January newsletter

Notes From Betty:

Hello everyone! I hope that you all had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! We had a great month at the store and are looking forward to 2012!

I want to take this time to invite all the board members and volunteers to The Plum Creek Food Co Ops Holiday party on January 21^st. at 6:00 p.m. at The River City Eatery. Please RSVP back to me and let me know if you will be able to make it. Hope to see you all there!

We gave all of our members an extra 10% off their entire purchases during the month of December and many were very appreciative.

We have been blessed with good weather so far this winter and hope it continues, however nothing ends a day quite as well as a hot bowl of soup for dinner and I encourage you all to stop in and try our soup mixes. We have a great tasting nine bean soup mix and a delicious hearty soup mix. These take all the guessing and work out of dinner.

Now I would like to leave you with this from Lord Alfred Tennyson: “ring out the old, ring in the new, Ring, happy bells, across the snow: This year is going, let him go; Ring out the false, ring in the true.”

 

50 ways to go green (and save money) in the new year

It’s the start of a new year and there are hundreds of ways to make some green changes to save a little money, help the environment and improve your family’s health at the same time.

Here are some simple ways…

1. Start washing your laundry in cold water, or at least most loads.
2. Plant a garden.
3. Make friends with local farm families and ask about buying their surplus crops for preserving.
4. Pick your own strawberries, apples, grapes and other local goodies, then freeze them to enjoy later.
5. Join a coop like the Plum Creek Coop.
6. Plant some edible landscaping like fruit and nut trees, raspberry bushes or even rose bushes.
7. Learn about foraging.  There are free, organic foods all over the community through sources like walnut trees, crab apple trees, blueberry bushes and even wild mushrooms.  Just be sure to follow rules about harvesting, get permission if necessary and make certain you know what you’re gathering.
8. Start baking your own bread.  If you’re intimidated by baking by hand, pick up a used bread maker for a few dollars at a local thrift store and find the manual online.
9. Learn to can.  Ask a friend or relative to show you how, look it up online or take a class in the community. 
10. Go vegetarian at least one day a week.  If you’re already vegetarian, go vegan for at least one day a week (more meal ideas are here).
11. Start clippings of friends’ houseplants and create some free houseplants of your own to clean your indoor air.
12. Pack your kids’ school lunches in reusable containers.
13. Start keeping some healthy snacks in the car for travel-time munchies so you don’t have to rely on drive-thru stops or other unhealthy choices.
14. Buy often-used products like oatmeal, dried beans and rice in bulk and then store them in repurposed jars.
15. Purchase a pressure cooker to drastically cut cooking time and allow you to quickly and easily cook items like beans, roasts and vegetables…

Read the full list of 50 here: http://www.examiner.com/green-culture-in-mankato/50-ways-to-go-green-and-save-money-the-new-year

 

January Specials:

 

Whole Foods Market 365

Apricot Fruit Spread

100% Natural – 100% Fruit

Wt. 10 oz.

Reg. $4.49                    Now $3.99

 

Kettle Brand Chips

Backyard Barbeque

Wt. 8.5 oz.

Reg. $3.99                    Now $3.49 

 

Lundberg California White Jasmine Rice

Wt. 32 oz.

Reg. $4.99                    Now $4.49

 

R.W. Knudsen Very Veggie Juice

Wt. 32 oz.

Reg. $4.59                    Now $4.09

 

November Newsletter

Notes From Betty:

Hello everyone! I hope you are all enjoying this beautiful fall weather. Just remember us while getting ready for all of your holidays. We have spices, herbs and a multitude of other products to help you with you holiday preparations. We here at the Plum Creek Food Co op would like to wish you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving! We also want to let you know that we will be closed November 25 & 26 so that our staff has ample time to enjoy the holiday with their families. We apologize for any trouble this may cause you. I would like to leave you all with this thought. “If you want to turn your life around, try thankfulness. It will change your life mightily.”

Once again have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!
Betty – Store Coordinator

November Specials:

Feature Item

Ecover Automatic Dish Powder
Cleans & degreases effectively
Phosphate free
Fast & complete biodegradability
Minimum impact on aquatic life
No animal testing
Safe for septic tanks
No chlorine bleach
48 oz.
Reg. $8.13tx.                 Now $7.63 tx.

Pure & Basic Caribbean Heat Body Wash
12 fl. oz.
Reg. $8.19 tx.                Now $7.69 tx.

R.W. Knudsen Black Cherry Juice Concentrate
8 fl. oz.
Reg. $4.69                    Now $4.19

Stretch Island Fruit Co.
All Natural Fruit Strips
5 oz.

Reg. $0.69          Now $0.50

 

Bob’s Whole Wheat Pastry Flour
5#
Reg. $7.99per #             Now $7.49per #

Pamela’s Wheat Free – Gluten Free Cookies
5.29 oz.
Reg. $4.39                    Now $3.89

September Newsletter

Notes From Betty: Hello everyone! As we enter the fall season I want to wish you all a safe and bountiful harvest. No matter the size of your crop, be it a back yard garden or acres of corn or beans. Speaking of fall I encourage you to stop in and check out our spices. We have a wide variety that will add wonderful flavor to your fall soups. I also encourage each and every one of you to try our “Nine Bean” and “Hearty Soup” mixes. They make a delicious addition to any meal.

Make Your Own Air Freshener

Here’s a simple recipe to make your own air freshener.  Not only will this recipe save money, but it’s all natural and lets you customize the scent.

You need:
– One cup of hot water
– One TBS baking soda
– Essential oil (or perfume)
– Empty spray bottle

Mix the baking soda with the hot water.  Add essential oils (or perfume) to suit your preferences.  You can choose scents that are relaxing, invigorating or that just make you feel happy.  You can also mix scents if you like, to make a custom blend.

Essential oils are very potent, so it doesn’t take much.  I use about 35 drops for a light scent.  The baking soda neutralizes odors and the essential oils add a pleasant scent.  Some essential oils, like lavender, also contain antibacterial and antiviral properties that can be especially helpful during times of illness or when cleaning house.  This mixture can also be used as a linen spray.

You can find a variety of essential oils at the Plum Creek Co-op.  You can also mix more than one to make a custom scent.

by Alicia Bayer, Mankato Green Culture Examiner

September Feature Item:

Earth Friendly Products Ready to use Orange Plus Surface Cleaner 

Formulated to be the purest, greenest, most effective surface cleaner RTU Orange Plus is a Ready – To- Use natural orange oil all-purpose cleaner. Safe to use on any washable surface such as: oven tops & hoods, countertops, refrigerators, walls, tile, linoleum and sinks.

17 oz.
Reg. $4.39                    Now $ 3.89

September Specials:

Gensoy Soy Protein Shake

Vanilla
Chocolate
Strawberry Banana
22.2 oz.

Reg.$17.89 + tax.          Now $17.39 + tax

Nature’s Path Organic Multi Grain Oat Bran
32 oz.
Reg. $10.69                   Now $10.19

Imagine Organic Chicken Cooking Stock 
32 oz.
Reg. $4.99                    Now $4.49

Steaz Energy Drink                           

Berry Flavored
4 pack
Reg. $8.79                    Now $8.29

Tea Tree Therapy Shampoo or Conditioner
16 oz.
Reg. $10.19 + tax                      Now $9.69 + tax

Newsletter

Notes From Betty: Hello everyone! As we enter the fall season I want to wish you all a safe and bountiful harvest. No matter the size of your crop, be it a back yard garden or acres of corn or beans. Speaking of fall I encourage you to stop in and check out our spices. We have a wide variety that will add wonderful flavor to your fall soups. I also encourage each and every one of you to try our “Nine Bean” and “Hearty Soup” mixes. They make a delicious addition to any meal.

Make your own air freshener!

By Alicia Bayer

Here’s a simple recipe to make your own air freshener.  Not only will this recipe save money, but it’s all natural and lets you customize the scent.

You need:

– One cup of hot water

– One TBS baking soda

– Essential oil (or perfume)

– Empty spray bottle

Mix the baking soda with the hot water.  Add essential oils (or perfume) to suit your preferences.  You can choose scents that are relaxing, invigorating or that just make you feel happy.  You can also mix scents if you like, to make a custom blend.

Essential oils are very potent, so it doesn’t take much.  I use about 35 drops for a light scent.  The baking soda neutralizes odors and the essential oils add a pleasant scent.  Some essential oils, like lavender, also contain antibacterial and antiviral properties that can be especially helpful during times of illness or when cleaning house.

This mixture can also be used to as a linen spray.

September Feature Item:

Earth Friendly Products Ready to use Orange Plus Surface Cleaner

Formulated to be the purest, greenest, most effective surface cleaner RTU Orange Plus is a Ready – To- Use natural orange oil all-purpose cleaner. Safe to use on any washable surface such as: oven tops & hoods, countertops, refrigerators, walls, tile, linoleum and sinks.

17 oz.

Reg. $4.39                    Now $ 3.89

September Specials:

Gensoy Soy Protein Shake

Vanilla

Chocolate

Strawberry Banana

22.2 oz.

Reg.$17.89 + tax.          Now $17.39 + tax

Nature’s Path Organic Multi Grain Oat Bran

32 oz.

Reg. $10.69                   Now $10.19

Imagine Organic Chicken Cooking Stock

32 oz.

Reg. $4.99                    Now $4.49

Steaz Energy Drink

Berry Flavored

4 pack

Reg. $8.79                    Now $8.29

Tea Tree Therapy Shampoo or Conditioner

16 oz.

Reg. $10.19 + tax                      Now $9.69 + tax

August Newsletter

Notes From Betty:

Hello everyone! My, how the summer has flown by… I just want to remind everyone that you can get your herbs and spices for all your canning and freezing needs here at the Plum Creek Food Co Op. Also while you are at the Cottonwood County Fair, remember that we have nice cold healthy beverages for you to cool down with, so stop on in and refresh yourself!

We here at the Co Op want to wish all the students in the area a safe and happy start to their new school year and encourage drivers to keep an extra diligent eye open for children going to and coming from school.

Houseplants That Clean the Air by Alicia Bayer

Philodendrons are easy-care favorites that greatly improve air quality

Houseplants offer lots of benefits to homeowners.  They can bring a little green to snowy Minnesota months, add some cheer and also are just pretty.  One of their best uses, however, is in cleaning indoor air.

Here are some houseplants that are particularly good at working as living air filters.

Aloe: This succulent is known for being a great natural treatment for burns (simply cut a leaf and rub the juice on the burned area).  Fewer people know that it also helps purify the air.  It is especially effective at removing formaldehyde, a harmful chemical that’s present in particle board, carpets, flame retardants and much more.

Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum): This plant is widely loved by homeowners because it’s easy to grow and makes a great hanging plant.  It is also one of the best plants for removing formaldehyde, among other harmful chemicals.

Gerbera Daisies:  NASA studies showed these plants to be some of the best at removing benzene, a known carcinogen that can also cause headaches, drowsiness, loss of appetite and other health problems.  Sources of benzene include inks, dyes, plastics, rubber and detergents and other common household products.   They prefer bright light and work well in a sunny window.

Mums (Chrysanthemum):  While these flowering plants are commonly used outside, they are extremely beneficial inside when it comes to removing benzene and trichoroethylene, a chemical used by the dry cleaning industry and in printing inks, paints, varnishes, and adhesives that is considered to be a potent liver carcinogen. Keep mums in a location where they will receive a lot of light. Note: mums are poisonous.

Devil’s Ivy or Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum or Scindapsus aureus):  This hanging plant is one of the most common in homes, particularly because it’s so easy to grow.  You can also easily take cuttings and root them to start new plants or share with friends.  NASA studies showed that Devil’s Ivy was one of the best plants for removing formaldehyde from the air, among other chemicals.

Ficus: These plants are easy to grow, make attractive small potted trees and also help purify the air from many irritants and chemicals.

English Ivy (Hedera helix):  Another hanging plant that’s easy to care for, this one also purifies well.  It is considered one of the best all-around at counteracting off-gassing chemicals and contributing to balanced indoor humidity. Note: English Ivy is poisonous.

Philodendrons: NASA studies found that these commonly loved hanging plants were the most effective at removing higher concentrations of formaldehyde (aloe was best when concentrations were low). Note: philodendrons are poisonous.

All houseplants are also effective at reducing carbon monoxide and increasing oxygen.  Keep plants away from drafts, which inhibit their air cleaning abilities.

How many plants do you need? As a general rule, aim for about one vigorous plant per 100 square feet of living area or 2 to 3 plants for a moderately sized room.  You may want more if you have more sources of pollutants, such as new carpet or furniture, recent paint jobs, a newer home or many items made out of plastic and pressboard (particle board).

August’s Featured Item:

Udi Gluten Free Bread :

Whole Grain & White Sandwich Bread

12 oz. Reg. $5.79          Now $4.79

Our delicious recipe makes it possible for you to enjoy gluten free bread without having to toast or microwave it!

Simply thaw at room temperature as needed and enjoy!

August Sale Items:

Ian’s Regular & Gluten Free Chicken Patties

7 oz.

Reg. $6.79                    Now $6.29

Tea Tree Therapy Shampoo

16 oz.

Reg. $10.19                   Now $9.69

Tea Tree Therapy Conditioner

16 oz.

Reg. $10.19                   Now $9.69

Lindberg California White Jasmine Rice

2#

Reg. $4.49                    Now $3.99

Seventh Generation Natural 2X Concentrated Laundry Detergent

50 oz.

Reg. $11.69                   Now $ 10.99