Buffalo Mountain Co-op Purchasing Policies

Look for Local – Buying locally produced goods helps maintain the livelihoods of folks in our community. And locally produced goods don’t have to be transported as far, which is good for the planet. Although most of the Co-op’s fresh produce is from Vermont when it is in season, we also carry produce from places like California and Mexico when local alternatives are not available. Look for place of origin signs on all produce items in the cooler.

Chemical Free – The food items we carry are as much as possible free of chemical additives, preservatives, flavorings, or stabilizers. We prefer to offer whole foods which have been minimally processed, organically grown, and produced locally, whenever possible. We also have a no GMO policy in our store. We believe this is healthier for you, and the earth.

Organically Grown, for Your Health – Organic farmers use no synthetic pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers. This is healthier for you and the farm workers, and it reduces pollution. We carry organically grown items whenever possible. Look at labels on packaged items to see if it’s organic.

No GMO’s – The co-op does not knowingly carry items containing genetically modified organisms (GMO’s), including products containing recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone (rBGH). rBGH is a genetically engineered variant of the natural growth hormone produced by cows. First manufactured by Monsanto, it is sold to dairy farmers under the trade name Posilac. Injection of this hormone forces cows to boost milk production by about 10%, while increasing the incidences of mastitis, lameness, and reproductive complications. For more information on these items, see our web-site or go to the Organic Consumers website.

No Bottled Water – Several years ago, our co-op decided not to sell bottled water due to the enormous environmental damage that billions of plastic water bottles are reeking on the planet, as well as the questionable purity of much of the water found in such bottles. Co-op shoppers are welcome to fill their own bottles, or ones found here, with our filtered Hardwick tap water at no charge. Used bottles can be found across from the produce cooler. Sink is behind the produce cooler. For more info, see the FastCompany article Message in a Bottle.