Natural Gas: Renewable Natural Gas through the Energy Co-op.
Reuse of Heat: We capture the discharged heat from the refrigeration systems in our Chestnut Hill and Ambler stores in order to conserve energy while heating the store and our hot water.
Our stores utilize all LED lighting, including our refrigerated display cases.
We have two free EV charging stations for electric cars at our Ambler store.
The Weavers Way Environment Committee and staff are working towards the placement of solar panels on the Ambler store.
We will also be working to make our future stores sustainable in every way possible.
Commitment to Plastic Reduction
Since 1973, the Co-op has never provided plastic bags at checkout.
Shoppers are invited to use and traditionally rely on boxes recycled from product shipments.
All produce bags are compostable.
Substitution of biodegradable paper for plastic packaging when possible.
To combat the overuse of plastics, the Plastics Reduction Task Force was formed; this committee is charged with identifying additional ways to reduce our reliance on plastics.
To combat the overuse of plastics, the Plastics Reduction Task Force (PRTF) was formed in 2017 as a subcommittee of the Environment Committee (WWEC). This committee advocates for ways to minimize the Co-op’s dependence on plastic in accordance with its mission. They host a plastic reduction public forum annually to engage members.
A Focus on Local and Sustainable Products
We have a farm and greenhouse at Awbury Arboretum and a farm at Saul High School; we source from our own no-till farms in Philadelphia — virtually zero travel miles to get fresh produce to our stores!
Half of our “costs of goods” go to local vendors: Our vendors represent a diverse group of farmers and producers, creating biodiversity in our landscape as well as on our store shelves.
We rely on farmers that use sustainable farming practices, whether Integrated Pest Management, no-till, or organic-certified.
We participate in the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch Program. Our participation means that all of our fish and seafood is chosen with their environmentally friendly seafood practices as a guide.
Extensive Bulk Shopping Opportunities
Our bulk program allows for customers to shop with reusable containers.
Bulk shopping is available for a variety of products, including: traditional items such as grains, flours, and coffees; cooking liquids, sweeteners, nut butters, and vinegars; health and beauty items; household cleaning options; and more! Find out how to shop bulk here.
Reduces the use of plastic and other packaging.
Zero-waste product offerings are continuously being added.
The Plastic Reduction Task Force organizes and maintains a Jar library in all three stores so that shoppers may borrow a jar to replace plastic containers. A bag library is available in the Ambler store.
Additional Environmental Efforts
Reuse of building materials and we use sustainable design and building materials in our store renovations.
Bike racks
We compost vegetable food waste at our Saul Farm and recycle cooking oil from our own kitchen operations only.
We donate perfectly good but unsellable food to Germantown Pickup. This cuts down food waste, a significant greenhouse gas source, and distributes food that might otherwise be tossed to those who can use it.
Container Refund Program
As part of our effort to reduce waste and single use plastics, the Co-op offers select products in returnable containers in various departments, including prep foods and bulk. These containers can be returned to the Co-op for reuse. A deposit is required upon purchase and refunded in full when returned to the Co-op. The Co-op then professionally sanitizes the container and puts it back into circulation for reuse.
The Co-op has already diverted approximately 13,000 plastic containers from the waste stream, and look forward to expanding the program. For more information about the Container Refund Program, or other Plastic Reduction efforts at the Co-op, email prtf@weaversway.coop. Or learn more about their Committee here.
Electronics Recycling Events
The Weavers Way Environment Committee sponsors regular electronics recycling events. They partner with PAR-Recycle Works, a non-profit organization located in Germantown that offers environmentally responsible e-waste recycling services and employs formerly incarcerated individuals. The funds raised through donations at these events support the Environment Committee’s grants program. These annual events occur in the spring.
The next e-waste recycling event is Saturday April 5, 2025, at Chestnut Hill College. Click here for details.
The Weavers Way Environment Committee Community Grants Program
The 2025 Grant Cycle is Closed. Check back in Spring 2026.
Between 1995 and 2021, the Weavers Way Environment Committee awarded more than $136,000 in small grants mainly for community gardens and environmental education projects. Those initiatives that address sustainability and climate change are favored. Funds for the program are raised through donations made at recycling events and at some Giving Tuesdays. Community groups from Philadelphia and nearby suburbs are invited to apply, with preference given to those close to WW stores and in underserved neighborhoods. Applications should be for identifiable public purposes resulting in tangible improvements for the neighborhood. Grant amounts currently range from $100 to $500, depending upon available funds and number of qualified applicants. There is one grant cycle per year with an application deadline in early March.
Get Involved
The Environment Committee (WWEC) and the Plastic Reduction Task Force (PRTF) both welcome new members. Weavers Way is owned by its members, which creates an optimal opportunity for community engagement. Committee members fulfill cooperator hour requirements by active participation. The Environment Committee generally meets the second Wednesday of each month at 7 pm. The Plastic Reduction Task Force generally meets the second Thursday of the month at 7 pm. Check for locations online. Come and attend a meeting so you’ll know if you’d like to join.
How to find sustainability jobs in the Member Center
Once logged in, locate the tab that says "My Shifts" in the dashboard.
Click "Search for Shifts."
Click the button near the top labeled "Find a Specific Job."
In the list that appears, check the "Sustainability - Terracycle - Sort and Ship Recyclables" label and select a time frame for your search. Click "Submit."
You will see a list of Sustainability shifts that are available. Select any specific jobs you would like to sign up for.
Weavers Way is looking for an experienced Cook to work in our Prepared Foods department in our Ambler store. This position is full time and requires the ability to work evening and weekend hours. We pride ourselves on offering a wide array of quality items for our shoppers, and Prepared Foods is no exception. We make all our prepared foods offerings from scratch, so the ideal candidate will have knowledge of fresh ingredients and a passion for making wholesome, delicious food.
The right candidate will have the following skills/requirements:
At least one year experience working in a mass-production/high-volume kitchen or high-end restaurant experience.
Must be available nights and weekends.
Excellent knife skills.
Extensive knowledge of cooking a wide array of recipes, including familiarity with vegan, vegetarian, and global cuisine.
The ability to work independently and have a discerning palate is a must.
We are looking to groom our employees for management positions, so management experience is helpful, but not required.
ServSafe certification a plus.
If you love food (eating it, cooking it, talking about it) then this could be the right fit for you. The position is mostly closing shifts, but the schedule is to be determined.
We are looking to fill the position ASAP. Interested applicants are highly encouraged to learn more about us at www.weaversway.coop prior to applying.
Founded in 1973, Weavers Way is a community-owned natural grocer with stores in Mt. Airy, Chestnut Hill, and Ambler, PA. In addition to our stores, we run a market farm in the Awbury Arboretum, a CSA farm partnership with Saul High School, our own community newspaper, and a non-profit that emphasizes food and nutrition education. We operate based on a triple bottom line philosophy that considers our community and environment in all of our decisions. We have an excellent benefits package including medical and dental insurance, paid vacation and sick time, retirement plan, and employee discount.
Weavers Way is looking for an experienced Cook to work in our Prepared Foods department in our Ambler store. This position is full time and requires the ability to work evening and weekend hours. We pride ourselves on offering a wide array of quality items for our shoppers, and Prepared Foods is no exception. We make all our prepared foods offerings from scratch, so the ideal candidate will have knowledge of fresh ingredients and a passion for making wholesome, delicious food.
The right candidate will have the following skills/requirements:
At least one year experience working in a mass-production/high-volume kitchen or high-end restaurant experience.
Must be available nights and weekends.
Excellent knife skills.
Extensive knowledge of cooking a wide array of recipes, including familiarity with vegan, vegetarian, and global cuisine.
The ability to work independently and have a discerning palate is a must.
We are looking to groom our employees for management positions, so management experience is helpful, but not required.
ServSafe certification a plus.
If you love food (eating it, cooking it, talking about it) then this could be the right fit for you. The position is mostly closing shifts, but the schedule is to be determined.
We are looking to fill the position ASAP. Interested applicants are highly encouraged to learn more about us at www.weaversway.coop prior to applying.
Founded in 1973, Weavers Way is a community-owned natural grocer with stores in Mt. Airy, Chestnut Hill, and Ambler, PA. In addition to our stores, we run a market farm in the Awbury Arboretum, a CSA farm partnership with Saul High School, our own community newspaper, and a non-profit that emphasizes food and nutrition education. We operate based on a triple bottom line philosophy that considers our community and environment in all of our decisions. We have an excellent benefits package including medical and dental insurance, paid vacation and sick time, retirement plan, and employee discount.
Weavers Way is looking for an experienced Cook to work in our Prepared Foods department in our Ambler store. This position is full time and requires the ability to work evening and weekend hours. We pride ourselves on offering a wide array of quality items for our shoppers, and Prepared Foods is no exception. We make all our prepared foods offerings from scratch, so the ideal candidate will have knowledge of fresh ingredients and a passion for making wholesome, delicious food.
The right candidate will have the following skills/requirements:
At least one year experience working in a mass-production/high-volume kitchen or high-end restaurant experience.
Must be available nights and weekends.
Excellent knife skills.
Extensive knowledge of cooking a wide array of recipes, including familiarity with vegan, vegetarian, and global cuisine.
The ability to work independently and have a discerning palate is a must.
We are looking to groom our employees for management positions, so management experience is helpful, but not required.
ServSafe certification a plus.
If you love food (eating it, cooking it, talking about it) then this could be the right fit for you. The position is mostly closing shifts, but the schedule is to be determined.
We are looking to fill the position ASAP. Interested applicants are highly encouraged to learn more about us at www.weaversway.coop prior to applying.
Founded in 1973, Weavers Way is a community-owned natural grocer with stores in Mt. Airy, Chestnut Hill, and Ambler, PA. In addition to our stores, we run a market farm in the Awbury Arboretum, a CSA farm partnership with Saul High School, our own community newspaper, and a non-profit that emphasizes food and nutrition education. We operate based on a triple bottom line philosophy that considers our community and environment in all of our decisions. We have an excellent benefits package including medical and dental insurance, paid vacation and sick time, retirement plan, and employee discount.
