The Joy's of Co-Operatives

A cooperative is an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly-owned and democratically controlled enterprise.

Co-op's those funny looking grocery stores that sometimes consist of strangely/uniquely dressed patrons/members, a plethora of choices in produce, bulk amounts of everyday (and not so everyday) items allowing you to buy only what you need, and a mix of unique sounding brands for seemingly other-worldly foods.  Co-ops place a high priority on environmentally friendly practice and products with connections direct with local farmers in most cases.  While you might not find a 100% selection of organic food items, be sure if your co-op has a mission that benefits their patrons all your fresh items will be labeled as local, organic, conventional, or fair trade.

My own local co-ops (as I think most do) consist of a locally appointed board made up of active members within the community and within the co-op sub-community.  Membership gives access similar to being a co-owner or like that of buying stock within the company and can be more rewarding than just the wonderfully fresh produce with dividends returned on a yearly basis based off your own commitment/patronage to the co-op community; though not all co-ops have this type of membership.

Cooperatives are not new.  Historical records will suggest that the first co-op was formed in Scotland in 1761 and became popular with the Co-operative movement in 1844 which inspired the formation of financial co-operatives such as credit unions.  While co-ops do not require a membership to shop there are additional advantages to joining than the possibility of a monetary kick back and exceptionally good food, co-ops as part of their mission offer community based classes in a variety of subjects.

Classes range from inner personal work like meditation to cooking classes, but also farm tours, health and nutrition, along with quarterly news letters that contain interesting and educational articles, and a connection to your community and your local food source that is lost in the big box/chain grocery stores.

Find a co-op near you with either of these great pages:

• http://ica.coop/en
• http://www.sustainablefoodtrade.org/

Beach Ready?

Yes I know it's June already and for most of the country it is already Beach Weather, but not here.  This Northern Midwest spring has been crazy with temperatures that are better fit for April and endless days of rain with maybe (if we're lucky) one day of sunshine and warmth as a hopeful reprieve.  For me and those who live in my area there is still time to become beach ready.

Typically, when people think of getting beach ready they spend hours and weeks in the gym, go through crash diets, and other crazy stuff in the hopes of being able to wear that swimsuit without looking like a beached whale on the beach.  Well, there are better ways about doing this.  The best way is to make a beach ready life style a year round thing instead of a crash course a month or two before the weather turns hot.

In my other blog I challenge myself monthly which has helped me not only keep my interest up in living a healthy beach ready lifestyle, but the change up does not allow for boredom that can sometimes come from doing the same thing over and over for weeks or months at a time.  While I have been gearing up for a 5K over the last few months I have fallen into one of those boring rhythms; what better then to write about choosing healthy lifestyles to shake things up for myself.

Time to shake the dust off that pile of workout videos (wish they were actually dvd's instead of vhs), dig out that tennis racket, and find those state park maps.  What better way to get psyched about summer then to actually get outside for fresh air and some vitamin D rich sunshine (if it ever stops raining that is).  With the change of season from spring to summer now is the best time to visit Farmer's Markets for fresh wholesome produce -preferably grown locally and organically.  Ditch the boxed, canned, and/or frozen meals that tend to become the norm of winter food supply and allow your taste-buds a refreshing change.

While I have no way of knowing if the weather will ever allow for beach fun, here's hoping that I can at least enjoy the great outdoors in health.

If you would like to view my other blog and check out my monthly challenges you will find it here: http://30dayssomethingnew.blogspot.com/