Norway, Iowa (Oct. 6, 2016) – A record number of grocery stores and natural food co-ops are expected to join the Bulk is Green Council in celebrating the sixth annual National Bulk Foods Week, October 16 – 22.  Bulk Foods Week is an easy way for shoppers to directly experience all the economical and environmental benefits of buying natural and organic foods in bulk. Nearly 1600 stores across the country are expected to participate in the annual celebration.

“National Bulk Foods Week continues to be one of the most compelling ways for both retailers and consumers to showcase their love for foods from the bulk bins,” said Brett Karminski, brand manager at Frontier Co-op, a founding Bulk is Green Council member. “We’ve seen so much enthusiasm for our annual celebration because it provides an excellent starting point for those new to shopping in the bulk section and all the benefits that offers.”

The Bulk is Green Council offers three simple ways for consumers to celebrate this year:

• Spice up your spice rack.  Your spice rack probably contains some staples you use often, like oregano, parsley, thyme, sage, etc. However, if you've ever avoided trying something new because you didn't want to end up with a large (often pricey) bottle of something you weren't sure you would ever use again, buying in bulk is a great way to try a small amount of something new.
• Replace a packaged purchase with a bulk item. Packaged versions of the same foods or spices typically cost considerably more than bulk product. According to a 2012 study, bulk bins can save shoppers money — anywhere from 10 to 89 percent.  That’s because it takes energy and resources to make and transport packages, as well as to dispose of the shipping packaging that protects the product from the distribution center to the store. Those costs get passed on to the consumer in the form of higher prices.
• Bring your own container. By eliminating packaging, bulk products put less strain on the environment. Because bulk foods, spices, herbs and teas are typically presented in reusable containers in stores, there’s less packaging going into the waste stream, too. What’s more, bulk foods are more likely to be locally produced, so the costs and environmental impact of transporting them to the store are less than with packaged products.

To locate participating stores or for more information on National Bulk Foods Week, visit: www.BulkisGreen.org.

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Bulk Is Green Council

An organization dedicated to increasing consumer, retailer and grocer awareness of the environmental and economic benefits of buying natural and organic foods from the bulk bins. Founded in 2008, the Council serves as a research and advocacy group, conducting and publishing studies on industry trends and offering educational tools and resources online. The board includes industry leaders Frontier Co-op and Trade Fixtures.

Frontier Co-op™

Founded in 1976 and based in Norway, Iowa, Frontier Co-op™ offers a full line of natural and organic products under the Frontier, Simply Organic® and Aura Cacia® brands. Products include culinary herbs, spices and baking flavors; bulk herbs and spices; and natural and organic aromatherapy products. Frontier's goal is to provide consumers with the highest-quality organic and natural products while supporting and promoting social and environmental responsibility. For more information, visit Frontier Co-op's website at www.frontiercoop.com.