 |
 |
Visits to the GreenStar Cooperative have been made by members of the Odyssey group over the last two years. This week, Dian Marie, David, and Anne-Marie made a series of visits in the context of their varying interests in deep ecology (see Centre for Deep Ecology Studies) and alternative, non-hierarchical, ways of organising. This is part of their ongoing research in these areas e.g., http://staff.abs.aston.ac.uk/deac/ecobk7.htm
GreenStar was created in 1971, and currently has 3500 members, and an annual turnover exceeding $4million.
Approaching the store from the car park, we saw first the bicyles (nice to shop by bike) and then the recycling centre.
| |
|
Greenstar operates from a 9600 sq ft store which looks like this.
 |
 |
It is run on a democratic basis (which we are further researching) according to its by-laws, having a board of directors – elected by members to serve for a three year period.
 |
 |
The coop places a particular emphasis on local producers, organic products and eco-friendly packaging.
 |
 |
As part of its holistic, participative philosophy http://www.re-skill.org.uk/odyssey/dh1.htm , it includes a substantial complementary medicine section, combining a large range of products with educational materials and a free advice service.
 |
 |
It is linked to the Ithaca Hours scheme – a local exchange transfer scheme (LETS)
 |
 |
http://www.lightlink.com/ithacahours
The popularity of the store and its range of customers is apparent.
 |
 |