Co+opportunity has been providing natural, organic and local foods to the Santa Monica area since 1974. They have a large selection of certified organic and locally sourced produce, in addition to a wide variety of natural, healthy foods. As a co-operative, they are owned by the local community.
In all areas of Co+opportunity’s operations, from products it sells to the interactions with the community, their policies are guided by the concept of sustainability i.e., environmental stewardship, supporting local economy and social responsibility. They were the first grocery store in the Westside to install a two-kilowatt, photovoltaic solar power system on the roof – back in 1999!
Upstream – Co+opportunity only stocks non-toxic and environmentally preferred products on their shelves certified by USDA, Green Seal, and EPA Safer Choice. All janitorial paper products sold like toilet tissue and kitchen towels contain high post-consumer continent recycled waste. To reduce waste associated with packaging, they provide an extensive bulk foods section offering a range of nuts, snack foods, grains, rice, dried fruits, pasta, cereal, spices, coffee, tea, and more! To support the City of Santa Monica’s zero waste by 2030 goal, the Co+op implements a co-mingled blue bin recycling, and composting program store-wide; available to staff and customers . To close the loop; their zero waste station containers, sourced from Clean River, are also made with post-consumer recycled materials. With aim to help customers separate materials properly, Co+op custom made their own signage.
Going above and beyond the walls of the store, to prevent waste water run-off during heavy rainfall, Co+op installed a permeable street median interspersed with drought tolerant plants along 15th Street.
