Working to Make Our Community Cleaner and Greener

Our Partners in Sustainability & Waste Reduction

Central Oregon Locavore has collaborated with the Environmental Center
on two impactful projects funded by their
ReThink Waste Project’s Community Innovation Fund

Container
Reuse Program

2021

In 2021, Central Oregon Locavore successfully launched a Container Reuse Program, funded by the Environmental Centers Community Innovation Fund. This initiative encourages our customers to reuse glass jars and plastic containers for bulk purchases, allowing them to return these containers to Locavore for sanitization and reuse. As a result, we have eliminated single-use plastic tubs, diverting approximately 600 plastic containers from landfills each year.

To enhance this program, we utilized funds from the Rethink Waste Community Grant to purchase and install a dishwasher. This valuable addition allows us to:

  • Sell Bulk Items: We can now offer a variety of bulk products, including food, herbs, and cleaning supplies, reducing packaging waste.
  • Sanitize Containers: Our dishwasher enables us to efficiently sanitize jars for our Jar Reuse Program, where customers can borrow sanitized jars for a $1 deposit. This not only supports sustainability but also lowers packaging costs for both producers and customers.

Through these efforts, we are committed to reducing waste and promoting a circular economy in our community.

Agricultural Packaging
Repurposing Program

2023

At Central Oregon Locavore, our Ag Shed plays a vital role in reducing waste and promoting sustainability through packaging repurposing. This outdoor storage shed is dedicated to storing reusable packaging that local farmers can use, diverting materials from landfills and saving them significant costs.

Packaging Repurposing Initiatives:

  • Egg Cartons: Our egg farmers benefit from a circular system where they can reuse egg cartons brought in by customers, allowing them to transport their eggs to Locavore without additional packaging costs.
  • Waxed Produce Boxes: We store waxed produce boxes in the Ag Shed, enabling local farmers to reuse them for delivering their fresh produce to our marketplace.
  • Paper Pints: Customers are encouraged to return paper pints, which we collect in the Ag Shed for local farmers to repurpose in their operations.

To enhance participation and convenience, the Ag Shed offers 24-hour access to all farmers, ranchers, and vendors, allowing them to retrieve the packaging they need at their convenience. This initiative not only supports our local agricultural community but also fosters a culture of sustainability and waste reduction.