Good Foods Co-op

Good Foods Co-op, founded in 1972 and located in Lexington, is central Kentucky’s only locally owned and operated cooperative grocery – something our 7,000+ owners are extremely proud of! We focus on local, natural, organic, non-GMO products and wholesome foods while supporting over 250 Kentucky farmers and producers. We offer fresh, local and organic produce; natural and local meats; fresh, sustainably-fished seafood; grab & go entrees; fresh sushi made with organic ingredients; gourmet cheese; olive bar; made-from-scratch baked goods; bulk dry goods, baking needs, and snacks; bulk herbs & spices; body care with ingredient lists you can feel good about; vitamins and supplements; gluten-free foods; and vegetarian/vegan products.

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Sustainability Management and the Green Team

  • Develop a written Comprehensive Sustainability Plan.
  • Designate a Sustainability Coordinator or Green Team responsible for managing sustainability initiatives.
  • Hold quarterly Green Team meetings.
  • Provide time for quarterly updates from Sustainability Coordinator in upper management meetings.

Awareness, Education, and Outreach

  • Include sustainability tips in a monthly newsletter.
  • Provide a sustainability information board in a common area such as a break room or kitchen.
  • Include a sustainability statement and training in all new hire materials.
  • Promote sustainability accomplishments in external marketing materials (website, social media, newsletter, press releases, TV/radio ads).
  • Create an annual green employee award to highlight employee sustainability efforts.
  • Provide volunteers for community environmental projects annually.
  • Host an environmental event at your location.
  • Sponsor an environmental booth at an existing community event.
  • Participate in a present or attend sustainability workshop.
  • Host a Green Check information session.

Energy Efficiency

  • Assess, track, and document energy consumption using Energy Star Portfolio Manager or similar program.
  • Establish a power-down policy and checklist that includes items such as shutting off lights at night.
  • Set water heater thermostats to a maximum of 120 degrees or install an inline water heater.
  • Sign up for a green energy program with your electric provider.
  • Replace incandescent or CFL lights with LED lights 25-50% replacement.
  • Achieve a year-over reduction in energy usage from the baseline of at least 5%.
  • Establish a regular filter maintenance policy for your HVAC system.
  • Have your HVAC system evaluated every 2 years by a certified service provider.
  • Establish a policy for purchasing that requires Energy Star rated appliances and electronics.
  • Establish a dress code that encourages employees to dress for thermal comfort.
  • Install power strips for computers and equipment to power down during non-business hours.
  • Install programmable thermostats and use them to adjust temperature during unoccupied hours.
  • Install occupancy sensors in bathrooms, meeting room, and other infrequently used areas.
  • Install or upgrade to energy efficient fans.
  • Install energy efficient (i.e. Energy Star) rated windows in all conditioned spaces.
  • Insulate roof to control energy loss.
  • Install efficiency-rated HVAC of minimum standard SEER rating of 14.0.
  • Take measures to insulate HVAC system and ductwork to minimize heat loss.
  • Assess building envelope and address any leaks.
  • Perform external lighting audit.
  • Daylight work spaces wherever possible.

Waste Reduction and Recycling

  • Implement a basic recycling program.
  • Provide clearly marked recycling bins at work stations and/or in common areas. Recycling bins must be paired with a waste bin.
  • Train and require janitorial service or staff responsible for cleaning to segregate waste and recyclable materials.
  • Use reusable mugs and dishware instead of disposable plates, cups, and utensils.
  • Establish a policy for environmentally friendly printing such as two sided printing, reusing copy paper, and electronic document sharing.
  • Establish an electronic waste policy that diverts all e-waste away from landfill.
  • Create a landfill diversion goal.
  • Replace at least 50% of paper stock with post-consumer recycled paper.

Water Conservation

  • Assess, track, and document water consumption using Energy Star Portfolio Manager or similar program.
  • Conduct a water audit within the last three years. Monitor and record water usage, check indoor and outdoor pipes and fixtures for drips and leaks.
  • Establish a policy for purchase of high efficiency (i.e. WaterSense) rated fixtures and appliances.
  • Install water efficient faucets in all of the restrooms.
  • Install water efficient toilets in all of the restrooms.

Water Quality

  • Establish a policy for proper hazardous waste and chemical disposal.
  • Organize or participate in a storm drain stenciling.
  • Establish a policy for proper disposal of fats, oils, and grease, distribute to staff, and post in key areas.
  • Perform a stormwater pollution survey on your property with BGGS staff or other qualifies professional.
  • Establish a maintenance program for sanitary sewer lateral lines on your property.
  • Post information in restrooms about proper disposal of flushable wipes and other items.
  • Coordinate or participate in a community litter clean-up.
  • Install outdoor ash trays to prevent cigarette litter, and make pocket ash trays available to staff who smoke.
  • Before washing parking lots, sweep debris/litter and do not use cleaners.

Urban Forestry and Landscapes

  • Assess the ecosystem services of trees on property using the National Tree Benefits Calculator.
  • Establish a sustainability statement for landscape contracts.
  • Establish a native species-only plant replacement policy for tree and shrub planting.
  • Remove all invasive species from property.
  • Establish an Integrated Pest Management policy to reduce use of pesticides in the landscape.
  • Establish environmentally friendly lawn care policies to reduce chemical pesticide and fertilizer use.
  • Plant a pollinator garden.
  • Plant a rain garden.
  • Audit irrigation system for leaks (within the last three years).
  • Adjust irrigation system to water during cool periods.

Sustainable Purchasing

  • Establish a policy for reducing the toxic chemicals/materials in your workplace.
  • Establish a policy to purchase non-Styrofoam cups and plates for use at the workplace or at events.
  • Establish a policy for purchasing locally, if available.
  • Establish a policy for purchasing environmentally-friendly cleaning products.

Transportation Efficiency

  • Establish an incentives or recognition program to encourage employees to use alternative transportation, such as carpooling, bicycling, or use of public transit.
  • Establish and implement a no-idling policy.
  • Conduct a commuter or employee transportation survey.
  • Adopt a telecommuting option and make it available to employees.
  • Designate parking spaces for hybrid vehicles and/or install EV charging stations.
  • Install weather-protected bike storage (indoor or outdoor).
  • Participate in a bike to work challenge.
  • Place bicycle storage closer than any other designated parking spot.
  • Provide employee shower and dressing room facility.
  • Apply for a bicycle friendly business award from the League of American Cyclists.
  • Offer a group bicycle education/training opportunity.

Innovation

  • Install a permeable parking lot.
  • Participate in LFUCG Citizen’s Environmental Academy.

Media

LexGoGreen Radio Interview

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Member since 2016
Recertified Silver in 2019 & Gold in 2022


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