Green Practices
Part of Ellwood Thompson’s mission is to actively support and sustain our environmental resources. Stocking local, organic and sustainable products is eco-friendly. Below are examples of some of our other green initiatives.
Five Ways to Support Sustainable Agriculture
From buying organic to getting your hands in the dirt, here are five ways to support the economy and the environment via sustainable agriculture.
1. Regularly visit a local Farmers Market or Ellwood Thompson’s Garden Department for fresh local produce.
Farmers Markets are scattered throughout central Virginia. These markets are a wonderful way to find produce that has been freshly picked at the peak of ripeness and flavor and to keep your food dollars circulating within your local economy.
2. Seek out your local farmers.
Many growers are happy to have customers come right to their farms. Ask around to discover who might be farming or host a CSA nearby. Encourage your local farmers to use sustainable or organic practices and let them know that it is important to you.
3. Grow some of your own food.
Catch the bug! Gardening can be a fun family activity, a way to work off stress or just a great way to keep your kitchen stocked with delicious, nutritious food.
4. Buy “Certified Organic” when you can.
Organic produce is grown in healthy living soils by farmers who care about the ecological well being of the land upon which they live and grow. Organic farming respects nature and produces a healthier, tastier crop. Try it and see!
5. Cook more often.
When you cook with local, organic ingredients, you support the local economy and improve the health of your family and the world around us all.
No Factory Farming
Ellwood Thompson’s does not support cruelty to animals in any form, nor will we support the environmental and health threats factory farming causes.
ET’s Phased out Plastic Bags
Ellwood Thompson’s 2008 resolutions included moving completely away from plastic grocery bags. Read more about this very important step for you and ET’s.
Energy by Wind Power
Ellwood Thompson’s uses American Wind for 100% of the energy needs at their Richmond, VA location. The purchase will promote the further development of renewable energy resources, decrease harmful pollutants and lessen our dependence on fossil fuels. Learn more about wind power.
And Throughout the Store
Containers currently used for cold prepared foods: NaturesPLAstic™ is made from a biologically based polymer called NatureWorks™. Naturally derived from corn or other plants, NatureWorks PLA uses up to 50% fewer fossil resources than conventional plastic and composts back to the carbon cycle keeping a balance in nature.
New signs featuring local farmers, bakers, tofu makers, etc.: These signs are made of a sustainable plywood that is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.
Our new signs also feature earth-friendly, water-based inks and sealants. One sign, which was also made with a sustainable wood product and finished with low VOC stain, was fabricated with metal corner brackets. These brackets were reclaimed remnants and didn’t end up in a landfill.
Wooden bins in produce department: Bins located inside and outside the store are made with sustainable wood.
Specialty lighting in the store: Our lighting is the most efficient available, metal halide; other lighting throughout is compact fluorescent bulbs.
Bagasse bags and containers for produce and meat as well as soup and coffee containers. Bagasse is paper pulp made from sugarcane fiber, after the sugar production process. This product is biodegradable/compostable and sustainable as it keeps sugar production waste out of landfills.
Spudware is biodegradable cutlery made from 80% starch (potato or corn) and 20% soy or other vegetable oil and is able to withstand high temperatures.