Go Co-op. Go Green. Check out what Valley Natural Foods is doing for Earth Day, April 22 Don’t miss these awesome freebies!

Eco Tip # 1: Did you know Valley Natural Foods has a large compost program? In addition to separating the usual compostable waste items like fruits, veggies, coffee grounds and certain paper products, Valley Natural Foods also includes meat scraps! We’re connected to the SMSC Organics Recycling Facility located in Shakopee, a facility that processes compostable items in a temperature range of 140-160 degrees Fahrenheit for weeks at a time—hot enough and long enough to handle those meat scraps! (And all this composting does not include the 4 cubic yards of stretchy plastic packaging material we also collect and send off to another recycling company—we’re pretty proud of that too!) Overall, our co-op recycles nearly 90% of our solid waste. If you’re interested in purchasing great compost for your yard or garden, click the SMSC link above for more information.

Eco Tip # 2: So lets talk about the metal scraps. We know of a good company if you’re looking to get rid of any metal material around your home or business. Rocko’s Metal Recycling will remove, haul and recycle auto parts, bikes and bike parts, air conditioners, furnaces, house radiators, metal fencing, metal patio furniture, washers and dryers, stoves and microwaves, metal siding, computer parts (no monitors), piping, wiring, lawn and snow blowers. They’ll even PAY you for your old junk vehicles! To contact Rocko’s, call Kathie (612-521-2368) or Steve (612-462-3887) or email them at ihaulscrap21@yahoo.com.

Earth Day is honored everyday when we compost or recycle regularly!

Join us for Earth Day here at the co-op!

The first 100 customers through our door on Earth Day– Sunday, April 22–will receive a FREE reusable tote bag (1 per customer). And, if you bring your own mug to the deli, we’ll give you a FREE cup of Fair Trade coffee (1 per customer).

During Earth Week, Sunday April 22 through April 28, reusable tote bags will be on sale for $.99 each. Double green stamps will be issued for using your reusable tote bag. Collect or donate your green stamps (value: $.05 per stamp).

At the co-op, every day is earth day. We call it: sustainability. It’s part of our business practices, our buying standards and our commitment to local food production. When’s the last time you shopped at a grocery store that had a community garden? Go Co-op. Go Green.

Although Earth Day is celebrated annually—this year, it’s on April 22, 2011—many folks consider the entire month of April to be ”Earth Month.” So how about beginning Earth Month by entering to win a year supply of Seventh Generation Cleaning Products?

There will be a drawing for two lucky winners on Earth Day (A generous supply of Seventh Generation coupons for free products will be awarded as prizes). Look for the Yay Earth Day! drawing box here at Valley Natural Foods to fill out an entry form—you can find it near our demo kiosk. Drawing will take place on Earth Day, April 22.

Want to win something even bigger? You can enter to win a $10,000 Green Home Makeover from Seventh Generation by visiting their website at www.seventhgeneration.com/EarthDay and entering their “Green Your Town Sweepstakes!