PHILADELPHIA, PA, May 21, 2015 — Weavers Way Co-op is urging City Council to support a proposed law to require retailers in Philadelphia to charge 5 cents for single-use bags.
Citing the “Ends,” or tenets, Weavers Way leaders noted in a May 20 letter that protecting and restoring the local environment is one of the guiding principles of the 40-year-old cooperatively run grocery operation.
“Millions of single-use bags, especially plastic ‘T-shirt’ bags, end up as litter. They clutter gutters, clog waterways and threaten wildlife. They also snarl trash and recycling machinery. . . . They degrade our shared urban landscape without providing significant value,” the letter said, in part. “Charging 5 cents for each bag will help consumers consider the true cost of using these ubiquitous throwaways, and encourage them to skip unneeded bags and adopt sustainable, non-disposable alternatives.” (Read the full letter here.)
Weavers Way joined environmental organizations such as Clean Water Action, the Clean Air Council and the Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership in praising the measure, introduced April 23 by First District Councilman Mark Squilla. The bill targets both paper and plastic and would require merchants to charge 5 cents for single-use bags. Two cents would go to the city, and the merchant would keep the remaining 3 cents to offset costs for signage and compliance reporting. The bill includes exceptions for certain types of merchandise and allows merchants to opt out if they don’t supply bags at all. (Read the bill here.)
According to the Wall Street Journal, U.S. retailers go through 100 billion plastic shopping bags annually, at an estimated cost of $4 billion. The “T-shirt” bag, handed out virtually everywhere, from corner stores to Toys R Us, for everything from a pack of cigarettes to a 20-pack of diapers, often end up in the trash — and that’s the upgrade, with discarded bags decorating trees, choking sewers and entangling wildlife.
As reported in the May Weavers Way Shuttle, the Philadelphia Streets Department already requests that plastic bags be kept out of recycling because of the problems they cause at the processing facility. “It’s common practice for the materials recovery facilities to use an hour during each shift to unwrap plastic bags off of equipment,” said Philadelphia Recycling Director Phil Bresee.
Anecdotally, consumers are said to repurpose plastic grocery bags for their own trash, and charging for them might be a hardship for some. “But consumers are already paying the cost of the bags as retailers pass on the costs of doing business via pricing,” said Weavers Way Purchasing Manager Norman Weiss. “It’s actually very easy to switch to reusable bags. They aren’t heavy, they aren’t expensive, they’re easily collapsible and can be re-used hundreds or even thousands of times.”
Weavers Way has never offered free grocery bags, although paper shopping bags are available for purchase at 15 cents each. The Co-op started charging 2 cents for all plastic produce bags in the 1990s. (Cellulose or paper bags for bulk food items are free, as are the discarded boxes kept on hand for shoppers to use.) Weiss noted that nevertheless, in 2013-14, Weavers Way shoppers used about 39,900 large paper bags and about 228,000 plastic produce bags, with 34 percent of shopping trips consuming a plastic bag.
About Weavers Way: Founded as a buying club in 1973, “the Co-op” now has grocery stores in Mt. Airy and Chestnut Hill, two health and wellness specialty shops and a pet supply store. Owned by its 5,400 member households, “the Co-op” emphasizes products that are healthy, sustainable and local, and supports fair prices, fair trade and fair treatment of workers. At Weavers Way, anyone can join and everyone can shop. For more information, visit www.weaversway.coop.
PHILADELPHIA, PA, May 21, 2015 — Weavers Way Co-op is urging City Council to support a proposed law to require retailers in Philadelphia to charge 5 cents for single-use bags.
Citing the “Ends,” or tenets, Weavers Way leaders noted in a May 20 letter that protecting and restoring the local environment is one of the guiding principles of the 40-year-old cooperatively run grocery operation.
“Millions of single-use bags, especially plastic ‘T-shirt’ bags, end up as litter. They clutter gutters, clog waterways and threaten wildlife. They also snarl trash and recycling machinery. . . . They degrade our shared urban landscape without providing significant value,” the letter said, in part. “Charging 5 cents for each bag will help consumers consider the true cost of using these ubiquitous throwaways, and encourage them to skip unneeded bags and adopt sustainable, non-disposable alternatives.” (Read the full letter here.)
Weavers Way joined environmental organizations such as Clean Water Action, the Clean Air Council and the Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership in praising the measure, introduced April 23 by First District Councilman Mark Squilla. The bill targets both paper and plastic and would require merchants to charge 5 cents for single-use bags. Two cents would go to the city, and the merchant would keep the remaining 3 cents to offset costs for signage and compliance reporting. The bill includes exceptions for certain types of merchandise and allows merchants to opt out if they don’t supply bags at all. (Read the bill here.)
According to the Wall Street Journal, U.S. retailers go through 100 billion plastic shopping bags annually, at an estimated cost of $4 billion. The “T-shirt” bag, handed out virtually everywhere, from corner stores to Toys R Us, for everything from a pack of cigarettes to a 20-pack of diapers, often end up in the trash — and that’s the upgrade, with discarded bags decorating trees, choking sewers and entangling wildlife.
As reported in the May Weavers Way Shuttle, the Philadelphia Streets Department already requests that plastic bags be kept out of recycling because of the problems they cause at the processing facility. “It’s common practice for the materials recovery facilities to use an hour during each shift to unwrap plastic bags off of equipment,” said Philadelphia Recycling Director Phil Bresee.
Anecdotally, consumers are said to repurpose plastic grocery bags for their own trash, and charging for them might be a hardship for some. “But consumers are already paying the cost of the bags as retailers pass on the costs of doing business via pricing,” said Weavers Way Purchasing Manager Norman Weiss. “It’s actually very easy to switch to reusable bags. They aren’t heavy, they aren’t expensive, they’re easily collapsible and can be re-used hundreds or even thousands of times.”
Weavers Way has never offered free grocery bags, although paper shopping bags are available for purchase at 15 cents each. The Co-op started charging 2 cents for all plastic produce bags in the 1990s. (Cellulose or paper bags for bulk food items are free, as are the discarded boxes kept on hand for shoppers to use.) Weiss noted that nevertheless, in 2013-14, Weavers Way shoppers used about 39,900 large paper bags and about 228,000 plastic produce bags, with 34 percent of shopping trips consuming a plastic bag.
About Weavers Way: Founded as a buying club in 1973, “the Co-op” now has grocery stores in Mt. Airy and Chestnut Hill, two health and wellness specialty shops and a pet supply store. Owned by its 5,400 member households, “the Co-op” emphasizes products that are healthy, sustainable and local, and supports fair prices, fair trade and fair treatment of workers. At Weavers Way, anyone can join and everyone can shop. For more information, visit www.weaversway.coop.
PHILADELPHIA, PA, (May 21, 2015) — The Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education and Weavers Way Co-op announce “Food for Thought: Connecting with the Land of Philadelphia,” a unique event that explores the intersection between environmental issues and food justice on Thursday, May 28, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Participants are invited to spend the evening at the forest pavilion of the Schuylkill Center, taste an array of local cheeses, beer and wine, and enjoy a panel discussion focused on the power of highly innovative regional food systems to transform Philadelphia’s urban landscape.
The evening’s panelists share a common vision of Philadelphia as a place that’s not only beautiful, but that serves citizens in ways that promote health, education, civic engagement and environmental responsibility, recalling William Penn’s initial conception of a city set harmoniously within an expansive park.
From urban farms and community gardens to city-wide parks, creative and inspiring initiatives are empowering residents from all walks of life to grow food, strengthen community bonds and demonstrate new potential for positive change.
We'll learn how partnering with youth to use Philadelphia's urban areas to grow gardens also grows strong young people, and how two women have helped the city begin cutting-edge projects to re-imagine forgotten spaces throughout the city — and how others can get involved in taking back the lost corners of their own neighborhoods.
The Schuylkill Center is located in the wilds of Philadelphia's Roxborough neighborhood at 8480 Hagys Mill Road (map).
Tickets are $15 per person for the general public and $10 for members of SCEE and Weavers Way. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit Schuylkillcenter.org or call 215-482-7300, ext. 110.
About Weavers Way: Founded as a buying club in 1973, “the Co-op” now has grocery stores in Mt. Airy and Chestnut Hill, two health and wellness specialty shops and a pet supply store. Owned by its 5,400 member households, “the Co-op” emphasizes products that are healthy, sustainable and local, and supports fair prices, fair trade and fair treatment of workers. At Weavers Way, anyone can join and everyone can shop. For more information, visit www.weaversway.coop.
About the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education: Founded in 1965, SCEE was one of the first urban environmental education centers in the country. As the founding families intended when they donated farmland and woods at Philadelphia's northwestern edge half a century ago, the Center has evolved into an "island of green" for the discovery, exploration and study of nature. For more information, visit www.schuylkillcenter.org.
PHILADELPHIA, PA, (May 21, 2015) — The Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education and Weavers Way Co-op announce “Food for Thought: Connecting with the Land of Philadelphia,” a unique event that explores the intersection between environmental issues and food justice on Thursday, May 28, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Participants are invited to spend the evening at the forest pavilion of the Schuylkill Center, taste an array of local cheeses, beer and wine, and enjoy a panel discussion focused on the power of highly innovative regional food systems to transform Philadelphia’s urban landscape.
The evening’s panelists share a common vision of Philadelphia as a place that’s not only beautiful, but that serves citizens in ways that promote health, education, civic engagement and environmental responsibility, recalling William Penn’s initial conception of a city set harmoniously within an expansive park.
From urban farms and community gardens to city-wide parks, creative and inspiring initiatives are empowering residents from all walks of life to grow food, strengthen community bonds and demonstrate new potential for positive change.
We'll learn how partnering with youth to use Philadelphia's urban areas to grow gardens also grows strong young people, and how two women have helped the city begin cutting-edge projects to re-imagine forgotten spaces throughout the city — and how others can get involved in taking back the lost corners of their own neighborhoods.
The Schuylkill Center is located in the wilds of Philadelphia's Roxborough neighborhood at 8480 Hagys Mill Road (map).
Tickets are $15 per person for the general public and $10 for members of SCEE and Weavers Way. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit Schuylkillcenter.org or call 215-482-7300, ext. 110.
About Weavers Way: Founded as a buying club in 1973, “the Co-op” now has grocery stores in Mt. Airy and Chestnut Hill, two health and wellness specialty shops and a pet supply store. Owned by its 5,400 member households, “the Co-op” emphasizes products that are healthy, sustainable and local, and supports fair prices, fair trade and fair treatment of workers. At Weavers Way, anyone can join and everyone can shop. For more information, visit www.weaversway.coop.
About the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education: Founded in 1965, SCEE was one of the first urban environmental education centers in the country. As the founding families intended when they donated farmland and woods at Philadelphia's northwestern edge half a century ago, the Center has evolved into an "island of green" for the discovery, exploration and study of nature. For more information, visit www.schuylkillcenter.org.
PHILADELPHIA, PA, April 28, 2015 — The Henry Got Crops farmstand — featuring Weavers Way’s own fresh-grown produce along with a selection of the best locally sourced products — reopens Friday, May 8, with a very special volunteer day featuring games, grilling and vendors providing samples. The public is welcome to come to the farmstand at 7095 Henry Ave., at W.B. Saul High School in Roxborough, to try some delicious food and even volunteer to do a little farmwork to kick off the 2015 farming season.
Starting at 11 a.m., farmers will lead volunteers in the first farm work day of the year. Then, from 3 to 6 p.m., local vendors will offer samples, and there will be games and activities for children. Weavers Way’s chefs will be serving up sandwiches and grilling sausages from our friends at Stryker Farm.
The farmstand features produce grown at the Weavers Way farms at Saul and at Awbury Arboretum in Germantown, along with locally sourced essentials — eggs, meat, dairy products, bread and fruit — and seasonal and specialty items including locally roasted coffee, artisan ice cream and apple cider. We focus on the best of our local producers when selecting items to sell at the Henry Got Crops farmstand!
Regular hours, through October, are Tuesdays 2-7 p.m. and Fridays 2-6 p.m.
These local vendors will be on hand for opening day:
Pete Merzbacher, Philly Bread: Freshest artisan bread made from flour milled in-house in Olney.
Amy Zitelman, Soom Foods Tahini & Dips: Incredible tahini spreads and tahini based dips from a Philadelphia-based, woman-owned company.
David, Jubilee Hill Tulsi Tea: Refreshing, locally grown herbal tea blends from Pottstown, PA
Heidi Barr, Kitchen Garden Series: Tea towels and napkins made from recycled materials, with a share of profits donated to the farms.
Andy Satinsky, Weckerly’s Ice Cream: Delectable ice cream manufactured in North Philadelphia with milk, eggs and flavorings from local, sustainable producers.
Monthly Saturday volunteer work days continue through October at both farms, and Weavers Way Farms staff host movie nights and other children’s activities through the summer at the Henry Got Crops farm. For more information about farm activities, or any Weavers Way events, visit www.weaversway.coop/events.
In the Henry Got Crops CSA, consumers buy a portion of the season’s harvest up front, and pick up a box of produce weekly at the farm. The farmstand provides an additional outlet for educational programming, giving Saul students real-world experience in finance, customer service and the retail food business.
Weavers Way Farms produce is available at:
Weavers Way Mt. Airy 559 Carpenter Lane, Philadelphia, PA 191119 Daily 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Weavers Way Chestnut Hill 8424 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19118 Monday-Saturday 7 a.m.-8 p.m., Sunday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
Henry Got Crops Farmstand Saul High School 7095 Henry Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19128 Tuesdays 2-7 p.m. and Fridays 2-6 p.m. May 8-Oct. 30
Weavers Way Farmstand at Headhouse Farmers’ Market 2nd and Lombard streets, Philadelphia, PA 19147 Sundays 10 a.m.-2 p.m. starting May 3
About Weavers Way: Founded in 1973 as a neighborhood food buying club, Weavers Way has grown to encompass four stores and two urban farms. In May 2015, Weavers Way celebrates the fifth anniversary of its Chestnut Hill location. Cooperatively owned by 5,400 member households, “the Co-op” emphasizes products that are healthy, sustainable and local, and supports fair prices, fair trade and fair treatment of workers. At Weavers Way, anyone can join and everyone can shop. For more information, visit www.weaversway.coop.
PHILADELPHIA, PA, April 28, 2015 — The Henry Got Crops farmstand — featuring Weavers Way’s own fresh-grown produce along with a selection of the best locally sourced products — reopens Friday, May 8, with a very special volunteer day featuring games, grilling and vendors providing samples. The public is welcome to come to the farmstand at 7095 Henry Ave., at W.B. Saul High School in Roxborough, to try some delicious food and even volunteer to do a little farmwork to kick off the 2015 farming season.
Starting at 11 a.m., farmers will lead volunteers in the first farm work day of the year. Then, from 3 to 6 p.m., local vendors will offer samples, and there will be games and activities for children. Weavers Way’s chefs will be serving up sandwiches and grilling sausages from our friends at Stryker Farm.
The farmstand features produce grown at the Weavers Way farms at Saul and at Awbury Arboretum in Germantown, along with locally sourced essentials — eggs, meat, dairy products, bread and fruit — and seasonal and specialty items including locally roasted coffee, artisan ice cream and apple cider. We focus on the best of our local producers when selecting items to sell at the Henry Got Crops farmstand!
Regular hours, through October, are Tuesdays 2-7 p.m. and Fridays 2-6 p.m.
These local vendors will be on hand for opening day:
Pete Merzbacher, Philly Bread: Freshest artisan bread made from flour milled in-house in Olney.
Amy Zitelman, Soom Foods Tahini & Dips: Incredible tahini spreads and tahini based dips from a Philadelphia-based, woman-owned company.
David, Jubilee Hill Tulsi Tea: Refreshing, locally grown herbal tea blends from Pottstown, PA
Heidi Barr, Kitchen Garden Series: Tea towels and napkins made from recycled materials, with a share of profits donated to the farms.
Andy Satinsky, Weckerly’s Ice Cream: Delectable ice cream manufactured in North Philadelphia with milk, eggs and flavorings from local, sustainable producers.
Monthly Saturday volunteer work days continue through October at both farms, and Weavers Way Farms staff host movie nights and other children’s activities through the summer at the Henry Got Crops farm. For more information about farm activities, or any Weavers Way events, visit www.weaversway.coop/events.
In the Henry Got Crops CSA, consumers buy a portion of the season’s harvest up front, and pick up a box of produce weekly at the farm. The farmstand provides an additional outlet for educational programming, giving Saul students real-world experience in finance, customer service and the retail food business.
Weavers Way Farms produce is available at:
Weavers Way Mt. Airy 559 Carpenter Lane, Philadelphia, PA 191119 Daily 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Weavers Way Chestnut Hill 8424 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19118 Monday-Saturday 7 a.m.-8 p.m., Sunday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
Henry Got Crops Farmstand Saul High School 7095 Henry Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19128 Tuesdays 2-7 p.m. and Fridays 2-6 p.m. May 8-Oct. 30
Weavers Way Farmstand at Headhouse Farmers’ Market 2nd and Lombard streets, Philadelphia, PA 19147 Sundays 10 a.m.-2 p.m. starting May 3
About Weavers Way: Founded in 1973 as a neighborhood food buying club, Weavers Way has grown to encompass four stores and two urban farms. In May 2015, Weavers Way celebrates the fifth anniversary of its Chestnut Hill location. Cooperatively owned by 5,400 member households, “the Co-op” emphasizes products that are healthy, sustainable and local, and supports fair prices, fair trade and fair treatment of workers. At Weavers Way, anyone can join and everyone can shop. For more information, visit www.weaversway.coop.
