Our ethical grocer of the week is the Co-Operative Group. Founded in 1844, the Co-Operative Group is just as it’s name suggests. It’s a business owned by its members and other co-ops. This means that as owners, members receive money, rewards and offers.
The Co-Operative Group makes our list of ethical grocers primarily as a result of their exceptional labor standards. The Co-operative Group is committed to supporting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Specifically, they champion the best labor standards in their supply chains. By acting responsibly towards the workers who make their products the Co-Operative Group strenuously applies their ‘Sound Sourcing Code of Conduct.’ Thus, they are constantly finding ways to further improve conditions across their supply base. Also, in line with this, The Co-Operative Group is an active member of the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) and other key stakeholder groups.
While The Co-Operative Group performs exceptionally well in the area of human rights they also shine in other areas. Recently, they smashed their 2020 target to reduce direct greenhouse gas emissions from operations by 50%, 3 years ahead of time. They are also now positioned to meet another 2020 target to make 80% of packaging ‘easy to recycle.’
Additionally, they have gotten a best rating for their toxic policy in their own brand cosmetics and household products. Specifically, they have removed the use of triclosan, parabens and phthalates in these products. Also, the Co-op hasn’t used animal testing on own brand toiletries or household products since the 90’s. These products have been certified by the Leaping Bunny.
While the Co-Operative Group still has a ways to go, they are well on their way to becoming an exceptional ethical grocer. They are a unique business model with the potential to be an outstanding force in making the world safer, happier and sustainable.
Have you been to our ethical grocer of the week, the Co-Operative Group? How do you like it?
