Our ethical grocer of the week is MOM’s!!!
Affectionately known as MOM’s, MOM’s Organic Market is an organic grocery store founded on a mission to protect and restore the environment. Scott Nash started MOM’s at the age of 22 with an initial investment of $100 as a home delivery business out of his mom’s garage. Three decades later MOM’s has stores in four states and DC and employs 1,000+ people.
Anyone who visits MOM’s immediately feels the vibe of a culture centered on MOM’s mission. First, the refreshing smell of all that you love about nature hits you like a ton of bricks when you walk through the door. Then the colorful array of array of pristine fruits and vegetables somehow sparks a sense of social responsibility within you.
Yet, this doesn’t even begin to describe what has earned MOM’s a spot on the list of ethical grocers. MOM’s supports renewable energy projects by purchasing Wind Power Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) to offset 75% of the company’s electrical usage. The rest is generated through MOM’s solar projects. This is equivalent to offsetting the greenhouse gas emissions from:
- 2,127 passenger vehicles driven for one year
- 3,495 tons of waste sent to the landfill
- 1,200 homes’ electricity use for one year
- 10,952,938 pounds of coal burned
If that’s not impressive enough, in 2005, MOM’s eliminated plastic bags. They use compostable bags in their produce section and paper bags at checkout. They also give a $.10 bag credit to customers who use reusable bags. MOM’s also banned bottled still water replacing it with water machines and reusable water containers. They offer bulk options to reduce plastic waste and also hosts free Level II car charging stations at every location.
MOM’s is efficient down to their building construction. Each store has polished concrete flooring. They use zero-VOC paints and sustainable building materials. All refrigerant systems meet GreenChill Gold certification standards. Most recently, they began using insulation made from denim scraps and clippings to divert waste from landfills.
MOM’s has Ingredient Standards which is comprised of a list of over 100 banned ingredients. Preference is given to organic items and they take into consideration sustainable farming and fair labor practices.
Finally, MOM’s has a recycle center where they accept cell phones, batteries, compost, glasses and shoes on a daily basis. They also have annual drives where they accept denim and holiday lights.
MOM’s is the answer to why it is important to support ethical grocers. It directly supports progressive companies. Most importantly, MOM’s empowers consumers. It is an ethical grocer that gives you a say in how the products you buy are made and how the company that makes them conducts its business. It’s time to prioritize planet over prices and MOM’s is a good place to start. Put your dollars where your heart health is and if you are in the vicinity of a MOM’s stop by.
If you live in the vicinity of our ethical grocer of the week, MOM’s have you been there? How was your shopping experience?
