Co-op Beet Spring 2023

CO OP BEET THE

COMPOSTING GONE WILD p. 4

EARTH DAY FROM COAST TO VALLEY p. 6

FREE

SINCE 1976

Providing wholesome food for 47 years

2023

marks our 47th anniversary year! Looking back in our history from the beginning of the Co-op’s inception in 1976 is amazing. Here we are today in a beautiful, expanded, renovated space offering great quality food and goods with new offerings of house-made food. I am so very proud of what we have accomplished over the years. It sure beats the first retail space at the old garage with the dirt floor on Gobbi Street. My oh my, has organic food come a long way from 47 years ago!

We are excited to celebrate with you our 47th Annual Member gathering. This is the first event in three years that we can be together and celebrate the successes of Ukiah Natural Foods Cooperative. The member gathering will be held on April 15th from 1-4PM at Brutocao Cellars in Hopland. Join us in celebrating our member-owners and community with a catered lunch, live music, great food and wine, and an offering of local beers. Come mingle with our board of directors, staff, and enjoy the live music by Soul Circus.

In other news, Ukiah Natural Foods did not have a board of directors election this year. There were three open board seats and we received only two candidate ap-

CO-OP PRINCIPLES

MISSION

We join together for a common purpose: to sell trusted food and goods for the health of our community.

VISION

We envision a thriving, healthy community in which we are a vital link in the local food system.

plications. At the February board meeting, the board of directors approved the two applicants to join the board for the threeyear term. I would like to thank the outgoing board members for their personal time, care, and contributions serving on the board of the Co-op.

Thank you for your continued support of the Co-op and spending your dollars locally. We have joined together for a common purpose: to sell trusted food and goods for the health of our community.

In Cooperation, Lori Rosenberg

UNF Management

General Manager

Lori Rosenberg

Facilities

Dan Thompson-Sagehorn

Finance

Anne Wright

Food Service

Misty Powell - Assistant Manager

Front End

Lodie DeAlba

Grocery

Peter Perkins

Human Resources

Susan Winter

Information Technology

LORI ROSENBERG general manager

PURPOSE

Provide and promote organically grown, sustainably produced food, goods, and services that are locally and regionally sourced whenever possible.

Promote the health and wellness of our community by providing facilities, resources, and information, and by offering effective, positive community education and services.

Embody and model sustainable, humane, equitable, green ways of working and living, creating and maintaining an ideal workplace. Add to the enjoyment and enrichment of our greater community ventures and networks.

Tasha Jelen

Marketing & Outreach

Yvonne Boyd

Produce

Libee Uhuru

Wellness / Health & Beauty

Katie McClure

Co-op Beet

Managing Editor

Yvonne Boyd

Editor

Lori Rosenberg

Design & Production

Nicole Martensen - Tierra Design

Contributors

Lori Rosenberg, Yvonne Boyd, Grey Wolfe-Smith

Views expressed in the Co-op Beet are the writers’ opinions and are not necessarily the views of Ukiah Natural Foods Co-op.

WHY NO BOARD ELECTIONS THIS YEAR?

TheUkiah Natural Foods Co-op Board is made up of nine seats and the term of office for each director is three years. This is designed so that three directors’ seats are up for election each year on a rotating basis which minimizes the disruption caused when new members begin their terms.

It is vitally important that the Board maintain its cohesion and can pass on its institutional knowledge to new members while continuing to function at a high level.

This year we had three directors’ seats up for election but only received two candidate applications.

There is no need to hold an election when there are fewer candidates than seats available. There are still two short term seats left to fill. If you are a member and are interested, please contact board@ ukiahcoop.com.

COMPOSTING

Courtesy epa.gov

Photography By Ranchomatic Studios

What is composting?

Composting is a controlled, aerobic (oxygen-required) process that converts organic materials into a nutrient-rich soil amendment or mulch through natural decomposition. The end product is compost – a dark, crumbly, earthy-smelling material.

Why compost at home?

Composting is nature’s way of recycling. It is one of the most powerful actions we can take to reduce our trash, address climate change, and build healthy soil. By turning our food scraps and yard trim into compost, we can transform our waste streams into a beneficial, value-added soil amendment and use it to protect the environment and create resilient communities.

WHAT YOU CAN COMPOST AT HOME

Nitrogen-Rich Material (“Greens”)

Food and vegetable scraps

Most grass clippings and yard trim

Coffee grounds and paper filters

Paper tea bags (no staples)

Eggshells (crushed)

Carbon-Rich Materials (“Browns”)

Dry leaves

Plant stalks and twigs

Shredded paper (non-glossy, not colored) and shredded brown bags

Shredded cardboard (no wax coating, tape, or glue)

Untreated wood chips

• Composting is a resourceful way to recycle the food scraps and yard trim you generate at home all year and manage your waste more sustainably.

• You reduce the volume of materials that might otherwise be disposed in landfills or trash incinerators - leaves, grass clippings, yard trim, and food scraps – and prevent powerful greenhouse gases from being emitted into the atmosphere.

• Composting involves minimal effort, equipment, expense, and expertise, and can be fun.

• You save money by producing a free, high quality soil amendment – compost, which reduces your use of fertilizer and pesticides.

• You can use your compost to build healthier soil, prevent soil erosion, conserve water, and improve plant growth in your garden and yard.

WHAT TO AVOID COMPOSTING AT HOME

Meat, fish and bones

Cheese and dairy products

Pet waste and cat litter

Produce stickers

Fats, oils and greases

Glossy paper

Treated or painted wood

Aggressive weeds/weeds with seeds

Diseased and pest-infested plants

Compostable food service ware and compostable bags*

Cooked food (small amounts are fine)

Herbicide treated plants

Dryer lint

Steps for Backyard Composting

1

Determine how you will collect and store your browns and greens

Collect and store your fruit and vegetable scraps in a closed container on your kitchen counter, under your sink, or in your fridge or freezer. For browns, set aside an area outside to store your steady supply of leaves, twigs, or other carbon-rich material (to mix with your food scraps).

2

Set aside space for your compost pile and build or buy a bin

Choose a space in your yard for your compost pile that is easily accessible yearround and has good drainage. Avoid placing it right up against a fence and ensure there is a water source nearby. Your compost pile will break down in sun or shade. Next, choose a type of bin for your pile. Bins can be constructed from materials such as wire, wood, and cinder blocks. They can also be enclosed and include barrels and tumblers.

3 Prepare your ingredients for composting

Before adding your browns and greens to the pile, try to chop and break them up into smaller pieces (e.g., corn cobs, broccoli stalks, and other tough food scraps). Doing so will help the materials in the pile break down faster.

4

How to build your compost pile

Start your pile with a four- to six-inch layer of bulky browns such as twigs and wood chips. This layer will absorb extra liquids, elevate your pile and allow air to circulate at the base of the pile. Then layer your greens and browns like lasagna. If needed, add a little water to dampen the pile.

Having the right proportions of ingredients in your compost pile will provide the composting microorganisms the carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and moisture they need to break down the material into finished compost.

When adding browns and greens to your pile, add at least two to three times the volume of browns (such as dry leaves) to the volume of greens (such as food scraps). Always ensure your food scraps are covered by four to eight inches of dry leaves or other browns.

Air and water are the other key ingredients in your pile. To ensure air circulation, add enough browns and turn your compost

occasionally. To maintain moisture in your pile, ensure your combined materials have the consistency of a wrung-out sponge.

5

Maintain your compost pile

As the materials in your compost pile begin to decompose, the temperature of the pile will initially begin to rise, especially in the center. A backyard pile, if well maintained, can reach temperatures of 130° to 160° F. High temperatures help reduce the presence of pathogens and weed seeds.

Turning and mixing your pile from time to time will help speed up the decomposition process and aerate the pile. Use a garden fork to turn the outside of the pile inward. Monitor your pile for moisture, odor, and temperature and make adjustments as needed.

a. If the pile is too dry, activity in the pile will slow or cease. Moisten the pile and turn it. (Refer to the note above about maintaining moisture in your pile.)

b. If the pile has a bad odor, it may be too wet or need more air circulation. Add more browns/dry material to the pile and turn the pile.

c. If the pile is not heating up, mix in greens and turn the pile.

6

Harvest your finished compost

When your compost pile is no longer heating up after mixing, and when there are no visible food scraps, allow your pile to cure, or finish, for at least four weeks. You can relocate the oldest compost at the bottom of the pile to a separate area to cure or stop adding materials to your pile. After curing, your pile will have shrunk to about one-third of its original size.

Compost in a well-maintained pile will be finished and ready for use in about three to five months. Left untended, a pile may take a year to decompose. The compost will look dark, loose, and crumbly and smell like fresh soil. Most, if not all, of the materials that went into the compost pile should be decomposed.

Screen or sift your finished compost to filter out materials that didn’t break down - twigs, fruit pits, eggshells, and items like produce stickers and plastic. (You can make a homemade screener out of ¼ inch hardware cloth.) Pits, eggshells, etc. that you sifted out can be added back into the active pile or to a new pile.

Benefits of Using Your Finished Compost

You can add compost to your flower and vegetable beds, window boxes, and container gardens; incorporate it into tree beds; mix it with potting soil for indoor plants; or spread it on top of the soil on your lawn.

EARTH DAY Celebrate

Mother

Earth needs our attention more than just one day a year. In Mendocino County from inland over the mountains to the coast, we are fortunate to live in such a beautiful landscape. Let’s take some time to celebrate the place we live and decide what changes we each can make in our lives for the good of Mother Earth.

Here are a few ideas…

1. First of all, get outside! Pack a picnic and take yourself on an outing with the planet to visit a favorite spot or discover a new one.

2. Purchase a state or national parks pass for your family. This way you can visit conserved spaces year round.

3. Ditch the plastic and go for reusable. You can start with reusable water bottles and canvas instead of plastic bags.

4. Shop bulk and bring your own containers to reduce both packaging and food waste.

5. Repurpose your kitchen scraps and make your own vegetable stock or compost them to use in your own garden.

6. Make your yard more pollinator friendly by planting native plants.

7. Educate yourself on the history and current events of the native lands you live and recreate on.

8. Donate to an environmental non-profit that you are passionate about.

Remember, whatever you choose to do, every little bit helps!

Celebrate

EVERY DAY

By Yvonne Boyd

Photography By Ranchomatic Studios

Sanel Valley

Wildfair Ranch

Parsons Creek

"The Earth is what we all have in common."

—Wendell Berry

Hopland sunrise

North Coast

Stoneboro dunes

Tuscan Infused Olive Oil

Natural DIY

Earth-friendly products you can make at home with ingredients from our Bulk department. Stock up on these ingredients and more during our Earth Day Bulk Sale on Saturday, April 22!

Honey Oatmeal Dog Shampoo

Lemon Lavender Sugar Face Scrub

Rose Facial Toner

Honey Oatmeal Dog Shampoo

www.freebiefindingmom.com

Materials:

¾ cup dry oatmeal

½ cup baking soda

½ Tbsp honey

1 ½ cup filtered water

You Will Also Need: Measuring cups

Mixing bowl

Mixing spoon

(2) 8 oz. Mason jars

Food processor

Instructions:

1. Put oatmeal into food processor, and blend on high until you have a fine powder.

2. In a large mixing bowl, add powdered oats, water, baking soda, and honey then mix well.

3. Pour mixture into Mason jars.

Tuscan Infused Olive Oil

Recipe courtesy of UNFC

Ingredients:

1 ½ cups extra virgin olive oil

2 sprigs fresh rosemary

6 sprigs fresh thyme

2 bay leaves - dry

1 tsp coriander seeds

3 tsp Peppermill Blend (black, white, red peppercorns)

Instructions:

1. Fill bottle or jar with herbs and spices.

2. Fill with bottle with extra virgin olive oil. Gently shake. Put the top on and allow to infuse for 2 weeks before using.

3. Feel free to add or take herbs and spices to your liking. This is the typical Tuscan bouquet but the variety of infusions is as big as your imagination!

Rose Facial Toner

Materials:

¼ cup apple cider vinegar

¼ cup witch hazel

3 drops rose essential oil

You Will Also Need: Glass Spray Bottle

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients to spray bottle.

2. Secure lid and shake well.

3. Shake well before each use.

4. Store in an airtight container out of direct sunlight.

Lemon Lavender Sugar Face Scrub

Recipe courtesy of Shanel Hopkins, UNFC Deli Clerk

Materials:

½ cup sugar

1 Tbsp lemon juice

1 Tbsp fractionated coconut oil

A few drops of lavender oil

1 Tbsp dried lavender (optional)

Instructions:

1. Combine the coconut oil and sugar. A little less sugar can be used if preferred.

2. Once the sugar and coconut oil are combined, add the drops of essential oil, the tablespoon of lemon juice, and mix again.

3. Gently fold in the dried lavender.

4. Spoon the scrub into air-tight containers. This scrub is perfect to put out for guests or makes a great gift.

EARTHDAY CELEBRATION

SPRING HAPPENINGS

SUNDAY, APRIL 9

Easter – open regular hours

SATURDAY, APRIL 15

2023 Annual Member Event

MONDAY, APRIL 17

Board of Directors Meeting – 5:30pm. All members invited to attend. Email board@ukiahcoop.com

SATURDAY, APRIL 22

Earth Day Event – noon-3:00pm

SATURDAY, APRIL22

noon - 3:00pm

Come enjoy live music from Rosie & Steve of the Back Porch Trio, plus tasty treats and healthy products from our in-store Sampling Fair with multiple vendors including Full Belly Farm, Big Mesa Farm, Forest People, Black Oak Coffee, California Balsamic, Grainsong, Garden of Life, Western Botanicals, and more!

Bulk Sale – 15% off all bulk plus an additional 5% off when you bring your own containers! Includes bulk body care.

FRIDAY, MAY 5

Cinco de Mayo

THURSDAY, MAY 11

Wellness Sale – 20% off all Wellness, Health, & Beauty. Includes bulk body care.

SUNDAY, MAY 14

Mother's Day

MONDAY, MAY 15

Board of Directors Meeting – 5:30pm. All members invited to attend. Email board@ukiahcoop.com

FRIDAY, MAY 26

Alcohol Sale – 20% off beer, wine, sake, mead, and sparkling, plus alcoholic kombucha, hard cider, and hard seltzers.

MONDAY, MAY 29

Memorial Day

FRIDAY, JUNE 16

20% off all meat.

SUNDAY, JUNE 18

Father's Day

MONDAY, JUNE 19

Juneteenth

Board of Directors Meeting – 5:30pm. All members invited to attend. Email board@ukiahcoop.com.

Open Every Day to Everyone 7am - 8pm

EARTH DAY BULK SALE

Saturday, April 22

WELLNESS SALE

Thursday, May 11

15% off all bulk plus an additional 5% off when you bring your own containers! Includes bulk body care.

20% OFF WELLNESS, HEALTH, & BEAUTY includes bulk body care

Friday, June 16

20% Off All Alcohol includes beer, wine, sake, mead, and sparkling, plus alcoholic kombucha, hard cider, and hard seltzers

Friday, May 26

20% off All Meat