Are you interested in learning about sustainable gardening? While you may be checking out soils, fertilizers, harvest times and seed varieties you may not be considering how your business purchases impact your garden.
Businesses that use cooperative business models are helping communities grow sustainable gardens. Unlike large corporations that ship their profits across the country and even world, cooperative business models keep revenue local. And who better to decide what your local grocer stocks than you, your family, and your neighbors?
Let’s dive into how cooperative business models work and how they benefit your sustainable garden:
- What Are Cooperative Business Models?
- How Co-Ops Support Sustainable Gardening
- Why Local Communities Love Co-Ops
- Cooperative Businesses Outsell Traditional Retailers
- How To Join A Local Cooperative
What Are Cooperative Business Models?
Cooperative businesses–sometimes referred to as co-ops–are businesses that are owned and governed by those who use their goods or services.
Instead of profit being distributed to shareholders across the world, at a cooperative business everyone who owns a “share” of the business has an equal say. And those shares don’t necessarily mean buying thousands of dollars worth of stock! When it comes to food co-ops you can own a share by simply shopping there.
Cooperative businesses make decisions with their customers’ best interest in mind. So those decisions directly affect things like:
- Where they source their products
- How they treat employees
- What products they offer
Because the customer is the boss at a co-op they can demand to see sustainable gardening products! Stores like Belle Mead Co-Op offer sustainable gardening options, organic products, and locally sourced goods that you just can’t find at other big box retailers.
How Co-Ops Support Sustainable Gardening
You may be thinking, “Well that’s great for buying bulk fertilizer and finding the best soil, but how does a cooperative business model help me grow a sustainable garden?”
Cooperatives at their core are all about better serving the people who buy from them. And better serving today’s gardeners means offering:
- Sustainable gardening products
- Organic options
- Locally sourced goods
Many co-ops focus on local farming and making sure their goods are as close to home as possible. A recent Food Co-op Impact Report found that 37% of food co-op sales are comprised of certified organic products. Compare that to conventional grocers which clock in at just 3% and you can see where consumer priorities lie.
Members of co-ops want what is best for their gardens, their families, their neighbors and the planet. And because those members are in control, they can demand organic seeds, natural fertilizers, and pesticides free of harsh chemicals.
Why Local Communities Love Co-Ops
Everything discussed so far touches on how important co-ops are to sustainable gardening. But did you know they also benefit your community? Let’s take a look!
Money Stays Local
When you shop at a locally owned business your money stays in your community. Sure, big box corporations make products in America too. But they buy much less local produce, employ local people at lower wages, and spend their profits elsewhere.
The average food coop purchases from 175 local farms and producers where as a similar sized traditional retailer sources from only 41.
Builds Trust & Social Connections
Everyone knows the feeling of being just another face that walks through the door at a large chain. At your local co-op you know your neighbors. Shop owners, cashiers, farmers, board members. They are all members too.
When you join a co-op you gain voting rights to decide what your store sells. Many co-ops host workshops on composting, organic growing practices, and what to plant when. Not only does your dollar go further at a co-op but you build a network of knowledge within your community.
Promotes Environmental Sustainability
As mentioned earlier, co-ops only stock what members demand. If gardeners are looking for sustainable gardening supplies, that’s what the co-op will provide. They proudly stand behind organic agriculture and offer many options for reducing waste too.
Food co-ops have been leaders in offering bulk items with zero waste packaging. Shoppers can buy as little or as much as they need without the unnecessary plastic wrapper. Many also promote practices like plastic reduction and regenerative farming that builds healthy soil.
Cooperative Businesses Outsell Traditional Retailers
Here’s a fun fact for you.
Not only are co-ops good for your garden and your neighbors, but they’re also outperforming big box retailers. In one survey conducted by NCBA CLUSA, over 80% of Americans could correctly identify what a cooperative business is and the value they bring to their community.
But they’re not just bringing value. Consider these stats:
- Co-ops surpassed traditional retailers with 4.7% same store sales growth in 2024
- 25% of an average Co-op’s sales are local products while conventional grocers only sell 2% locally sourced goods.
- Food co-ops donated over $9 million to community groups in 2024.
Co-ops have exploded in the last decade because they work. Consumers support locally owned businesses and can see the care that goes into where their money goes. Because of transparent governance co-op members can see how businesses benefit their local community.
How To Join A Local Cooperative
Want to join a co-op? It’s easy!
First, do your homework. Find a co-op near you and see if their mission aligns with your values. Next, buy something! Co-op membership is typically just a one time purchase that entitles you to vote at member meetings.
From there you are free to spread the word about your favorite co-op and invite your friends and family to shop there too! Many co-ops allow members to get involved in store governance. From attending member meetings to voting on who sits on the board of directors. There are even volunteer opportunities at local events.
Wrap-Up
At the end of the day co-op business models are proven to create sustainable communities. Not only do they keep your money local, but they promote sustainable gardening and create real connections with your neighbors.
Remember
- Co-ops are owned and governed by customers.
- They prioritize sustainable gardening and organic products.
- The profits they earn are invested back into your community.
- When shopping at co-ops you are building trust with your neighbors.
Everything needed for a sustainable future starts in your own community. Learn more about sustainable gardening, find some new gardening tips. The most important thing you can do is start caring about where you spend your hard earned money.