Sustainability

Co-op Members have been the driving force behind our recycling and sustainability commitments for a long time. And it’s thanks to members like you that our soft plastic recycling scheme has proved such a success since it launched in July last year. From setting AGM motions around climate change and sustainability to exploring where we…

Whether it’s picnics outdoors or watching the tennis, strawberries are synonymous with summer – and they’re in season now! But what makes British strawberries taste so good? Co-op strawberry grower Harry Hall, from Hall Hunter, gives us a sneak peek into what goes on behind the scenes at his farm My mum and dad started…

Standfirst: It’s three years since we announced our partnership with Chester Zoo to support the reforestation of former palm oil plantations in Sabah, Borneo. We caught up with Alastair Pattrick, Co-op’s Sustainable Sourcing Manager, to bust a few myths around palm oil and get an update on the amazing project. Myth 1: Palm Oil is…

Summer is in full swing, and with it we’re out and about a lot more. But we can and should still be conscious of the impact we have on the world around us. To mark World  Environment Day on 5 August, Jess Collins, ethics, sustainability & policy officer at Co-op, shares her top recycling tips…

Some food waste is inevitable, but there’s plenty we can do to make the most of the food we buy. Whether that’s preserving food to make it last longer, or regularly cooking meals with leftovers, together we can all make a difference. We hear from Carly Anderson, founder of Waterloo’s Community Fridge, to find out…

Ahead of World Earth Day, ethics, sustainability and policy officer Jess Collins shares five meaningful pledges you can make this year. Sustainability has always been more than a buzzword for Co-op – it’s a commitment. And this year is no different. For World Earth Day I want to pledge to make a difference, and you…

Together with our members, we’ve been championing Fairtrade and the difference it makes to producers and communities across the world for more than 26 years. What you put in your shopping basket can make positive changes to lives around the globe. So, during this year’s Fairtrade Fortnight – which ran from 21 February-6 March – we asked…

Horticulture buyer Francesca Hayes explains why Co-op flowers offer gifts with meaning ahead of Mother’s Day

Ahead of International Women’s Day, Co-op lamb farmer Susan Vaughan explains how the farming industry has changed to become more equitable and inclusive Break the bias This year’s #BreakTheBias theme for International Women’s Day looks at challenging and removing stereotypes, bias and discrimination. I am thankful to say the farming industry has come a long…

Ahead of Fairtrade Fortnight (21 February – 6 March), Co-op Fairtrade manager Cate Hickey explains the benefits of Co-op’s longstanding partnership with Fairtrade We all associate Fairtrade with a fairer price for farmers – alongside plenty of bananas, sugar and tea, and the many other Fairtrade products you’ll find in Co-op stores. But a fairer…

Fairtrade manager Catherine Hickey reveals her favourite Co-op Fairtrade gifts, so go a step further this Christmas and share the love by supporting producers from around the globe.

Peatlands are one of the UK’s key ecosystems and, if managed correctly, can support the nation’s ambition to achieve net zero. We’ve already switched to peat-free compost across all our stores but we know there is more to do. This year we’re working with climate and sustainable development expert, ClimateCare and Bell’s whisky to support the restoration…