Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Ethical living

Discover eco friendly brands and sustainable fashion on our Ethical Living forum.

Original poster

So is the Co-op really that ethical??

18 replies

FAQinglovely · 20/02/2009 12:16

I'm just wondering as I have the choice of Tesco Express (don't really like Tesco at all, but it is cheap) and the Co-Op as my local shops. Both similar walking distance (in opposite directions).

Been up to the Co-op this morning and noticed that they've replaced the cash machine (which was a useful point about the TEsco - being able to make free cash withdrawals), and as an added bonus they do the 50g packs of the baccy I smoke.

They also seemed to have a wider selection of stuff. However, of course they're more expensive. Now I don't mind paying a little bit more BUT I only like to do that if it's for a good reason (ie being more ethical/fair trade etc etc).

So are the Co-op as ethical as they claim to be????

OP posts:
janeite · 20/02/2009 12:23

They are deffo better than Tesco. Lots of Fairtrade stuff and a reasonable organic range too. Deffo a wider selction than Tesco Express.

Unfortunately our local Co-Op allows really poor quality fruit and vege to be put out on the shelves, so even if I go I end up not being able to buy some of the things I wanted.

ilovemydogandMrObama · 20/02/2009 12:27
choosyfloosy · 20/02/2009 12:31

I do assume Coops are more ethical - one of the things about being a member is that you have a vote for representatives on the cooperative board [may not be right terminology] who can then influence buying policy etc. it is interesting how variable local coops are - our one has a deeply limited range of most things unfortunately but does have much better fruit and veg than many others. Oddly they seem quite retro on packaging - they are the only supermarket I know that packs aubergines into individual plastic packs! but at least I have a route to influence that, and in general I feel less vile in there than I do in most supermarkets.

Takver · 20/02/2009 16:12

They come out pretty well in the Ethical Consumer comparison here

madlentileater · 20/02/2009 20:03

yes, they are deffo more ethical.
If you become a member they consult you about what ethical issues they should concentrate on. They lead the way on FT, all their own brand chocolate stuff was FT long before the other supermarkets took it seriously. Have a look at their ws.
Sadly we don't have one near us or I would use it.

nkf · 20/02/2009 20:04

I think the Co-op has very good ethical credentials. It's not all show.

southeastastra · 20/02/2009 20:05

we have a tiny co-op, the stuff is so good though i really wish they'd open a bigger store

Original poster
FAQinglovely · 20/02/2009 20:08

fantastic thanks - I do like to buy fairtrade for my tea/coffee/sugar/bananas regardless of where I buy them, but other than that with money being tight and all that I do have to compromise on other purchases.

I didn't want to be spending extra pennies and pounds in a shop that was all show and not much actual proper ethics behind it (iykwim) but it would appear that there's some substances behind their claims so will feel a little happier spending the extra money

OP posts:
Habbibu · 20/02/2009 20:11

Yes, they do. It's a mutual group, and members have the right to vote on a number of their policies - with banking, for example, they don't invest in the arms trade, etc. Their food ethical policy is here. It's a basic principle for the co-op, not a marketing add-on jumping on the bandwagon. They were doing it way before it became fashionable.

southeastastra · 20/02/2009 20:12

they're bread and coffee is much nicer than tesco imo.

southeastastra · 20/02/2009 20:12

oops their

BigGitDad · 20/02/2009 20:15

If you like Red wine Co-op have a fantastic bottle of Fair Trade Argentinian Malbec. It is a bit pricey at £6.49 but is gorgeous!

Original poster
FAQinglovely · 20/02/2009 20:21

I love red wine - but it doesn't like me AT ALL. I get a stonking headache after an hour or so, even if I've only had a couple of sips

OP posts:
Original poster
FAQinglovely · 20/02/2009 20:21

what's their icecream like? The one in the black tubs?

OP posts:
harpomarx · 20/02/2009 20:24

seeing this thread reminded me I have been meaning to become a Co-op member for ages. So I went here to fill in the online form. Only trouble is, I can't decide which title to use - I was going to use Ms but they have such a tempting array I can't make up my mind. I do think Viscountess would look good on my membership card

BigGitDad · 20/02/2009 20:26

I think the ice cream is okay but we always have Mackies, that's lovely. Mind you tescos sell it too.
Shame about the red wine, I am lucky in that I do not suffer from hang overs really.

southeastastra · 20/02/2009 20:27

their ethical bag is the nicest too

Original poster
FAQinglovely · 20/02/2009 20:30

I usually have Ben and Jerry's - but notice that not only are their tubs slightly smaller (so fewer calories to gorge on ) but a bit cheaper too

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page