Less Waste Archives - Alfalfa House

Where does our food come from?

I became a member at Alfalfa House when I was working at an organic wholesaler that supplies food to shops and co-ops across Australia. Being passionate about shopping waste-free and I found I could get everything I needed at Alfalfa. I spent a few years volunteering and became a paid staff member in February last year.

Alfalfa prides itself on its ethics. How does this determine what we choose to sell?

There is a process when it comes to stocking new products at Alfalfa House, and each product must fit certain criteria that embody the term ‘ethical food’. We focus on local, farmer direct, organic, Australian, bulk and plastic-free, or low impact packaging, and we don’t stock items that don’t meet one or more of these standards.

What does farmer-direct mean and how does this work in practice at the co-op?

Farmer-direct means we have a working relationship with the people who grow our food. This works exceptionally well in our co-op, as members love knowing who grew what and exactly where it came from, even down to when it was picked. We pride ourselves on having this knowledge, and it wouldn’t be possible without these farmer-direct relationships.

How is this helping our planet?

When there is a straight line from us to the people growing our food, the profits of the produce go directly to the farm. This can be really empowering for our farmers and encourages them and others to continue to grow food in a more sustainable way.

What kind of products are unique to Alfalfa?

We have a unique range of bulk items. I haven’t been to any other grocery store in the Inner West that sells bulk milk, tofu, cheese and butter. Even things like body lotion, face cream and cleansers are impossible to get packaging-free, so it’s really exciting to have access to all of these products.

We also have a huge range of plastic-free items like tempeh wrapped in banana leaves, vegan cheese and potato crisps in compostable packaging. There’s just nowhere else where you can get all of these products under one roof.

Any thoughts on supermarkets that sell plastic covered bananas or oranges?

This is my biggest, pet peeve! We don’t sell any produce in plastic at Alfalfa House, and it’s not a great challenge for us, so I don’t see why supermarkets can’t do this too.

What are your future hopes for Alfalfa House and other co-ops, globally?

I hope Alfalfa House can expand, attracting more and more members and shoppers, and thereby gain greater buying power, and build and strengthen our relationships with local growers. I hope one day we will live in a world where a food co-op is your regular grocery store.

** Carina recently returned to her role as Merchandise Co-ordinator, after a 6-month stint as Co-Manager.

Upcycle your own Mini Terrarium

If you've got a ton of plastic and glass jars like I do, but are running out of things to do with them, then look no further! This simple and absolutely gorgeous upcycled mini terrarium project will bring natural living beauty into your home or workspace.

The project can be made as an open or closed terrarium. If you're opting for a closed terrarium, ensure you leave 5-7cm room for your plants and the lid to be closed.

For open terrariums, consider reusing the jar lid as a cup coaster, snack dish, or a resting place for your spoons/spatulas when you cook.

MATERIALS

A cleaned pre-loved jar.
10-20 small stones approx. 2cm in size.
1-3 small indoor plants/succulents (think small enough to fit into your preferred jar).
Potting mix
1-3 decorative ornaments of your choice
A thin and pointy object (skewer, toothpick, pointy pencil etc) for making a 'well' for your plants

TOOLS

Small shovel/spoon for scooping potting mix
Spray bottle with water

METHOD

Depending on what look you're going for, remove and clean the label from your jar.
Place stones in the jar to create the water draining layer.
Using your shovel/spoon, heap on potting mix for your second layer. For open terrariums, leave 2cm room on top. For an enclosed terrarium, leave a 5-7cm breathing space for your plants and the lid to be closed.
Using your thin and pointy object (I use a skewer), make a small well approx. 1cm deep, and spaced approx. 3cm from your other plants.
Plant your plants into the well and cover.
Decoration time! Place extra garden stones around the plants, and ornaments of your liking (I use crystal quartz) around the edges of the jar.
Lightly spray your terrarium to moisten, ensuring it doesn't get overwatered. You don't want the water to pool at the bottom of the jar.
Maintain your terrarium. For open terrariums, spray once a week. For closed terrariums, spray once a month. It's best to place your terrarium away from direct sunlight.

There you have it. your very own unique, upcycled mini terrarium. A mini-ecosystem that will thrive for years to come bringing beauty and Zen to your living space.

If you make this project, please tag #alfalfahouse on Instagram so we can see your work and feature it!

Meet Freya Haywood Coyle, shop co-ordinator

I’ve been part of the Alfalfa team since last November and I love it.

You can find farmer direct produce that's also biodynamic or organic and an important, safe space community for people with similar principles to gather together and work as a team.

I love our community notice board. There's a wide variety of organisations and events that are run and created by our members all on display as you walk into the shop. It's a great way to get involved with the community.

As a not-for-profit, the co-op's purpose is to give back to the community. That's something that’s earned my support. I've learnt so much from being part of Alfalfa House. It's clear, people can achieve so much when they come together.

I am studying Horticulture, and focusing on conservation and bush regeneration. This aligns perfectly with what we do here. The co-op has an ethical and sustainable approach to sourcing the right produce. Alfalfa House promotes a zero-waste lifestyle that looks after the environment.

The shopping experience at Alfalfa House is different. As a community, we all work to find the best zero-waste, ethical produce and groceries available. We encourage customers to reuse their old jars and containers and we stock things you can't find in your average supermarket. We sell in bulk, so you can buy as much/as little as you want!

My hope for the future is a zero-waste planet, with thriving fauna and flora environments.

Freya has a beautiful kelpie dog but loves all animals equally!

About Us

In 1981, a single household in Charles Street, Erskineville went on a rent strike, and they began buying bulk grains, nuts and seeds with the money from the strike. They sold these (with a small markup) out of the front room of their house.

In 1982, the Charles Street Food Co-op relocated to the Erskineville Anglican Church Hall, and became known as ‘the Erko’.

In 1983, the Erko moved to the Alpha House building on King Street, Newtown, which was squatted by a group of artists. It was renamed the Community Food Store, and was only open on Saturdays. A small dedicated group of volunteers maintained it, and by early 1985 their aim was to form a workers’ co-operative under the Companies Act, and later to register as a consumer co-operative. Long-term, the group also hoped to have a permanent place of residence, to open six days a week, to stock fruit and vegetables, and to put a sign up outside.

In 1987, Alpha House was reclaimed by the NSW Department of Housing, which owned the building, and the Community Food Store moved to 113 Enmore Road, its current location. The Enmore Road premises were known as the EPI Centre, and were shared with Permaculture Sydney. The whole operation took up part of what is now the storeroom. In those days, if you worked in the store you were paid the princely sum of one dollar an hour.

In early 1988, there was a public meeting to discuss the proposal that the Community Food Store form as a co-operative under the NSW co-operatives legislation. The meeting agreed with the proposal, and then over the following nine months a core of thirteen people developed the structure, aims and rules of the co-operative. During this time, each member pledged $1 in shares, eventually buying up the full 20 $1 shares when the co-operative was registered.

On 17 October 1988 the paperwork was complete, the required 100 people had each pledged $1, and an ‘Alfalfa House Formation Meeting’ was held. On 23 December 1988 Alfalfa House Community Food Co-operative Limited was officially registered as a co-operative, and a part-time co-ordinator was employed. In the early 1990s, the co-operative took over the whole of 113 Enmore Road when Permaculture Sydney relocated.

In April 2023, after 35 years of community service, Alfalfa House Community Food Co-op closed its shopfront and ceased trading.

zzz- co-ordinators ad

Casual Shop Coordinators – work with us!

We’re looking for friendly, retail all-rounders to fill casual vacancies.

You are a hard worker with the ability to multitask and work autonomously; taking initiative to solve problems when they arise.
You will have strong retail customer service and cash handling experience (essential)
A demonstrated passion for environment/sustainability or organic food and health.
Experience working within a grocery, health food or produce store.
Administration and volunteering experience are also an advantage but not essential

In return you will receive fair pay, employee discounts and be surrounded by a passionate and hard-working team.

Remuneration: Level 1 General Retail Award

___________________

POSITION SUMMARY
The Shop Coordinator is accountable to the Co-op Managers. The position involves maintaining the day-to-day running of the shop, including shop presentation, display, sales, restocking, customer service, coordinating volunteers, general cooperative and administrative duties associated with this position in accordance with co-op policy and procedures.

It is essential that Shop Coordinators work cooperatively with all staff, MC and volunteers to achieve a consistently high standard of service to members and shop customers.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Set up the shop for the day’s trading ensuring that all available products are on display, including refilling containers and produce.
Ensure the shop is clean, tidy and clutter-free and that till float is correct.
Constantly monitor presentation, quality of stock, stock levels in the shop and restock shop as and when required.
Promptly serve customers. Be courteous and helpful, advising them, when necessary, of co-op procedures.
Operate cash register ensuring breaks are taken in accordance with OH+S Policy.
Put away excess cash from till into safe
Keep shop, till area, sink area, storeroom and stock containers (bins, jars etc.) clean and tidy, taking special care of spillages or other floor debris.
Keep storeroom as clean and organised as possible.
As appropriate, encourage members to become volunteers.
Accept membership applications, welcoming new members and ensuring that the applications are legibly and correctly completed and are stored appropriately.
Update members and customers of the latest coop activities and workshops.
Ensure that the co-op backyard is kept clean and tidy and that all rubbish is disposed of in accordance with co-op policy and procedures.
Participate in the decision-making and organisation of the co-op, including attending monthly staff meetings and on occasion MC meetings as a staff delegate
Ensure that OH+S regulations are always practised in the performance of the position’s duties and actively participate in the maintenance and improvement of OH+S procedures including risk assessment processes.
Work cooperatively and harmoniously with other staff, volunteers and MC.
Take responsibility for co-op infrastructure and general running and maintenance of co-op equipment in consultation with other staff on roster and in accordance with co-op procedures.
Take responsibility for the passing of information relating to your shift to the next shop coordinator on the roster or to other pertinent staff.
Perform end-of-day procedures (if last shift of the day) • Balance cash register• Secure the days takings in the safe • Secure float; Turn off equipment as required • Put away perishables • Sweep and mop shop • Clean work areas and storeroom including shelving and equipment • Lock the shop.

OTHER DUTIES

Assisting the Stock Manager with receiving, checking, weighing (if required) and storing deliveries, matching the deliveries with produce ordered.
Assisting with the monitoring and recording of stock loss.
Ensuring that systems to reduce stock spoilage are maintained, paying special attention to storage of perishable items.
Training and assisting volunteers, ensuring that WH+S policies and procedures are explained and maintained, assigning tasks appropriately
Assisting with the maintenance of shop signage.
Ensure that time sheets are completed and correct.
Undertaking training, both as trainee and trainer, with Stock Coordinators, other staff and specialist trainers.

Send your CV and a one page cover letter expressing interest to [email protected]

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Category: Less Waste

Where does our food come from?

An Interview with team member Carina Fisk Charlton

Upcycle your own Mini Terrarium

By Greta