SeeingGreen ™

Food co-ops are often the epicenters of communities large and small. They are beacons for people who care about what enters their stomachs, where their dollars go and how commerce is conducted. Food co-ops are not only a great place to purchase organic and healthy groceries, but also a resource for connecting to your neighborhood. Just looking at the bulletin board outside a co-op will give you the scoop on everything from rooms to rent, lost dogs and upcoming peace rallies.

Portland has several food co-ops, all worthy of a visit, but the most notable is People’s Food Co-op in Southeast Portland. Back in the day, People’s was housed in a small, simple farmhouse. The floor boards were worn, the interior was dark and cramped, and let’s just say that humans weren’t the only occupants. Although functional, the members of the co-op wanted more and they had a vision – to make People’s a model for sustainable business and green building practices. After many years of fundraising, community input sessions and several redesigns, People’s realized its goal in a way that shouldn’t be missed.

Although the architecture and materials aren’t necessarily my style (I prefer sharp edges over round corners), I appreciate the expression and intent of the new building. From the attractive bioswales, ecoroofs and subset planters that manage stormwater on site to the tactility of the cob walls, a walk through People’s is a living glossary of green building strategies.

A visit to People’s website will clue you in to other green features such as finishes with low-volatile organic compounds (VOC), a highly energy efficient ground source heat pump and the extensive use of reclaimed and recycled materials. My favorite feature though, is that on account of the current member’s careful planning and investment in healthy, durable materials, People’s Co-op will be around for a long time to come. So while you are filling your basket with food that sustains you, feel good that your dollars are going to an organization that uses its money to sustain community.

People’s Food Co-op
3029 SE 21st AVENUE
503.232.9051
OPEN DAILY 8AM-10PM