The Adventures of Cooper the Goat

Meet Cooper, the friendliest goat in the Berkshires and the beloved mascot of the Berkshire Food Co-op. With his soft white fur and playful personality, Cooper was more than just a cute face. He was the heart and soul of the Co-op, spreading joy and promoting the values of community, sustainability, and cooperation.

Every morning, as the sun rose over the Great Barrington, Cooper trotted happily to the Co-op, ready for a day full of adventures. The store was always buzzing with excitement, and Cooper loved being a part of it.

Welcoming Shoppers

One of Cooper's favorite activities was greeting customers at the entrance. With a cheerful bleat and a wag of his little tail, he'd welcome everyone who walked through the door. Kids especially loved him, and they'd run up to pet him and feed him bits of fresh veggies from the produce section.

"Good morning, Cooper!" a little girl named Lily exclaimed as she entered the store. She handed him a crisp carrot, which Cooper happily munched on.

"Thanks, Lily!" Cooper bleated back. He loved how the Co-op was a place where everyone knew each other and shared smiles and stories.

Exploring the Produce Section

Cooper's adventures often took him to the produce section, his favorite part of the store. The vibrant colors and fresh scents were a feast for his senses. He'd nibble on kale leaves, sniff at ripe tomatoes, and marvel at the array of organic fruits and vegetables.

One day, Cooper noticed a group of kids gathered around a table. It was a cooking class! The instructor, Jenny, was teaching them how to make a delicious salad using fresh, local ingredients.

"Can I help?" Cooper asked, his eyes twinkling with excitement.

"Of course, Cooper!" Jenny laughed. She handed him a bunch of basil, and Cooper proudly carried it to the kids, who giggled and pet him.

Cooper’s Green Thumb

Cooper wasn't just a mascot; he was also an avid gardener. Next to the Co-op was a small garden, where Scott grew flowers every summer. Cooper loved spending time there, helping Scott plant seeds and water the plants.

One sunny afternoon, Cooper noticed a small plant struggling to grow. It was a sunflower seedling, wilting in the heat. Cooper fetched a watering can and gently gave it a drink.

"Don't worry, little one," Cooper whispered. "You'll grow big and strong soon."

And sure enough, with Cooper's care, the sunflower flourished, producing the biggest, brightest flower the Co-op had ever seen.

Community Events

As the Co-op's mascot, Cooper was always the star of community events. Whether it was a summer fair, or an educational workshop, Cooper was there, spreading cheer and enthusiasm.

During a Co-op Harvest Festival, Cooper led a parade through town, followed by a trail of excited children and families. He even had his own little float, decorated with colorful flowers and banners promoting local, sustainable farming and shopping.

"Three cheers for Cooper!" the crowd chanted, and Cooper felt a swell of pride. He loved being part of such a vibrant, caring community.

Promoting Sustainability

Cooper's adventures also had a deeper purpose: promoting sustainability and environmental awareness. He'd often be seen around the store, showing customers how to use reusable bags, recycle properly, and choose eco-friendly products.

One day, Cooper hosted a workshop on composting. He demonstrated how to turn kitchen scraps into rich, fertile soil for the garden.

"Remember," Cooper told the attendees, "every small step counts. Together, we can make a big difference for our planet."

He tried really hard not to just eat the compost.

The Heart of the Co-op

Cooper's days were filled with joy, laughter, and meaningful moments. He wasn't just a mascot; he was a symbol of everything the Berkshire Food Co-op stood for: community, sustainability, and cooperation. Through his adventures, Cooper showed everyone that even the smallest actions could have a big impact.

As the sun set over the Berkshires and the Co-op closed for the day, Cooper trotted home, his heart full of happiness. He knew that tomorrow would bring new adventures and opportunities to spread the Co-op's message of love and care for one another and the earth.

And so, Cooper the goat lived happily, always ready for the next day's adventure, and always eager to make a difference in his beloved community.

Sizzling Summer Trends and the Spirit of Cooperation: A Perfect Match!

Hello, summer enthusiasts! As the sun shines brightly over the Berkshires, we're excited to bring you the latest trends sizzling in the Northeast this summer of 2024. Whether you're lounging by the lake, hiking our beautiful trails, or hosting backyard barbecues, we've got the scoop on what's hot and how it aligns with the heart of our cooperative community.

Trend Alert: Sustainable Picnic Perfection

This summer, sustainability is stealing the spotlight, especially when it comes to picnicking. Imagine this: a sun-soaked day, a cozy blanket spread out under a shady tree, and a delightful array of eco-friendly goodies. From reusable picnic ware to locally sourced snacks, sustainable picnics are all the rage. And guess what? Your Berkshire Food Co-op is at the forefront of this movement!

Our mission is to support a healthy, sustainable lifestyle for all our members. By offering a fantastic selection of organic, locally-sourced foods and environmentally friendly products, we're making it easier than ever for you to pack the perfect picnic basket. Picture this: freshly baked bread from a local bakery, farm-fresh fruits and veggies, artisanal cheeses, and perhaps a bottle of organic wine. Yum!

Cool and Conscious: Upcycled Fashion

Fashionistas, rejoice! Upcycled fashion is making waves this summer. Think unique, stylish clothing and accessories crafted from recycled materials. It's a fun and creative way to stay trendy while reducing waste and supporting sustainable practices. Plus, it's a fantastic way to express your individuality.

Here at the Co-op, we love supporting local artisans who are passionate about upcycled fashion. Check out our selection of eco-friendly, locally-made clothing and accessories that not only look fabulous but also tell a story. Each piece is a testament to creativity, sustainability, and the cooperative spirit of supporting our community.

Fresh and Flavorful: Plant-Based Delights

Plant-based diets are more than just a trend; they're a delicious and nutritious lifestyle choice that's here to stay. This summer, we're seeing a surge in innovative plant-based recipes that are perfect for those warm-weather gatherings. From hearty veggie burgers to refreshing salads and decadent dairy-free desserts, plant-based eating is all about celebrating the bounty of nature.

At the Co-op, we're committed to providing a wide variety of plant-based options that cater to all tastes and dietary needs. Our shelves are stocked with everything you need to whip up a plant-based feast that will wow your friends and family. Plus, by choosing plant-based, you're supporting a more sustainable food system and promoting the health of our planet.

The Co-op Connection: Community and Cooperation

While these trends are exciting and fun, what truly makes them special is how they connect to our core values at the Berkshire Food Co-op. Sustainability, supporting local artisans, and promoting healthy, plant-based diets are all integral parts of our mission. We're more than just a grocery store; we're a community hub where members come together to make positive changes for themselves and the environment.

By embracing these summer trends, you're not just keeping up with what's hot; you're actively participating in a movement that values cooperation, community, and a commitment to a better world. So, as you enjoy all the wonderful things this summer has to offer, remember that your choices reflect the values we all share.

Here's to a summer filled with sun, fun, and the cooperative spirit! Happy summer, everyone!

Picnic Perfect Spread

Local Love & the Attic's Top 5

ATTIC FINDS

Colorful Drinking Glasses

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT: Bring some fun glassware to your summer picnic  & beach day. These drinking glasses come in four beautiful colors and will add a touch of elegance to your table setting.

Stainless steel cocktail shaker 

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT: Mix up your favorite cocktail/mocktail in this beautiful stainless steel cocktail shaker. Made of beautiful brass, this shaker is not only useful in the kitchen but easy on the eyes.

Bolster pillow with assorted floral pattern 

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT: Add a touch of cottage core to your favorite chair, sofa, or loveseat. Made of 100% soft cotton, these pillows will add a touch of charm and comfort to your abode.

Dusen Dusen Everybody Grinder - Salt Grinder 

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT: People of the world Spice up your life! With this ridiculously cute salt grinder designed by Dusen Dusen. Add some spice to your weeknight dinners and some color to your kitchen table. Don’t forget you can filler-up in our bulk department! 

Woven Cotton Cloth Napkins w/contrasting stitch edge (set of 4)
WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT : These lovely sets of cotton napkins come in irresistible colors and feature a unique contrasting stitched edge. Perfect for those Tanglewood picnics! 

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LOCAL LOVE

Make sure to check out MORE of our LOCAL offerings in The Attic! 

Paintings by Local artist Cynthia Parson - New Marlborough, MA

Reeves Leather (Assorted Leather Goods) - Sheffield, MA

Lorimer Burns Ceramics - Housatonic, MA

Assorted Photo Greeting cards by Judy Seaman - Lenox, MA 

Refuse, Reuse, Recycle... H'mmm. UPCYCLE?

You’ve all seen the mantra Refuse, Reuse, Recycle. Buried in there is a growing adaptation of Recycle called Upcycle. 

Recycling takes old materials and breaks them down into new materials that can be used for other products. Upcycling takes old materials and transforms them into something new and better than what they were before. Both recycling and upcycling are important parts of going green and reducing your carbon footprint.

For example: Glass jars are one of the easiest items to upcycle. Clean them out, soak them in warm hot water to remove the label and you can use them pretty much anywhere in your house. Glass jars are great for storing dry goods in your pantry like rice, beans, pasta, and flour. 

(Don’t forget, when you reuse a container to purchase bulk or other unpackaged items here at the Co-op you get a 5% discount on the value of your purchase. And over time that adds up !)

And, have you ever thought about fabric? Toss out a dress, someone buys the toss, and creates a new item of clothing, such as a short skirt or shirt. Popular in the craft area.

More specifically, Upcycling, (also known as creative reuse), is the process of transforming by-products and waste materials into new materials or products perceived to be of greater value.  As far as food goes, billions of pounds of food are wasted every year around the world, but there are ways that people reuse food and find a way to upcycle. One common method is to feed it to animals because many animals, such as pigs, will eat all the scraps given. Approximately 30% of the food livestock consumes, in total, comes from food waste in the supply chain.

Another way is to just break it down and use it in compost, which will improve the soil. Many types of food waste, such as fruits, vegetables, egg shells, nuts, and nut shells, can be used in compost to enrich soil.

One of the newest concepts started five years ago when a team of experts from Harvard Law School, Drexel University, World Wildlife Fund, Natural Resources Defense Council, ReFED and others (Upcyclefood.org) defined “upcycled food”): Upcycled Food is about creating high quality nutritious food products out of nutrients that slip through the cracks in our food system. They use ingredients that otherwise would not have gone to human consumption, are procured and produced using verifiable supply chains, and have a positive impact on the environment. Upcycled foods indicate which ingredients are upcycled on their labels and display the Upcycled certification symbol.

So, can you find any upcycled food at the Co-op? Of course. A number of items are available throughout the store. Take, for example, Brewer’s Everything Flatbread Crackers (Somerville, MA) made with Upcycled Grains. The grains actually are barley and wheat left over from the beer brewing process and would otherwise have been thrown away. As the label says: “Brewers steep high quality (sprouted and roasted) grains in water to remove their natural sugars, leaving us with the flavorful and nutritious saved grain.” (Lamplighter Brewing Co., Cambridge, MA is one supplier.)

And then there’s Uglies Kettle Potato Chips (Sea Salt) that contains both upcycled and non-upcycled potatoes. (Check out the back of the package for further fun facts.) Or, Matriark Tomato Basil Sauce  which upcycles high-quality U.S. grown tomatoes and uses packaging that has 81% lower carbon footprint than cans or glass jars (ReFED Impact Calculator). Details on the side label.

So, while you’re shopping, take a moment to look for the Upcycle logo. Do your part to help reduce food waste.