what you are looking for as well. For years, we met at the small school where we were founded, by families, with respect for all kinds of blends, mixes, styles & for all spiritual paths. Single member households, non-religious & super-religious are all welcome here.
We do ask all new members to be aware that there are almost always children present, which requires a degree of care in our language that is not always the case in adult gatherings, & that extends to the messages printed on our tee-shirts. Thank you for respecting this decision.
Although not all member families are vegetarian in their homes, we do not handle *fresh or frozen* fish or meat products, in people or pet food, at the delivery site, including the cooperative's order that is delivered here. *Canned* meats or fish are accepted here. Our sister cooperative, The Happy Family Co-op, is just across the James River from us, & their order does include meats. Our individual members are welcome to go in on those products, which are ordered & delivered on the same monthly schedule as ours.
Another aspect of our structure is that we take turns with the tasks of ordering & unloading, with a roster schedule that is based on how many members we are serving & what your skills are. Your turn may be every other month, or it may be quarterly. There is something for everyone to be able to do.
Whether or not you have been a member in other kinds of co-ops before, the handbook that will soon be available online will answer many of the most frequently asked questions about Earthlings Organic Food Cooperative. We appreciate your questions, comments & suggestions. Even if this is all new to you, we believe that you will soon see that you are a knowledgeable, valuable member of an important movement. However you came to the wise decision to support sustainable agriculture, your commitment to organic food means healthier people, & a healthier planet for all creatures.
Peace,
Napi Ippolito
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