The East End Food Co-op March & April 2017

Co operator THE

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ALL ABOUT BULK Pages 4 & 5

FUN SPRING BrUNCH RECIPES Pages 8 - 10

GREEN CLEANING TIPS Page 15

Volume 28 : Issue 2 • March & April 2017

GM REPORT

By Justin Pizzella

Board of Directors Mike Collura, President Sarah Aerni, Secretary Dirk Kalp, Treasurer Caroline Mitchell Amit Shah

The board meets the third Monday of each month.

Management Team

General Manager: Justin Pizzella Human Resources: Jen Girty Finance: Shawn McCullough Marketing & Member Services: Kate Safin IT: Erin Myers Grocery: Maura Holliday Café: Amber Pertz Front End: eric cressley Produce: Evan Diamond

The Co-operator

Editor: Kate Safin Copy Editor: Mike Eaton Contributors: Erica Peiffer Design: Molly Palmer Masood Printer: Banksville Express Printed with vegetable-based inks on recycled paper.

The Co-operator is a quarterly publication of East End Food Co-op. Copies are available in the lobby of the store and online at www.eastendfood.coop.

Interested in Advertising?

Please contact: editor@eastendfood.coop or call 412.242.3598 ext. 142.

Opinions expressed are the writers’ own and do not necessarily reflect Co-op policy. The East End Food Co-op does not endorse the views or products of the advertisers in this newsletter.

This edition of The Co-operator focuses on sustainability.

Often when we think about this topic, one tends to focus on environmental sustainability and that is very important. Here at the Co-op, we run a triple line business.

That is, we focus on and measure our success from three different perspectives – financial, environmental, and community. We also think about sustainability from these perspectives.

Community sustainability is a key aspect of our business.

Our Ends explicitly say that the Co-op “exists to enhance the physical and social health of the community” and challenges us to “create a vibrant, dynamic community of happy, healthy people.” There are many ways we go about this work – significant donations to many local organizations; our work with food banks and 412 Food Rescue; our extensive support of local farmers, producers, and service vendors; our outreach and education events; and our discounts at the register for members, seniors, and those with economic challenges. When I review our financials, I estimate between 75-80% of our total sales go back into the community!

One of the areas the Co-op has always led the way in is our environmental sustainability. In the past year, the Co-op was recognized as one of the top sustainable businesses in Pittsburgh through the Green Workplace Challenge. We are also one of 15 Co-ops (out of 148 nationwide) recognized by the National Cooperative Grocers for our sustainability efforts. Right now, one of our biggest challenges to going even further in our environmental sustainability efforts is our current location, and this is a key reason it is important that we focus on moving our existing store.

The final area that we look at sustainability is our financials. We must make more money than we spend if the Co-op is going to be around for the long-term. In the recent years, we have had some great success and growth in our current location. Sales have grown from $7.5mm to $11.3mm, our staff has grown from just under 50 to over 80 staff members, and our membership has grown by 40% to over 12,500 members. This has really stressed the capacity of our current location and is yet another reason we need to move the store.

I am proud of all the things we do as a Co-op to promote sustainability. I know many look to us as a great example of a sustainable business in action. One thing about sustainability is that it challenges us to continually look for improvement and ways we can adapt and evolve. I am confident that our Co-op is up to that challenge!

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BOARD REPORT

By EEFC Board of Directors The 2016 EEFC board election has presented many unique issues for the board, management and all Co-op members. This election was suspended in October 2016 after staff and member concerns prompted the board to find a way to review the integrity of the election.

Due to these concerns, the board hired the CSI investigation firm to review the 2016 EEFC board election process. Following completion of extensive interviews and video review, CSI reported that EEFC election integrity had been compromised and that the procedures used to secure the paper ballots cast doubt on the integrity of the process for collection and the validity of the paper ballot totals.

Consequently, paper ballots will neither be tallied nor reported for 2016. The board reviewed the electronic ballots, and we believe that they were not tampered with.

Additionally, we reviewed the electronic ballots for duplicates, and found none.

The results of the 2016 board election are as follows: 245 electronic votes were tallied, and totals for each candidate are listed below from highest to lowest.

Staff Celebrations Congratulations to the following staff members, who were elected by their peers as Employees of the Month.

• Brynn Yochim (134) • Greg Nicholas (131) • Eddy Jones (122) • Mike Collura (118) • Patrick McHale (105) • Andrew Ritchie (99) • William Warnock (7) The board voted at the January 2017 meeting to seat the top three vote-getters to three year board terms and to appoint the lower three vote getters to fill the three two-year spots on the board. Greg Nicholas also resigned from the board and withdrew from the election, and is therefore no longer a candidate. As a result, Brynn, Eddy, and Mike will be awarded the three-year board terms from the election and Patrick, Andrew, and William will be seated to the two-year terms from the current board vacancies.

We thank all candidates, members, staff and board members for their patience through this difficult situation. The new board must work to develop additional controls surrounding the paper balloting process to ensure that the weaknesses identified by the investigation are not repeated in future elections.

Please direct any questions or comments to boarddir@eastendfood.coop

Stay Connected

December 2016:

If you are not receiving our e-news, please take a moment to subscribe so you can stay up-to-date on all the Co-op news and specials taking place in between the publication of our bi-monthly newsletter.

January 2017:

You can subscribe by texting EASTENDFOOD to 22828, by clicking the link on the homepage of our website or by emailing a request to join to editor@eastendfood.coop.

Megan Moffitt (Front End) Kate Safin (Marketing & Member Services) David Rosenberg (Café)

February 2017:

Jess Bartley (Front End)

The Co-operator - 3

Show how much you “LIKE” us and follow EEFC online!

All About Bulk The East End Food Co-op boasts one of the largest Bulk Foods departments in Pittsburgh.

From freshly ground nut butters, fair-trade coffee, candy, flour, and exotic teas and spices, nearly everything can be purchased from our expansive collection. There are other benefits to shopping in bulk beyond all the fresh, tasty offerings: it reduces waste, saves money, and is more sustainable.

Jim McCool has been the Bulk Merchandiser for the East End Food Co-op for more than 3 years. He carefully monitors the bins in the Bulk Department to ensure they are fully stocked with fresh products that meet the needs of Co-op shoppers. We sat down with him to get the inside scoop on all things Bulk.

What are the most important things for people to know about the products carried in Bulk?

First and foremost, all the products are fresh!

We have a very quick turnover with our products. Anything that doesn’t sell within 2-3 weeks is eliminated. At least 80% of what we carry is certified organic.

What features do you look for when bringing in products?

I am always open to customer suggestions.

I also look for food trends. In the past 3-4 years, sprouted rice and quinoa have become popular, as have paleo and gluten-free items.

What do you like about Bulk?

You can buy as much or as little as needed.

This is especially great for products like flour, rice, grains, and nuts. These are items that degrade quickly, so I strongly recommend they be stored in a glass jar and refrigerated to help preserve and maintain freshness.

Can people with food allergies shop in Bulk?

Our staff is very diligent about preventing cross-contamination, and all the items in Bulk are pretty self-contained. However, due to the nature of Bulk and shoppers’ habits that we can’t control, there is a small chance of crosscontamination. If you have a severe allergy or sensitivity, it is probably best to purchase an item that has been made in a certified facility that prevents cross-contamination.

What are the most popular items?

All varieties of nuts (organic and non-organic), fresh ground peanut butter and almond butter, Lundberg organic rice, red and green lentils, and black beans. We sell 150-200 pounds of organic oats every week. And our coffee selection also sells well. We have carried organic, fair trade coffee from Equal Exchange for decades, and we also have a local selection including Steel Cup Roasters, Building New Hope, La Prima Espresso, and we hope to bring in a blend from 19 Coffee Roasters soon. Having a local option for coffee is really important to us.

Whether you want a pinch or a 1

DILL

PLU# 1234

Select any of our bulk products, spices, herbs, or teas.

2

Use a scooper or spoon to fill your bag or container.

Questions?

Our staff is 4 - The Co-operator

What are your personal favorites?

I like brown basmati rice, Back Roads granolas, walnuts, and Tierra Farms dark-chocolate -covered almonds. I also go through a lot of garbanzo beans, because I make lots of hummus, so I purchase those in 25-pound bags to make it cost-effective.

What are the best deals in Bulk?

Jim McCool, EEFC Bulk Merchandiser

All across the board, prices in Bulk are far lower. There are always additional sales, including Co+op Deals (designated with green signs) and everyday low priced Co+op Basics (designated by purple signs). I also have 15-20 additional items I put on sale every month.

Those are marked with red sale signs, and there is also a poster advertising them above the Co+op Kids fruit station.

What Bulk shopping tips do you have to share?

There are more than 270 items in the Bulk Department, all arranged by category (flours, beans, nuts/seeds, grains, granola, etc.). It is easy to feel bewildered with such variety of product, so feel free to ask staff for help. That is what we are here for!

Each bin has a PLU and the Co-op provides labels, twist ties, pens, and free containers.

Just label your item with the PLU and the cost is calculated at checkout. We also have a scale if you’d like to check the weight of your purchase to get an idea of what quantity you have.

The purpose of bulk shopping is to reuse, reduce, and recycle. We encourage everyone to bring their own containers or reuse the containers we provide. This helps reduce costs and is also good for the environment.

If you’d like to suggest a product, write Jim a Comment Card or talk to him in person. And don’t miss the Bulk Sale on Thursday, April 20th! All Bulk food and herbs will be 25% off all day, while supplies last.

pound, it's easy to shop in bulk!

3

123

Locate the PLU # and write it on your bag or container.

s always happy to help!

4

123

4

Our cashiers will weigh and price your bag or containter.

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VENDOR SPOTLIGHT own their farms, care for their land by growing organically, and earn more than conventional farmers do (at least 2-2.5 times more for cocoa farmers and 3-6 times more for tea farmers). Their farms provide for the families and communities.

Farmers work in good conditions and return home to their families at the end of the workday.

Mission:

Equal Exchange’s mission is to build long-term trade partnerships that are economically just and environmentally sound, to foster mutually beneficial relationships between farmers and consumers and to demonstrate, through their success, the contribution of worker co-operatives and Fair Trade to a more equitable, democratic and sustainable world.

History:

In 1986, three managers from a New England food co-op, Jonathan Rosenthal, Michael, Rozyne and Rink Dickinson, founded Equal Exchange with $100,000 in start-up funds that came from friends, family, and their own pockets. Their vision was to create fairness for farmers and a closer connection between people and farmers. The first Equal Exchange product was Nicaraguan coffee; today products include cocoa, chocolate, tea, nuts, berries, bananas, and avocados.

In 1990, Equal Exchange formalized a worker-owner co-op structure. They are currently one of the largest democratic worker cooperatives in the country.

What makes Equal Exchange products special?

Equal Exchange products are organic, fair trade, and sourced from small-scale farmers with whom Equal Exchange has long-term partnerships. These farmers

By supporting Equal Exchange, customers are putting their dollars toward ensuring that smallscale farmers in developing regions have the market access necessary for survival, and the increased income to put toward innovation, their families, and communities. Selecting Equal Exchange products supports an alternative model and helps to shift control from large corporations into the hands of small-scale producers.

Fast Facts:

• A vast majority of tea comes from plantations established during the British empire. Equal Exchange tea makes up a majority of the just 2% of global tea production grown by small-scale farmers.

• Considering an average family farm produces about 40 pounds of coffee per week, by purchasing an average of 263 pounds of coffee per week, East End Food Co-op is directly supporting about 7 small farmer families each year!

• March is Fair Trade Banana Month! In 2016, East End Food Co-op shoppers purchased $160,880 of Equal Exchange bananas, which equates to $25,600 paid direct to small farmers and $2,011 paid toward heath care, farm improvement, retirement, and schools.

Thank you to Rachel Dana and Ravdeep Jaidka of Equal Exchange for providing the information for this article.

To learn more, visit www.equalexchange.coop.

SAVE the Date!

Springfest April 22nd 1 - 5 PM Hosanna House

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Brunch.

It’s what’s for breakfast.

And lunch.

by Kate Safin, Marketing & Member Services Manager Brunch originated more than 100 years ago as a symbol of wealth and leisure.

Today, it offers a respite from hectic lifestyles that lead most of us to skip breakfast altogether or eat it on-the-go. Brunch is the happy place between breakfast and lunch, the meal where we can get creative and transform any food into a pseudo-breakfast dish. A sandwich held together by waffles? Sure.

Fried chicken, mac and cheese, a burrito filled with scrambled eggs? Yep. Alcohol? Yes, definitely. Anything goes at brunch! Whether you prepare your meal at home, or go out to one of the numerous Pittsburgh joints that offers this fabulous meal (including your Co-op!), on Sunday, I encourage you to sleep in, start late, be leisurely, and enjoy a meal together. Take it slow, drink good coffee, and drizzle everything with maple syrup.

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Maple Pecan Granola

Sweet Potato and Parsnip Latkes

Fair Trade Chocolate Chip Banana Pancakes

Farmhouse Fried Eggs with Coffee-Chipotle Mole

Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded sweet potatoes • 1 cup shredded parsnips • 3 scallions, sliced • 2 eggs, beaten • ⅓ cup flour • ½ teaspoon salt • ¼ teaspoon black pepper • Vegetable oil for frying

Topping

• ½ cup light sour cream • 1 cup apple, peeled and minced

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Peel the sweet potato and parsnip and shred using a grater or food processor. Wrap the shredded sweet potato and parsnip in a few paper towels and squeeze to remove excess liquid.

2. In a large bowl, mix the sweet potato and parsnip with the scallions, eggs, flour, salt and pepper 3. Heat a large iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom and come up the sides at least a quarter of an inch. When the oil is hot, scoop about 1/4 cup of latke mixture into the pan and slightly flatten. Repeat until the pan is full but not crowded. Brown the latkes on each side 3-4 minutes. Set aside on a plate lined with paper towels when done. While the latkes are cooking, stir together the sour cream and minced apple. Serve the apple sour cream on top of the warm latkes.

Ingredients

• 1 cup maple syrup • 1 cup canola or vegetable oil • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract • ½ teaspoon salt • 8 cups old-fashioned oats • 1 ½ cups chopped pecans • 1 ½ cups whole pecans

All of these ingredients are available in the Bulk Department!

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 275°F. 2. In a large bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, oil, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract. Add the oats and pecans and mix well.

3. Divide the mixture evenly among shallow baking pans and press into thin layers.

4. Bake on the center oven rack for 30 minutes.

Rotate the pans and stir the mixture thoroughly, then bake an additional 15 minutes.

5. If you like your granola soft and sticky, remove it from the oven now and cool it down. If you like your granola crunchy, stir and rotate once more and bake an additional 15 minutes, then remove and cool.

Reprinted by permission from StrongerTogether.coop. Find more recipes and information about your food and where it comes from at strongertogether.coop.

Reprinted by permission from StrongerTogether.coop. Find more recipes and information about your food and where it comes from at strongertogether.coop.

Ingredients

Ingredients

• 1 c. stewed tomatoes (drained) • ¾ c. strong brewed Equal Exchange coffee • ¼ c. chopped onion • 2 chopped garlic cloves • 1 Tbsp. chopped chipotle chiles • 2 Tbsp. Equal Exchange Organic Olive Oil • 1 tsp. finely chopped Equal Exchange Organic Panama Extra Dark Chocolate • 8 large eggs • 1 sliced Equal Exchange Avocado

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Puree the tomatoes, brewed coffee, onion, garlic, chipotle peppers and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a blender until smooth.

2. Simmer the puree in a heavy skillet and stir occasionally until thickened. Stir in the chocolate and add salt. Remove from heat.

3. Fry eggs in 2 batches in 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, until cooked the way you like them.

4. Plate the eggs and add sliced avocado. Top with sauce as desired.

Reprinted by permission from www.equalexchange.coop.

• 1 ½ c. flour • 1 Tbsp. sugar • 2 tsp. baking powder • ½ tsp. cinnamon • 1 ¼ c. milk • ½ c. Equal Exchange bananas, mashed • 1 egg, lightly beaten • 1 tsp. vanilla • ½ c. Equal Exchange Organic Bittersweet or Organic Semisweet Chocolate Chips

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder and cinnamon in a large bowl.

2. Mix milk, banana, egg and vanilla until well combined. Stir into the bowl of dry ingredients.

3. Fold in ¼ cup of the chocolate chips.

4. Spray your griddle with cooking oil and place over medium heat.

5. Pour batter onto the griddle into the pancake size you desire. Make a stack of small ones, or a few extra large pancakes!

6. Cook for about 2 minute, or until the tops begin to bubble. Then, flip the pancake and cook for another minute or until golden.

7. Work your way through the batter, reapplying cooking spray as needed.

8. Top your pancakes with more chocolate chips and serve.

Reprinted by permission from www.equalexchange.coop.

THE

MEET Owner

By Erica Peiffer, Member Services Coordinator Where do you live?

Staycee (S): We just moved to Shadyside around New Year’s.

Herman (H): Before that we lived in Wilkinsburg.

I was there for 20+ years, and Staycee moved in about 10 or 11 years ago.

How long have you been members?

H: I was on the family membership with my folks since the Co-op moved to this location. Then, at some point in the nineties, I got my own, but I refunded to share a membership with Staycee.

S: When I moved to Pittsburgh in 2000, the Coop was literally the first place I came to after my friend’s place where I was staying. I came straight here on my second day in town, and I was a member within a month.

What was your motivation for coming to and/or joining the Co-op?

S: I am an avid healthy eater. I was vegan, mostly raw, when I moved here. Wherever you go, you find that place where you know you can get the healthy food you need. Instantly, the Co-op was that place for me. I had worked at two co-ops before in other cities.

What do you LOVE and hope will never change about the Co-op?

H: You! S: Yes, the long-term staff are all amazing people!

The Co-operator - 11

Staycee & Herman Pearl, MEmbers since 2000 & 1986 Any interesting stories you’d like to share from your experiences at the Co-op?

H: My folks were partners in developing this building back in 1985, and they had their business upstairs, so this was home away from home for me. I remember when the Co-op space was about 1/3 what it is now, and there were batting cages and putt-putt golf where HBA is now!

S: I remember when this seating area was like a big play-pen, and people would leave their kids in here to play while they shopped!

How would you describe your lifestyle, and how does the Co-op fit in?

H: We make music, art, and dance in our studios across the street, PearlArts Dance & Tuff Sound Recording.

S: The Co-op is a staple for us. One, if not both of us, is here every day of the week. We know we can get what we need to stay healthy. It would be really hard not to have the Co-op.

SUSTAINABILITY At the East End Food Co-op, we focus on sustainability and respect for the environment in everything we do.

Sourcing & Buying Practices

Our goal is to source goods that are produced using humane and ecologically sound methods that don’t exploit people, animals or our environment. We prioritize local, organic, Non-GMO, fair trade and cooperatively-produced items that are minimally processed and packaged in recyclable containers.

Eliminating Food Waste

Through our partnerships with 412 Food Rescue, East End Cooperative Ministry and Hot Metal Bridge Faith Community, last year we were able to donate over 8,000 pounds of healthy, fresh food that was redistributed to those in need. We also give to our animal friends! Animal Rescue League received 150 pounds of food scraps and trimmings.

Recycling

We responsibly dispose of a variety of materials, from boxes to lightbulbs, ensuring that much of the waste generated by the Co-op does not end up in a landfill. Our recycling mix, which consists primarily of cardboard, averages 820 pounds a day. In a year, this adds up to almost 300,000 pounds of cardboard and other materials that are recycled rather than thrown away!

Composting

On average, we compost 5,075 pounds of food scraps every month. Steel City Soils, a cooperatively-managed group that recycles food and yard waste to create high quality compost, has been processing food scraps from the East End Food Co-op since 2009.

Supporting Sustainability in the Community

Through the Register Round Up program, Co-op shoppers have collectively given nearly $30,000 to organizations dedicated to supporting our local land, air and waterways. Clean Water Fund, Tree Pittsburgh, GTECH Strategies, PASA, First Waves, Pennsylvania Resources Council and Nine Mile Run Watershed Association are just a few of the groups who help us build a sustainable community.

Awards & Recognitions

DONATIONS

We are the proud recipient of an NCG Sustainability Star in recognition of our social, environmental and local impacts, and we won third place in the small-business category of the 2016 Green Workplace Challenge, a program of Sustainable Pittsburgh and its business network, Champions for Sustainability.

Bike FRIENDLY BUSINESS

East End Food Co-op is one of 33 certified Bike Friendly Businesses in the state of Pennsylvania. The League of American Bicyclists granted the Co-op Bronze status because of our expansive bike parking, indoor DIY repair station (located in the lobby of The Factory near the Penn Avenue entrance) and bike education and advocacy efforts.

12 12 -- The The Co-operator Co-operator

March Register Round Up PCCR’s mission is to inspire creativity, conservation, and community engagement through reuse.

Communities Served: Primarily Wilkinsburg, Homewood, and North Point Breeze. Creative Education programs serve all over the city.

Register Round Up funds will support general operating expenses, which ensures PCCR can continue to divert tons of useful materials from landfills, teach kids about conservation and art, and empower our community to realize the economic, environmental, and creative potential in reuse.

www.pccr.org

April Register Round Up Nine Mile Run Watershed Association restores and protects its watershed ecosystem, while working regionally to support and implement resilient solutions for a healthy urban environment.

Communities Served: Wilkinsburg, Regent Square, Homewood, Edgewood, Swissvale.

Register Round Up funds will support a variety of programs, including planting and caring for street trees, monitoring water quality in the Nine Mile Run stream in Frick Park, removing garbage from both vacant lots and the stream, installing rain barrels and rain gardens and providing educational opportunities to our community.

www.ninemilerun.org

If you’d like to support these organizations and their missions, be sure to tell your Co-op cashier to round up your total to the nearest dollar. Want to give more? Just let your cashier know.

The Co-operator - 13

Shopping for Cleaning Products By: Co+op, stronger together Looking for cleaning products that are ecofriendly and up to the task? Many kinderto the-environment products are widely available and equally effective. And that’s a good thing because, according to conservative estimates by the Clean Water Fund in Washington D.C., the average American uses about 40 pounds of toxic household cleaning products—like chlorine bleach, formaldehyde, phosphates, phthalates, petroleum products, and sulfuric acid—each year. These are chemicals that make their way into our waterways and may also linger in our home environment in our air, on our counters and in our clothes.

It’s easy to make the switch to natural cleaning products—look for options in the co-op’s household supplies/cleaning aisle and consider making some simple green cleaning products from ingredients you probably have stocked in your pantry.

At the co-op, some things you might want to pick up are a natural, all-purpose cleaner and a glass cleaner. There are also excellent eco-friendly shower cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners, tub and tile cleaners, floor cleaners, carpet cleaners, and spot and stain removers.

You can even find natural, botanically-based disinfecting cleaners and wipes (commercial disinfectants are typically highly toxic). Don’t

forget dish liquid and dishwasher detergent, as well as a natural rinse aid (yep, those are available now, too). Opt for concentrates when possible, as well as post-consumer recycled plastic or cardboard containers.

For real savings, you might want to concoct some of your own natural cleaning supplies, using common household ingredients.

• White vinegar can be used as softener in your washer’s rinse cycle or combined with equal parts water for an all-purpose/glass cleaner.

• Cornstarch can be sprinkled on carpet to freshen before vacuuming or made into a paste with water for cleaning silver.

• Washing soda makes a great spray cleanser when combined with hot water (1 teaspoon soda per 2 cups of water) or a solution for soaking grimy items like barbecue grills (1 cup soda per sink-full).

• Baking soda works wonders as a sink/tub scrubber or as a diaper pail freshener.

• Plain liquid soap and a few essential oils combine for a scented cleaner with disinfecting properties.

For ease on cleaning day, stock all your cleaning supplies in a large galvanized bucket, along with some colorful washable cloths (instead of paper towels) for cleaning (add a bow—and maybe a book of natural cleaning tips—and you’ve got a great gift for a college freshman or newlywed, too!).

Reprinted by permission from StrongerTogether.coop. Find articles about your food and where it comes from, recipes and a whole lot more at www.strongertogether.coop.

15 - The Co-operator

DIY Green Cleaners Powdered Laundry Soap INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups grated natural bar soap • 3 cups borax • 4 cups baking soda • 4 cups washing soda • 20-40 drops of essential oil

Instructions:

Combine all dry ingredients.

Whisk in the essential oil. Store in a covered tub.

Use 1/8 cup per load of laundry.

All-Natural Air Freshener InGREDIENTS:

• Orange peels • Cinnamon sticks • Cloves • Pot of water

Instructions:

Bring a pot of water to a boil with the orange peels, cloves, and cinnamon sticks, and leave it simmering on the stove to create a pleasant odor in your kitchen and throughout your home!

Alternatively, add ingredients to a crock pot and allow to simmer. Add water as needed.

Window Cleaner

Lemon Oil Duster

InGREDIENTS:

InGREDIENTS:

• ¼ cup vinegar • ½ tsp. natural liquid soap (such as Ecover dishwashing liquid or Dr. Bronner’s) • 2 cups water

• 10 drops pure lemon oil • 2 tbsp. lemon juice • A few drops olive oil

Instructions:

Put all ingredients in a spray bottle and shake to blend.

Instructions: Put all ingredients in a bottle and shake to blend.

To use the cleaner, spray directly onto glass and wipe clean with newspaper, squeegee, or cotton cloth.

Use a clean, recycled flannel cotton

Lavender & Tea Tree Cleaning Spray

Dishwasher Detergent Pods

InGREDIENTS:

InGREDIENTS:

• 3/4 to 1 tsps. essential oil of your choosing • 2 cups washing soda • 2 cups Borax • 1/2 cup salt • 1/2 cup white vinegar

• 1/2 tsp. lavender essential oil • 1/2 tsp. tea tree essential oil • 1 tsp. unscented liquid soap • 15 fluid ounces water • 16-ounce spray bottle

Instructions:

Instructions:

1. In bottle, combine soap and essential oils.

2. Top with water, replace lid and shake until well blended.

3. To use, spray on surface and wipe clean with damp cloth.

WANT TO LEARN MORE?

Check out our DIY Green Cleaning class on Saturday, March 11th. Details on back page.

cloth to mop up dusty surfaces.

1. Blend all ingredients into a thick paste.

2. Place 1 to 2 tsps. of paste into an ice cube tray.

3. Allow to dry for 24 to 48 hours.

4. Pop pods out and store in an airtight container.

5. To use, place one pod into dishwasher and run.

Yields 24 pods

Don’t have time to DIY?

Stock up on cleaning supplies during our Spring Cleaning Flash Sale on Friday, March 31ST! 10% off Cleaning Products* *discount is non-stackable, excludes items already on sale, vendor coupons welcome

7516 Meade Street Pittsburgh, PA 15208 Phone: 412.242.3598 www.eastendfood.coop

Event Calendar MARCH & APRIL

DIY GREEN CLEANING

Saturday, March 11th at 2 PM Rachel & Curtis Radke, Naturally Clean POWER/EEFC Conference Room $10 Co-op Members / $15 Non-members Learn how to avoid hazardous chemicals by making your own simple, safe and effective household cleaning solutions with basic kitchen equipment and pantry staples!

You’ll go home with recipe cards and sample products to get you started (a $15 value!). RSVP online at diygreencleaning.eventbrite.com.

BEYOND THE PEEL

Thursday, March 16th 11:30 AM – 1 PM Erica & Patrick, Marketing & Member Services Aisle 3 - FREE! All bananas are not created equal.

Learn more about progressive, smallfarmer cooperatives in Ecuador and Peru, and join the banana revolution by sampling fair-trade-inspired smoothies!

SPRINGFEST

Saturday, April 22nd from 1-5 PM Hosanna House - 807 Wallace Avenue Wilkinsburg, PA 15221 Proceeds benefit 412 Food Rescue

CO-OP ORIENTATION

Sunday, April 9th at 1 PM Erica Peiffer, Member Services POWER/EEFC Conference Room FREE! Orientations ensure our members feel completely comfortable using our store and participating in our Co-op. They provide an opportunity to ask questions, meet other members and staff, review member benefits, and learn more about the cooperative business model.

Curious about membership? Nonmembers welcome! Please RSVP by calling 412-242-3598.

March 8th and APRIL 5th

WELLNESS Wednesday

*No additional discounts or sales may be stacked with this offer

BULK SALE

Thursday, April 20th, All Day EEFC Bulk Department There are great prices in our Bulk Department, and buying in bulk is also greener! Less packaging is more sustainable, plus you can avoid waste when you buy just the amount needed. Stop by for our 25% off sale for samples, contests and to learn more about how to shop in bulk, including bringing your own containers.

10%* off wellness AND body care Senior Discount Days

(5% courtesy discount for 62+) Every Tuesday & Thursday

quarterly discount

Members, be sure to use your 10% quarterly discount by March 31st!