General News
2 August, 2024
Unpackaged celebrates 30 years
WARRNAMBOOL Unpackaged Food Cooperative is this month celebrating 30 years of community and sustainability.
The organisation will today (Friday) celebrate three decades of commitment to sustainability, community, and waste reduction.
From its humble beginnings in a home garage, the cooperative has grown into a thriving community venture with over 100 products, all managed by dedicated volunteers.
Founded in March 1994 through the Kairos program (a 12-month course of study, community service, and mission run by the Warrnambool Uniting Church), Unpackaged was established to facilitate collective purchasing of products without unnecessary packaging.
The cooperative continues to uphold its founding principles, ensuring products are purchased in bulk to minimise packaging.
Products are sourced directly from wholesalers to keep costs low and prioritised from Australian and local producers where possible.
Louise Serra, coordinator of the Warrnambool Unpackaged Food Cooperative, expressed her pride in the cooperative’s journey and its impact on the community.
“Our cooperative has always been about more than just food; it’s about coming together as a community to make sustainable choices that benefit us all,” Ms Serra said.
“Over the years, we’ve seen incredible support from our members, who share the labour of ordering, collecting and distributing products, ensuring that we can all enjoy high-quality, affordable, and sustainable goods.”
By purchasing in bulk directly from wholesalers, members benefit from significant cost savings, making high-quality products more accessible to the community.
This model not only reduces packaging waste but also offers substantial financial benefits to members, who can purchase essential items at reduced prices.
“Our success is a testament to the power of community action. By working together, we’ve shown that it’s possible to make a significant impact on reducing waste and supporting local businesses,” Ms Serra said.
“We’re excited to continue this journey and to see what the next 30 years bring.”
In addition to providing cost-effective and sustainable products, the cooperative fosters a vibrant community spirit through the sharing of recipes and tips.
Members regularly exchange ideas on how to use bulk-purchased items, creating a supportive network that enhances the cooperative experience.
These shared resources help members make the most of their purchases and encourage a culture of sustainability and creativity in the kitchen and household.
The cooperative operates once a month, with members paying a small annual fee to participate.
This model has allowed the community to access a wide range of products while staying true to the cooperative’s environmental and ethical values.
As the Warrnambool Unpackaged Food Cooperative celebrates this milestone, it invites the community to join in its mission of promoting sustainability and community spirit.
