M Martinez - The Happy Snapper

Sampling the Local Organic Produce

Meat - Whole Foods Market have developed a rating system that is focussed on the health and well being of the animals.  The system focusses on the ethical treatment of animals including that are not separated from their mother, spend their life on the farm.  Other initiatives in this area include all chicken sold is raised without hormones and antibiotics.

Fish - All fish products sold in the shop are labelled with a green rating.  The rating system focusses on issues including sustainability of the fishery, by catch incidence and preventing pollution from farm sources.

Fruit & Veg - Where possible locally grown organic fruit and veges are sourced.  All fruit and veg is labelled and signed with its origin and whether it is organically grown.  In addition, a nutrition score is included on signage for many fruit and veges.

Beer and Wine - Local beers and wines are available as well as imported stock.  Several local varieties are on tap and can be enjoyed at the in shop bar or taken home in a Growler to reduce packaging.

Packaging - Plastic bags have been discontinued at this shop and customers bring their own reusable bags.  Other examples include use of compostable packaging where possible, for example used in the in store salad bar and restaurant.

Store and Fittings - The store is a LEEDS rated building and many of the materials used for shop fittings are sourced from recycled sources.  Low energy light fittings including compact fluorescent and LED fixtures are predominantly used.

Garden - Local native and low water use plants are sold out the front of the store.  They even had a display promoting and selling rain barrels.

Recycling - One of the better recycling bin systems is used throughout the store.  Recycling bins in the cafe restaurant area even include a display showing which items should be disposed in each of the bins.  They were separating out compost here as well as the normal co-mingled recyclable packaging.

Conclusion - while it wasn’t the cheapest shop of its type in town, it was clearly very popular with the locals and I would love to have one of these in my back yard.  Not just for socially conscious shopping, but for the fantastic range of local, fresh and healthy products they are selling.