DEMONSTRATING ONFC COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS: 

“ONTARIO NATURAL FOOD CO-OP” PRIVATE LABEL

At Ontario Natural Food Co-op, we’re committed to contributing to a sustainable food system that supports our local Ontario economy and organic family community. 

Our line of private label products under the Ontario Natural brand are produced in partnership with local Ontario growers and producers meeting today’s consumer demands – Buy Local, Naturally.

• Organically grown exclusively for the Ontario market
• Foods produced from local Ontario Farms
• Reduce food miles for a healthier environment
• Strengthen local economies

To see a full listing of Ontario Natural products click here.

NEW PRODUCT CRITERIA
We support products that are minimally processed or refined, certified organic and fair-trade, Canadian and local.

WE GIVE BACK

ONFC COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FUND
ONFC supports groups who have similar values and a vision to bring the message of sustainable food systems to the public.  For more information please click here.

ONFC GREENING COMMITTEE
Our vision, ‘Living in a sustainable world from seed to plate’ is put to work at every level of our organization. Our goal is to expand and enhance sustainability throughout the company.  We accomplish this by promoting internal and external information and education, via specific projects and initiatives.

Please view our mandate.

KITICHEN SCRAPS RECYCLING THROUGH GREEN BINS GROWING

Employee food waste and kitchen scraps are recycled through the Green Bins Growing office organics collection service provided by WASTENOT Worm Farm. This closed-loop organics management solution composts our food waste naturally, through the action of earthworms on a local farm, producing a valuable natural soil amendment known as worm castings. A portion of these castings are delivered to ONFC, where they are distributed to our avid gardeners.

The inherent sustainability of worm composting is evident when you consider that traditional aerobic composting requires both intensive heat and water inputs, and mechanized blending. Instead, worm composting is a bio-technology that utilizes natural processes in the worm’s intestine to transform a low value input (food waste) into a high value output (castings).

ONFC has been delighted with the transparent processing, exceptional service, and enhanced environmental performance, provided by Green Bins Growing. Check out wastenotwormfarms.com for more information about the Green Bins Growing service.

For more information, please click here.

PAPER PRACTICES
ONFC recognizes the energy intensive impact of paper production on the natural environment.  Therefore, we have made a commitment to the ecologically responsible use of paper within our organization.

CATALOGUE PRODUCTION

• ONFC catalogues are printed on Rolland 100 paper. Considered the best environmental choice on the market, it is 100% post-consumer fiber, FSC certified, processed chlorine free and manufactured using bio-gas energy.
• ONFC catalogues are printed with the Novavit 1 F 918 Supreme Bio Ink 9: an ink made with naturally replenishable vegetable oils which emit lower VOCs.
• We feature an environmental audit in each catalogue that tracks our paper footprint reductions.

CUSTOMER INVOLVEMENT

• Cardboard boxes can be returned to ONFC for reuse.  With the message “Please Return for Reuse” printed on every ONFC box we aim to reuse the maximum quantity of cardboard with the help of our community.

SUSTAINABILITY SCORECARD
The Sustainability Scorecard Project will measure ONFC’s business sustainability with a triple bottom line: economic, social and environmental.  This measurement will create a baseline from which initiatives can demonstrate their progress and effectiveness. 

SMARTWAY^TM  CERTIFICATION & SMART DRIVER TRAINING
We have adopted a pro-active approach in helping our transportation partners increase their fuel efficiency.  We are currently working on switching most of our shipments to carriers who have a SmartWay^TM certification or Smart Driver training. 

Please view the following links for more information:

http://fleetsmart.nrcan.gc.ca/index.cfm?fuseaction=smartdriver.highway

http://www.epa.gov/smartway/

HYBRID VEHICLES

We are proud to introduce our fleet of Prius Vehicles for our sales team. ONFC continues to look for ways to minimize environmental impact of delivery and transport methods.

THE SPIRAL TABLE: 
This project brings together members of the natural food industry in an exchange of knowledge, experience and ideas in ‘greening’ business operations and creating sustainable communities. ONFC is proud to be part of this group that co-operatively strives toward a more sustainable planet.

“Youth for Sustainability” is a Spiral Table project meant to engage Canadian youth in building a sustainable future.  Please view the website for more information.