The Chronicle

DECEMBER2001/JANUARY2002 The Chronicle DECEMBER2001/JANUARY2002 Chronicle Staff for December/January

Inside Editor: Kelly Haggart Designer: David Sharp Turn your fork green 1 Copy editors: Kelly Haggart and Suzanne Molina Proofreader: James Grainger Shelf Elf 3 Karma’s home on the Web 4 Chronicle Committee Ian Galloway Your shampoo is hurting you 5 James Grainger Kelly Haggart Pretty Food 8 Margaret Meagher The co-operative cottage 10 Suzanne Molina (chairperson) David Sharp A seasonal appeal 12 Lis Soderberg Recipe: Emilio’s rustic pasta 13 The Chronicle is published by members of Karma Co-operative Inc. Manager’s report 14 739 Palmerston Avenue Welcome to the Board 15 Toronto, Ontario M6G 2R3 (416) 534-1470 telephone Food Issues: GMOs 19 (416) 534-3697 fax P&P events 20 The Chronicle is a link between members of this and other co- operative communities; the only viewpoints herein endorsed Letter to the editor 21 by Karma Co-op Inc. are those published as reports of the board of directors and its committees. Karma holiday hours 22 This newsletter is printed on Sandpiper environmentally- friendly paper stock: 100% post-consumer recycled; acid-free; bleached without chlorine; dyed with vegetable-based inks. Contributors Submissions Submissions are collected from the red box. Upcoming editori- Merlin Andrew Margaret Meagher al deadlines are posted on the bulletin board and the box. All envelopes and articles must be clearly marked with the Emilio Comay del Suisan Moffat author’s name. Please type and double-space your material. Junco Suzanne Molina Submissions may also be sent by e-mail, to Tooker Gomberg James van Bolhuis [email protected]. Send your submission within Paula Kutacova the main body of the message or save it as a text-only file, then send it as an attachment. The Chronicle will publish any Karma-related material, subject Cover by: David Sharp to editorial policy guidelines. Letters to the editor must contain Jerry Lee Miller Illustrations by: the writer’s full name and telephone number, although names will be withheld at time of publication upon request. All pub- Photos by: Gail lished articles are eligible for work credits (letters to the editor Herschel Suisan Moffat and announcements are not). o Toxic contaminants bioaccumulate through Turn your fork green the food chain, so eating meat and dairy products gives you a much greater toxic Tooker Gomberg dose. It was a pleasure to speak at the Karma Co-op 2. Is it local or distant? annual meeting. Karma is a special place in the o The average food molecule in Canada has concrete jungle — a place to buy healthy organic been transported 2,000 km from field to food, and a co-operative. In a world where compe- table. That requires diesel fuel for trucks, tition is worshipped and the corporate worldview is roads, refrigeration, and so forth, all con- ever more dominant, co-ops show that a different tributing to pollution and climate change. way of doing business is possible. o Buying local means the money circulates in Karma proves that through commerce we can build the local economy, rather than leaving community with a social and ecological conscience town, never to be seen again. — beyond profit. The fact that Karma is prosper- 3. Is it organic or not? ing shows that co-operation is a commercial model o Synthetic pesticides are toxic petroleum that works. products that disrupt the health of the soil One of the great challenges of our time is to find and on up the food chain; ways to lighten our impact on the Earth. We can o Organic food uses no chemical pesticides, substantially reduce our ecological footprint but rather natural pest controls and age-old through our food choices. Here are some questions systems of crop rotation. we can each consider when shopping. o Don’t lose hope: Change is happening! 1. Is it vegetarian or meat? Twenty years ago, “organic” was a Check out these statistics from People for the marginal idea; now we have Loblaws flog- Ethical Treatment of Animals: ging it on TV. 4. Is it genetically mutated? o The meat industry causes more water pollu- tion in the U.S. than any other industry. o There is growing concern about mutated o Raising animals for food consumes more foods (or Genetically Modified Organisms, than half the water used in the U.S. It takes or GMOs). They may reproduce and 2,500 gallons of water for a pound of meat squeeze out or take over native species, as versus 25 gallons for a pound of wheat. experienced by Percy Schmeiser in o Raising animals for food requires one-third Saskatchewan. They may harm the food of all raw materials and fossil fuels used in chain (research has shown that GMO corn U.S. pollen caused monarch butterflies to die) or our health (Arpad Pusztai, a researcher in o Other studies show that an animal-based the UK, showed that genetically mutated diet uses 10 to 40 times more energy than a potatoes fed to rats damaged their internal plant-based diet.

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December 2001 / January 2002 1 Turn your fork green Continued from page 1 Such magical and simple technology exists up Turn to the cosmetics and personal-care shelves, in Newmarket, where rotten food is digested in and you’ll notice that Karma has stopped carrying organs). SHELF ELF a wholly contained tank, and methane gas, or Tom’s shaving cream. It isn’t being manufactured o At the very least, we should label mutated natural gas, is the product. Talk about turning any more. Try the Burt’s Bees bay rum shaving foods to give people the choice to buy the garbage into gold! What’s new and soap, the Kiss My Face moisture shave, or the product or not. Aubrey Organics herbal mint and ginseng shaving Many people, I believe, are mourning the destruc- There are also broader community and justice cream instead. (See page 5 for more information tion of the natural world, and losing hope that different on Karma issues to be considered. As a candidate for mayor on cosmetics and personal-care items.) things can change. My hope comes from knowing last year I raised these issues in our food platform: that things do change, often in slow and subtle Co-op shelves Justin has ordered Meyenberg Evaporated Goat 1. Everyone in Toronto should have “food securi- ways. When I stopped eating meat 30 years ago, Milk in 354 ml cans. Goat milk is an extremely Suzanne Molina ty” - that is, safe, nutritious and affordable food my dad, a doctor, was so worried that he insisted I digestible dairy product, because it’s very similar Greetings, Karmians. The days are shorter, darker choices. In 1999, however, 90,000 visit a nutritionist. In the ensuing decades, to human milk. It’s particularly recommended for and colder, so pour yourself a hot cuppa, settle in Torontonians relied on food banks, my parents have dramatically reduced their those who are sensitive to cow’s milk or allergic to with The Chronicle, and learn all about the new and the number is growing. meat consumption for health reasons. soy. (Or both, as in the Elf’s case.) The Meyenberg products that have taken up residence on Karma’s Society is much more aware today of the product — which comes from Turlock, Calif. - can 2. We must stop the sprawl to protect shelves. high-quality agricultural land. wisdom of eating less meat. be used straight from the can in any recipe that Karma recently started stocking the ECOgent uni- calls for evaporated milk, and can also be reconsti- Protecting the Oak Ridges Moraine As I ponder how I can translate my yearn- versal cleaner, which is touted as an all-purpose tuted and used in any recipe calling for milk. (It will protect Toronto’s water source. ing for a healthier Earth into action, I solution good for the bath and kitchen as well as makes a fantastic pumpkin pie, according to offi- We’re stronger when we band know that riding my bike and turning my around the house. Developed for chemically sensi- cial results from the Elf’s test kitchen.) Meyenberg together. Join environmental groups fork green are two big steps. Karma helps tive individuals, this product is certified 100-per- goat milk also comes in powdered form like Earthroots. me turn ideas into action. It is a gift to cent natural and isn’t tested on animals. Toronto. Look down from the canned milk and you’ll spy 3. Stimulating urban agriculture would increase Manufactured by Cogent Environmental Solutions the Eden Organics line of canned tomato prod- the level of food self-sufficiency, create jobs, As I cherish the food choices Karma allows us, I Ltd. of Caledon, Ont., ECOgent is gentle on the ucts. Karma now carries Eden Organics diced ensure more nutritious food consumption, and am likewise mindful of Afghanistan, where mil- skin. It’s also suitable for those with asthma and tomato with green chilies (no salt, unpeeled), reduce smog and climate emissions. lions of people are at risk of starvation should the sensitivities to airborne chemicals because it emits crushed tomatoes (no salt, unpeeled) and 4. Expand community gardens dramatically. situation deteriorate. We need to find ways to less than 0.05 per cent volatile organic compounds pizza/pasta sauce (made with extra virgin olive oil Seattle has an extensive program with 45,000 reach out beyond our daily lives and help ensure (VOCs are the nasties that pollute indoor air) and roma tomatoes). Eden Organics is based in community garden plots. Toronto has long that everyone can eat as well as many of us do. With an oral toxicity similar to water, ECOgent is Clinton, Missouri. Check the company out at waiting lists to get a plot. This piece is based on Tooker Gomberg’s address suitable for use in households with children and www.edenfoods.com 5. We could utilize more space for food growing in to Karma’s Annual General Meeting in October. A pets. Both the original pour-top bottle version and Turn to the left and sidle over to the cheese fridge, the city such as rooftops and vacant lots. Sixty long-time environmental activist, writer and for- the “glass and surface” spray-bottle version and you’ll find some yummy new goat-milk cheese per cent of our produce comes from afar, half of mer Edmonton city councillor, Tooker joined degrade under anaerobic conditions. ECOgent is down on the bottom of the left-hand side. Karma which could be grown in or very near Toronto. Karma after moving to Toronto two years ago. perfect for septic systems and is non-hazardous to now carries products from the Mornington Find his inspiring ecological stories at: aquatic life. The company offers a full money-back 6. Plant fruit trees and berry bushes throughout Heritage Cheese and Dairy Co-op, including www.greenspiration.org. And find out about his guarantee. Call Cogent at (519) 927-3793 (now a the city. In Berkeley, guerrilla gardeners have parmesan, white-cheddar curds, marble (made 2000 campaign for mayor of Toronto, where he local call from Toronto) or go to www.ECOgent.ca been planting boulevard fruit trees. from orange and white cheddar), white cheddar, was runner-up with more than 51,000 votes, at: for more information 7. Transform food waste into compost (for fertil- www.GombergForMayor.org izer) and biogas (for electricity generation). Continued on page 4 2 December 2001 / January 2002 December 2001 / January 2002 3 Shelf Elf Continued from page 3 trick is knowing which chemicals are nasty, which are semi-nasty, and how far you’re willing to go to mozzarella and paneer (a traditional Indian Karma’s home Your shampoo is live a chemical-free lifestyle that’s easy on the cheese). All of Mornington’s products are made on the Web: environment. The next trick is knowing how to from pasteurized goat milk, all are rennet-free, and hurting you wade through the marketing hype. all contain active microbial enzymes and bacterial Suzanne Molina cultures. And you won’t believe the taste. The http://home.iSTAR.ca/~karma The Kiss My Face line isn’t a lot different from Milverton, Ont.-based co-op can be reached at Paula Kutacova Is your shampoo green or blue? Chances are it con- anything you’d see at Shoppers Drug Mart — tains artificial colouring made from coal tar. Does 1-866-995-9903 Karma now has a Web site. At this point, it is a meaning, it’s full of chemicals. The Kiss My Face your toothpaste foam up when you brush your moisture shave, for example, is advertised as fra- Over in the freezer, you’ll find Karma has started straightforward information site about the co-op. teeth? Chances are it contains the foaming agent grance-free and “natural,” but it contains a list of stocking several types of whitefish: haddock, sole There are some links, past minutes and reports. sodium lauryl sulfate. chemicals a mile long, including methly- and and turbot. These fish are all frozen at source, to Simplicity was on our minds during its creation, because not everybody has access to the newest propyl-paraben, TEA stearate and propylene glycol. guarantee freshness. All are ocean fish, which Here’s another question: Why, if you eat organic technologies. Computers and browsers might be Skip it. makes them a healthier choice than fish from the and whole foods, do you pour petro- and synthetic older, or Internet connections too slow for large polluted Great Lakes and certainly much healthier chemicals on your head? Moreover, why do you The Nature’s Gate and Neal’s Yard lines are bet- graphics and complex plug-ins. In short, no gim- than salmon or other farmed fish (which, in addi- put them in your mouth? ter, but not perfect. The Nature’s Gate herbal fra- micky stuff. tion to being genetically modified, are full of peni- The shampoos, cosmetics and other personal-care grance-free moisturizing lotion, for example, is cillin, growth hormones and dyes). The lack of technical complexity does not put limits items found in your local drugstore — and, unfor- advertised as “herbal,” “cruelty-free,” “produced on the site, and there could be more than just static without animal byproducts,” “biodegradable,” and However, some ocean fish has been fished nearly to tunately, on some of the shelves at Karma — con- information about Karma in the future. We could “formulated without fragrance for those with aller- extinction, and some is caught using methods that tain toxic chemicals and volatile organic com- consider creating a dynamic site, which could include gies or skin sensitivity.” All true. Most of the contribute to widespread environmental destruc- pounds that cause environmental degradation and a discussion board, on-line sign-up for work duties, ingredients are plant-sourced, and there are few tion. Sole and turbot are healthy stocks, and are immune-system dysfunction (manifested as rashes, checking members’ hours and so on. These goals are chemicals listed in the ingredients list. However, it fished sustainably. Haddock, on the other hand, itching and other symptoms). They’re the products achievable, providing we do the programming our- does contain methyl-paraben, which is toxic. The although a healthy stock, is fished using bottom- of an industry that places profit above safety and selves and use free technologies (so far, open-source Neal’s Yard Remedies vitamin E and avocado trawlers, which destroy the ocean floor. So sustainability. (The Body Shop? It’s about money, Linux, not commercial Microsoft, has been used). night cream also contains methyl-paraben, and the although all three are good healthwise, only two are honey. That stuff is about as “natural” as a three- Nevertheless, we have to keep in mind that some shampoos contain ammonium lauryl sulfate (a fished sustainably. (Speaking of sustainability, the headed chicken.) Karma members are not Internet users, and the Web foaming agent) and preservatives such as polysor- Elf looks forward to the day when Karma stops site is an addition to Karma life, not a necessity. But there are alternatives. Karma carries several bate 20. Better than the drugstore brands, but still selling not only farmed fish, but shrimp: Shrimp lines of natural personal-care products, including At this time, a small group oversees the work and not completely clean. trawlers produce less than 2 per cent of the world’s Burt’s Bees and Aubrey Organics. The Burt’s line maintains the site. Most of the people came from seafood, but are responsible for one-third of all is up to 98.67 per cent chemical-free, while the The Burt’s Bees product line contains no chemi- The Chronicle team, and are already very busy with bycatch (fish that are caught but rejected for rea- cals and no preservatives. Showing extra environ- other work. I believe there are other members in Aubrey line is certified organic, all-natural and sons of size, species or supposed lack of a market). mental awareness, the company also makes its Karma who have the programming experience to be (depending on the product) vegan. Karma also car- Shrimp trawlers also drown up to 150,000 endan- plastic containers from recycled jugs and pop bot- involved in maintaining and creating new features ries Neal’s Yard Remedies — and other lines, such gered sea turtles every year.) tles. Karma carries a variety of Burt’s Bees prod- for the site. The biggest advantage is that the work as Nature’s Gate — that contain some chemicals, ucts, including coconut foot creme, avocado butter That’s it for now. The Elf will be is done when you have time. If you’re inter- but in lesser amounts than drugstore varieties. hair treatment, rosemary mint shampoo, pepper- back next issue ested, we’d look forward to hearing from The store also carries lines such as Kiss My Face, mint shower soap, and milk and honey body lotion. with more you. Write us at: which — despite being health-food-store staples news. [email protected]. — are actually wolves in sheep’s clothing. The Continued on page 6

4 December 2001 / January 2002 December 2001 / January 2002 5 Shampoo... Continued from page 5 Aubrey Organics founder Aubrey Hampton was born on an organic farm in Indiana, which may 3. Petrolatum: Used in lip prod- 7. Stearalkonium chloride: Used All are mainly plant-sourced, except for those that ‘10 Most Wanted’ ucts and advertised as protect- in hair conditioners and explain his passion for purity. For more informa- contain honey (hence the company name). For ing the lips from sunburn and creams. Originally developed tion on the company and its vision — and the exact cosmetic chemicals more information on the company, visit chapping. But petrolatum is by the fabric industry as a fab- ingredients of every product — visit According to Aubrey Hampton, “If www.burtsbees.com or call 1-800-849-7112. mineral oil jelly, and mineral ric softener. Cheaper and easi- you want natural products, you www.aubrey-organics.com or call 1-800- oil causes photosensitivity and er to use in hair conditioning Finally, to the great-granddaddy of them all: have to be willing to search them AUBREYH (1-800-282-7394). This company is interferes with the body’s own formulas than proteins or Aubrey Organics. The Tampa, Florida-based out, to learn to read labels, and to the real deal, and so are its products. Try them and moisturizing mechanism — herbals. Causes allergic reac- company boasts a complete line of more than 150 refuse to settle for half-natural hair you won’t be disappointed. leading to sun damage, dry tions. Toxic. products that contain no synthetic chemicals, no and skin care.” Below are skin and chapping. This prod- Ah, but they’re expensive, right? Well, yes, they Aubrey’s 10 Most Wanted chemi- 8. Synthetic colours: Labelled as petrochemicals, no foaming agents, and no artifi- uct creates the very conditions are. But only because we’ve become used to the cals — the ones he wants to see FD&C or D&C, followed by a cial preservatives (Aubrey uses citrus seed extract it claims to alleviate. idea that personal-care products (and food) cost kept out of so-called “natural” hair colour and number (e.g., and vitamins A, C and E as antioxidant preserva- Manufacturers use petrolatum what the multinational companies say they cost. and skin products. FD&C Red No. 6). Believed tives instead). The company also uses recycled because it’s cheap. to be cancer-causing agents. They don’t — they cost more. Buying products plastic for its bottles and recycled cardboard for its 1. Imidazolidinyl urea and diazo- 4. Propylene glycol: This can be To be avoided at all costs, from companies such as Aubrey — which pays its displays. Aubrey was started in 1967, and certified lidinyl urea: The most com- vegetable glycerine mixed along with hair dyes. suppliers fair-market value for plant-sourced monly used preservatives after in 1994 as the first organic manufacturing plant with grain alcohol, both of 9. Synthetic fragrances: Can have goods, hand-crafts each batch, and uses quality parabens. Established by the (meaning, it handles organic ingredients with no which are natural. Usually, as many as 200 ingredients, ingredients — means paying more than you’d pay American Academy of contamination). It is currently seeking organic cer- though, it’s a synthetic petro- most of which are volatile a multinational conglomerate that uses the cheap- Dermatology as a primary tification for each and every ingredient. chemical mix. Causes allergic organic compounds (VOCs). cause of contact dermatitis. est ingredients and mixes them up in factories with and toxic reactions. No way to know what these Aubrey products are mixed each day, hand-crafted Two trade names: Germall II enough chemicals to allow them to sit on the shelf 5. PVP/VA copolymer: A chemicals are, since the label in small batches, and are never warehoused. and Germall 115. Neither for a decade or two. Which would you rather petroleum-derived chemical will simply say “fragrance.” (Although the citrus preservatives ensure product chemical has a good anti-fun- smooth all over your skin? used in hairsprays, wavesets VOCs cause headaches, dizzi- gal, and must be combined freshness for one year, the company ships each day and other cosmetics. Can be ness, rash, hyperpigmentation, It’s just like buying organic food: a little more with other preservatives. to maximize that freshness.) Karma currently car- toxic, since particles may con- violent coughing, vomiting, expensive, because it’s based on a more equitable Germall 115 releases ries a wide range of Aubrey products, including tribute to foreign bodies in the skin irritation and more. Don’t living for the producers and a more sustainable formaldehyde. Toxic. Saponin A.A.C. herbal root shampoo, ginseng lungs of chemically sensitive buy a cosmetic that has the vision as a whole. There is even room in a small shampoo, blue chamomile shampoo, Sea Wonders 2. Methyl- and propyl- and butyl- people. word “fragrance” on the ingre- budget for quality personal-care products: It just and ethyl-paraben: Used as face and body cleansing cream (great for the show- 6. Sodium lauryl sulfate: dients label. depends on what you want to make room for. inhibitors of microbial growth er, especially after the gym), ginseng face scrub, Synthetic substance used in 10. Triethanolamine (TEA): Used Besides, here’s the big secret: You will use a lot and to extend shelf life. herbal mint and ginseng shaving lotion, and sever- shampoos for its detergent and to adjust the pH and with fatty less of a quality product, because of its superior Widely used although known al moisturizers, cleansers and body lotions. There foam-building abilities. Causes acids to convert acid to salt formulation. A little bit goes a long way, so every- to be toxic. Cause allergic are products for men, women and children eye irritations, skin rashes, hair (stearate), which then becomes thing lasts twice as long as the drugstore stuff. reactions and skin rashes. (although women also use the men’s stuff). Special loss, scalp scurf similar to dan- the base for a cleanser. Causes Methyl-paraben combines ben- orders are encouraged, and the company also Finally, a question: What’s the largest organ in the druff, allergic reactions. allergic reactions including eye zoic acid with the methyl human body? The skin. It’s our first defence Frequently disguised in pseu- problems and dryness of hair makes cosmetics — such as Natural Translucent group of chemicals. Highly against outside invaders that would threaten our do-natural cosmetics with the and skin. Toxic when absorbed Base, a face powder made from silk powder, aloe toxic. vera, henna, allantoin and natural flower oil (i.e., immune system and overall health. So look for nat- parenthetic explanation into the body over a long peri- “comes from coconut.” od of time. no fillers, no stinkies, no colours, no crap). ural ingredients in your personal-care items. And give your skin a helping hand.

6 December 2001 / January 2002 December 2001 / January 2002 7 In 1906, the U.S. Congress passed an act that creat- Pretty Food Continued from page 8 son recently admitted to The Wall Street Journal. Pretty Food ed the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In the FDA said Red #3 would soon join the ranks of “You want that nag factor. … We’re not sure Mom 1938, the FDA began regulating the dye industry other banned reds. Eleven years later, the FDA would reach for it on her own.”) If you are a parent and made labelling mandatory. In 1960, a new law Web site says, “... FDA has announced its intent to with a hyperactive or learning-challenged child, I Part I: Food dyes was introduced that gave government control over propose rescinding [Red #3’s] listing [on the urge you to find out about how dyes could be Siusan Moffat how much of each colour could be used in a prod- Generally Regarded As Safe list].” It has taken a affecting them. What makes food appetizing and palatable? At one uct. Today, most dyes are made from coal tar. long time, but the mighty industry is shaking in its Because of the irrefutable evidence, tartrazine must time it was flavour: of a wild raspberry picked Since the 1800s, there have been 80 different artifi- boots, because not only is red dye used to make the now be listed on all labels in the U.S. and Canada. It straight off the bush, of an ear of corn that went cial dyes. At the moment there are only seven that colour red, it is also used in making many other is banned in Norway and Austria. The FDA says the from field to table in a matter of minutes. These are considered safe in the U.S. Every few years, colours. The industry will fight tooth and nail to occurrence of allergic reaction is small enough that days, however, industry dictates what is tasty and allegations are made about the toxicity of individu- save this toxic chemical. it will not ban the colour — it will only let con- superior, rather than Mother Nature. We have been al dyes. Yet for each dye that is banned, it becomes sumers know they are eating it. brainwashed to believe that food is better if it is harder and harder to convince the industry that uniform in taste, colour and appearance. The value Not just bad for bunnies Which brings up another extremely interesting even more dyes need to be taken off the shelves. It is rarely factored in when manufacturers decide on One might say, “All these studies show that artifi- thing: In the U.S., all colours must be listed on the has become quite a crisis for dye manufacturers, a product. cial dyes are bad for animals. ingredients label, while and it has become a question of money over health. Humans haven’t been hurt!” Canada is happy to just list In the next few issues of The Chronicle, I will be The more information we find about a dye being This is false. Since the 1970s, “colour” although tar- investigating what I consider the three evils in hazardous, the more the industry contests it. people have been making trazine must be specifically modern food: food dyes, artificial flavourings and Industry usually conducts its own research (which links between artificial dyes indicated. And since some preservatives. We are lucky at Karma to have such refutes the allegations), and then makes it a legal and behavioural problems, colours banned in the U.S. a wide variety of healthful, flavourful foods that do nightmare to try to get it banned. between dyes and hives and have not been banned in not contain these things. But if you walk into any The last banned dye was Red #2, in 1974, for caus- between dyes and life-threat- Canada, you have no idea supermarket, you’ll see that a high percentage of ing malignant tumours in rats. It caused such a ening asthmatic symptoms. what you’re ingesting products are modified by dyes, flavourings and ruckus in the press that the company that makes Unfortunately, many of these when you pick up that box preservatives, all in the name of supposedly giving M&Ms took out its red pieces, even though the cases have been in children. of Smarties or that lollipop. the consumers what they demand. company used a different red dye. The industry had Hyperactivity, attention If a chemical is banned in a new dye to take its place — Red #40 — but, iron- deficit disorder and many one country, it is terrifying Not as new as you’d think ically, this dye wasn’t tested as thoroughly as Red other mental disturbances to think we’re eating it Food dyes have been around since 1500 BCE. #2. In 1987, the red pieces were returned to every have been associated with the here. (There are horror sto- Illustraion by Siusan Moffat They came from plants and were used mainly to package of M&Ms, and both food and dye manu- ingestion of Red #40 and tar- ries about some countries hide spoiled or poor-quality products. (With shelf facturers sighed with relief, safe in the knowledge trazine (Yellow #5). not banning colours that are banned nearly every- life being what it is, nothing has changed. The use that people would soon forget the controversy. That’s bad enough, but it becomes even scarier where else, and of food manufacturers saving of dyes is simply hidden under the guise of “uni- when you realize that most of the food that is money by using dyes that were never intended to be form is better.”) In the 1800s, scientists began fid- Recently, Red #3 was put on the table for review. coloured is targeted specifically at children — and ingested. Some of these foods are imported into dling around with chemicals to produce food dyes Evidence proved it caused thyroid tumors in rats, it is children who are most at risk. (H.J. Heinz Co., Canada.) that would work better than the dyes found in but because of government regulations and its long- the makers of Heinz ketchup, has recently nature. Because no one knew better, arsenic and standing history, Red #3 was banned for use in The one thing that has saved our butts is the U.S. launched green ketchup in a squeeze-bottle specifi- other poisons were used in hard candies and pick- external application but not for ingestion. In 1990, government’s Delaney Clause. It states that if an cally designed to fit the hands of children. “All our les. People died. additive, in any amount, is shown to cause cancer, advertising is targeted to kids,” a Heinz spokesper- Continued on page 9 Continued on page 18 8 December 2001 / January 2002 December 2001 / January 2002 9 should be looking for a place that was already bought the park, wrote up a constitution and the addressed by this type of co-op: We cause no fur- The co-operative developed as much as it ever would be and where rest is history. ther development, nor is there any danger of fur- the other occupants shared our values about the ther development around us. The guidelines help The first thing most people ask when discussing quality of the cottage experience. us to keep our footprint smaller, and we are on a cottage any kind of co-operative ownership is: What exact- lake of like-minded people who value quiet and That’s when we discovered cottage co-ops. As we ly do I own? In this case, we own 1/500 of the land peace as we do. But there were some outstanding Margaret Meagher dug deeper, we discovered Harcourt Park, and this in the park and our cottage itself. Some banks have concerns: We still couldn’t afford a cottage, and I have a stressful job. I teach remedial English at is where we are now. Harcourt Park is a long, trouble with this, but the ones in the area know the even if we could, we would still have to justify an inner-city technical school and, after years of windy 20 minutes outside Wilberforce up on the situation. The land on which our cottage sits is owning a property that we could use only one increasing workload, in an environment of antago- Shield in the Haliburton Highlands, about three leased, not deeded, so the whole park is co-opera- weekend in four. That’s a bit excessive even for nism, mistrust and disrespect, my stress level has hours from Toronto. It comprises 7,000 acres of tively owned. Since the only people in the park are my level of desperation. So we asked around and become by far my biggest concern. It has become mixed forest with 17 lakes, co-owned by 500 fami- members or renters, everyone treats everyone found some friends in the same frame of mind and increasingly important to me to get away, to lies. Our lake is no-motor — some allow them, but else’s property as private. That’s in the constitu- we co-oped at the co-op. breathe fresh air, to be reminded that things no jet-skis tion. So, move in cycles of growth and decay, that the Now, we co-own our cottage with two other world doesn’t make sense, I make sense. couples and rotate weeks. The cottage gets So I began to look into the idea of a cottage. more care, we have more of a presence in our Now, my pay is decent, but not enough to community, and if we’re ever desperate for a buy a cottage. The middle-class cottage is, cottage experience on a weekend when it after all, increasingly rare. Further, I fear the isn’t our turn, we just call. We drafted an development of the Canadian wilderness and agreement outlining priorities and how we the encroachment of urban values and com- will dissolve our partnership when we need modities (read stress) on the countryside, and to. The first item on that agreement is “never I do not want to contribute to these. So, how feel bad about asking to come up when it do I address all these concerns, the high cost isn’t your weekend, and never feel bad about of cottage ownership and my need to keep refusing.” Three years later, it is all going my “footprint” tolerably small, with my swimmingly (skatingly, in winter). We can desire to be out in nature. In fact, I did find afford the cottage; all fees, repairs and other an answer: a co-op. expenses are split three ways; our environ- ment is protected, we keep our footprint When my husband and I first started looking into are allowed in when you buy a small; we have clear guidelines, we have a great cottages, we decided we wanted a place that was the park. Water quality is protected and monitored, leasehold in the park, you become a member of the piece of pristine wilderness and, most of all, we far from any other cottages, some place really there is a park security team, roads are plowed and non-profit corporation that owns and runs the park, share that experience with our friends and neigh- remote. That meant we would have to build our graded, and there is a community centre with a giving you one vote and the right to serve on the bours. own place (a nice little dream). We looked at many good well. Board of Directors. The leases all have 49 years till Check out www.foca.on.ca, the site of the lovely, unspoiled lakes, but there were always they need to be renewed. That ought to do it for How, you may wonder, do 500 families end up co- Federation of Ontario Cottage Associations, a other lots for sale and that meant years of building, me. We do pay property tax — about $600 — as owning a piece of land? Well, it all started out as a non-profit, voluntary organization representing ours and the other buyers’, as well as noise, stress well a $250 park fee. and no certainty about what the place might look private club for the members and guests of Sumcot more than 500 Ontario cottagers’ associations. like in 10 years. We couldn’t afford to buy a whole Development Corp. and when, in the mid-seven- In this park, there is a moratorium on further lake, so we began to entertain the idea that we ties, the time came for Sumcot to sell, the members development, so some of our main concerns are

10 December 2001 / January 2002 December 2001 / January 2002 11 A seasonal appeal Recipe Emilio’s rustic pasta Merlin Andrew Ailurphobes, and all those who deny 450 grams fusilli pasta humanity’s bond with the Other 1 red pepper, chopped Kingdom, turn the page quickly. 1 bunch of green onions, chopped In my easily perceived Almonds, chopped felinophilia (Hi, Sophie; Hi, Billy), I wanted to offer a sea- Pine nuts sonally appropriate piece for this 2 pears, chopped Christmas Chronicle, an article in Feta, crumbled keeping with the Christian ethic Raisins of compassion and love. Olives, depitted Whether or not we are Christian Vinaigrette is beside the point. I believe there is not one of us who is Cook pasta. Put in bowl and add untouched by the story that other includes the words “no room at the ingredients. Serves 8. inn” - encapsulating in that simple phrase the plight of all who have no place Karma member Emilio Comay del of shelter, no food to stay their hunger, Junco is little possibility of a kindly word or a help- 10 years old. ing hand. From the homeless men and women on Toronto streets to the lonely and elderly shut-ins, from the makeshift shacks in the ravines to the frantic mother cat searching for food for her hungry kittens — these are the ones for whom there is no room at the inn. Illustrations by Gail So, Karma members, in your charity and love, remember all these at Christmas. Fill the Food Bank box to overflowing — and throw in a couple of cans of cat and dog food as well. A happy, safe holiday to you all.

Illustration by Gail

12 December 2001 / January 2002 December 2001 / January 2002 13 Full-case purchase discount Manager’s report The Karma Board has approved a new policy Introducing Karma’s that we are going to introduce on a six-month James van Bolhuis trial basis. Karma has always had a mark-up that new Board I’d like to say a very large thank you to all the members I have signed Karma up to participate in a program to is applied equally to all products regardless of President: who volunteered for and attended this year’s Annual help out the Daily Bread Food Bank. We have a drop quantity. But after many requests from members, Caitlin Smith General Meeting. It was the best — and the best attend- box in the front foyer where members can drop off their we have decided to offer a 10-per-cent discount ed — AGM I have seen in my years at Karma. Many used ink-jet printer cartridges. Daily Bread will pick Vice President: on full-case purchases. thanks to the outgoing board for their contributions to these up and have them recycled, and put the money Jen Macdonald the AGM, and to the people who stepped forward to earned on this toward its own programs. So, if you can, A few simple rules will apply: Treasurer: join the new board. please do help them out in this way. o the purchase must be done as a special order Charlie Lior At the meeting, I stated that I was not going to seek the The store continues to see growth in sales and member- only, so as not to deplete general stock Secretary: General Manager’s position at Karma. But after much ship. With this consistent growth, the working members Jennifer Foster thought and much talk with members, I have decided to of Karma are becoming ever more important to the day- o the discount applies to full, unopened cases apply for the job. Thanks to all the members who gave to-day operations of the store. So if you take advantage of only, to minimize staff handling and pricing me their vote of confidence. And if I do become the one, the working-member prices, please do your part and o the purchase must be picked up within one Board Liaisons to Standing Committees: I am looking forward to the week of receiving (to minimize overstock) or Chronicle: challenge. it will be put into general store merchandise Jerry Lee Miller After two years as Karma’s o if the item ordered is perishable, such as Events: grocery manager, Justin yogurt or cheese, the member will still be Anil Reddi McNabb has decided to required to purchase the product if they fail to move on and has taken a Finance: pick it up before its expiry date position at the Ontario Charlie Lior Natural Food Co-op. We To allow all members to take advantage of this Trevor Moo are going to miss Justin, but offer, a “share board” will be put up in the over- Food Issues: wish him all the best in his stock room so that members can post messages Jen Macdonald new career. On a trial basis, with a view to splitting cases with other members. Candace and Audrey are Long-Range Planning: going to take over Justin’s Carole D’Aoust-Martin ordering duties, and be reti- Maintenance: tled “Perishable Purchaser” Carole D’Aoust-Martin and “Non-Perishable Orientation: Purchaser.” It might take a Photo by David Sharp little time for them to get Anil Reddi make sure you join a work team and contribute, because used to their new roles, so if you find something miss- Outreach/Web: we need you! ing on the shelves, please have a bit of patience because Tracey Thomas things will get back on track before you know it. Please check out our holiday hours on the back cover of Aysa September this issue: Put them on your fridge so you don’t get Karma also has a new clerk. Evan Kroeker has been caught without the things you might need from Karma. Supervisory: working hard in produce and grocery for the past couple Caitlin Smith of months. Do say hello when you’re in. Happy holidays! Tall Pine Drummers drummers get the Karma AGM off to a lively start Continued on page 16

14 December 2001 / January 2002 December 2001 / January 2002 15 Karma’s new Board Karma’s new Board Carole D’Aoust-Martin change. I’ll continue this year in my role as Food I’m a lapsed PhD student, interested in co-operative Caitlin Smith This is my third year as a Karma Board member, and Issues Committee Liason, assisting the committee community economic development and using I’ve been a member of the co-op since 1981. I my fifth year as a Karma member. I am Board liaison in their task of examining the Karma Product Policy Karma — with all its problems — as a model for instantly fell in love with “the Karma experience.” and Genetically Modified Foods. urban approaches to such development. One of for the following committees: Long-Range Planning, Over the years, I’ve been a cashier, done clean up, those problems is that people’s lives are too busy Maintenance and Capital Projects and Hiring. In my life outside Karma, I am a health-promotion and sat on the board of directors, the Orientation and they rarely devote enough time to developing consultant in the areas of community development Maintenance and Capital Projects are of special the spirit of local community. Committee and the Supervisory Committee. and capacity building, with interests in social justice interest to me: I have also been a member of a con- I’m a marketing manager and writer. I’ve just made and income inequality. dominium board for the past five years. Anil Reddi a career change to the world of fundraising. In my daytime occupation, I manage a team of ana- I’ve been a member of Karma Co-op since 1989, Karma’s greatest challenges are member retention lysts and developers in information technology and Jerry Lee Miller and have worked on almost every work team and member labour. I’m looking forward to working I am the father of a teenaged daughter. I am also an geographic information systems. (except cash) in the store. I worked most recently with the new board to come up with creative and artist, literacy and human right activist, radio broad- on the New Member Orientation Committee, which innovative ways of addressing these challenges. caster and have worked in television. Jennifer Foster I really enjoyed. I valued the interaction with new I am a returning Karma board member. I’ve worked I have been a Karma member for just under a year. members, and will miss working with the commit- Tracey Thomas on developing the organization’s membership base, As an organic food forager, I love the store. I whol- tee’s co-ordinator, Charles Danzker. I have been a working member of Karma since I communications and outreach strategies. I have ly support the co-operative movement and am eager I used to live in Western Canada, and was on the joined as a teenager in 1987. I joined because I experience working with diverse communities, to help Karma flourish in my role as Secretary on managing committee of a food co-op there. I believe food and housing are fundamental to human within an anti-oppression framework. In addition, I the Board of Directors. believe in the “traditional” concept of a member- life and community and should not be subject to all have facilitated recruitment, orientation, training, owned food co-op. I believe Karma is facing many that evil capitalist market stuff. Away from Karma, I am a lawyer specializing in event planning and workshops. health issues related to privacy and to human repro- challenges, and that I can make a positive contribu- I joined the Board to pay my dues to the Karma Karma is more that a place to shop for me; I’ve been ductive and genetic technologies. I look forward to tion. Outside of Karma, my interests include pho- community (also because I faced no competition for treated with respect and made friends. Now I am becoming more involved in the Karma community tography and travel. this prestigious opportunity) - and to make up for sharing my talents. over the next year. the shift I missed when I had morning sickness, and Aysa September the shift where I spilled 18 kg of organic coffee. I Trevor Moo I joined Karma Co-op after moving to Toronto in Charlie Lior am the Outreach Liaison for the Board. I’ve been a Karma member since 1994 and am in the May 2001. While in Waterloo completing my mas- I grew up in Toronto and lived here until 1973. I I am the mother of a seven-year-old daughter. I work second year of a two-year term on the board. I served ter’s degree in organizational psychology, I was a lived on an agricultural kibbutz in Israel from 1974 full-time as the property manager with Homes First to 1987, when I returned to Toronto. I’ve been a on the board of the Ontario Natural Food Co-op for member of Ebytown Food Co-op for two years. I Society, which provides housing and transitional sup- Karma member since 1988. two terms, and was treasurer for one term. I was also was a purchaser for Ebytown’s main supplier, Ontario Natural Food Co-op, and served on the board port to chronically homeless people. Although I I agreed to serve on the board as a way to give back on the board of the Canadian Co-operative of directors covering the purchasing portfolio. don’t live in the Karma neighbourhood, I trod 40 to the Karma community some of the positive ener- Association (Ontario Region) for about five years. minutes through the snow with my pram and I’d do it gy that I get from being a member. In addition to my previous volunteer experience I’m currently on the Member Labour ad hoc com- with a food co-op, I bring to Karma my dedication again just to have food with good Karma. mittee and am looking for committee members. I to co-operative principles and sustainable living. I’m I entertain the perverse and naive fantasy that some Jen Macdonald also sit on the Finance committee and the new ad currently seeking employment related to sustainabil- I’m continuing on the Karma Board of Directors for day I will produce herbs and herbal health-care hoc committee looking at how information can be ity initiatives. My particular interests include trans- the second year of a two-year term. I joined the products from my riverside country home. See gathered in a timely manner and used effectively for portation, urban planning, renewable energy and board with an interest in working in the area of Hello Crafts on the shelf ... see my Board photo ... decision-making at Karma. green economics. organizational structure and policies and how they now you know who to complain to! affect an organization’s growth and ability to I want to see Karma become stable enough to grow. 16 December 2001 / January 2002 December 2001 / January 2002 17 Pretty Food Continued from page 9 free bulk products, we will discuss with Karma managers the possibility of labelling. In the case of it must be banned. But even on the FDA Web site, the Chemical cuisine GMO concerns produce (including some bulk goods — e.g., dried decision makers are saying that the Delaney Clause is Here is a list of the seven food dyes per- apricots) there are some crops that have not yet out of date because scientific studies can show cancer is Food Issues Committee mitted in Canada and the U.S.. been modified, meaning even conventional produce induced by the smallest amount of usage and that this At the recent Annual General Meting, several mem- will be GMO-free. amount is therefore “trivial” and should not be taken * Red #3 (Erythrosine): thyroid cancer, bers called for action on the genetically modified into account when approving additives. If the Delaney hives. Banned in Norway, Australia, organisms (GMOs) found in products at Karma. In As reported at the AGM, the Food Issues Committee Clause is wiped out, there won’t be much standing in other places except Britain. response to this call, the Food Issues Committee is currently preparing a member survey, the results the way of industry bringing in new chemicals or relist- * Red #40 (Allura Red AC): has a few observations and action points. of which will inform a product policy revision and ing old ones that have been proved toxic. tumours/lymphomas. Banned in It is our view that most of the GMO-free products corresponding action plan. In the interim, the com- mittee's Andrew Macdonald has agreed to: We have been taught that foods have certain colours. But Denmark, Belgium, France, Germany, that we carry are identifiable as such. A product the reality is, if you make strawberry ice cream at home, Switzerland, Sweden, Austria and that is certified 100-per-cent organic will be GMO- o get a list of GM foods as well as GMO-free it will never have the colour of Norway. free. Questionable cases arise where products con- manufacturers and find a space in the store to a commercial brand. We have * Blue #1 (Brilliant Blue FCF): tain sufficient organic ingredients to be labelled post it organic, but still contain non-organic ingredients been taught that the bright- Bronchoconstriction (combined o approach management to discuss the efficacy of that may contain GMOs. pink commercial look is bet- with Red #3), chromosomal dam- labelling GMO-free bulk foods, as well as to ter, superior to our own age, Eosinophilotactic response. When a product is GMO-free, the producer will discuss the potential for putting pressure on light-pink dessert. We Banned in Belgium, France, typically use a label to promote this fact. If GMO- manufacturers and distributors who are not must unlearn what the Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, free products aren't identified, pressure should be identifying GMO-free foods. food industry has taught us. Austria, Norway. brought to bear on the manufacturers We are trying to do work that has useful short- and and distributors. If There are many companies that * Blue #2 (Indigotine): Nausea, long-term benefits for Karma, and we invite your there are GMO- don’t use artificial dyes. vomiting, high blood pressure, rashes, questions and comments. SunSpire is one such candy com- breathing problems, brain tumours. pany (even their M&M-type candies Banned in Norway. are coloured with dyes from nature). Illustration by Gail Some juice companies use grape- *Yellow #5 (Tartrazine): asthma attacks, Illustrations by Gail skin extract and beet root for (purple) colour. Other nat- rashes in children, thyroid tumours, ural dyes that are on the market and have no side effects chromosomal damage, hives, hyperac- include beta-carotene (orange yellow), lycopene (red), tivity. Banned in Norway and Austria. Fun with colours Concentrate the dye by boiling without a lid for calcium carbonate (white) and turmeric (yellow). Required listing in the U.S. and Canada. about ½ hour. Here are some recipes for do-it-yourself natural * Yellow #6 (Sunset Yellow): allergy We should pressure industry to stop using chemicals dyes. I haven’t tried them out yet, but you can Red: Slice 2 beets into 2 cups of water. Boil symptoms, hyperactivity, kidney when there are perfectly decent, non-toxic natural alter- probably add a tablespoon of the following mix- beets until they are cooked. Save beets to eat. tumors, chromosomal damage, abdomi- natives. Until then, whole foods and homemade foods tures to icing and the like and get a neat colour Concentrate the dye by boiling without a lid for nal pain, nausea, vomiting. Banned in are the best. without any of the vegetable flavour. ½ hour. Norway. Siusan Moffat is a Karma member. Brilliant yellow: Add 1 tbsp. ground turmeric to Purple: Add 5 or 6 outer leaves from a red cab- * Green #3 (Fast Green): Bladder If you would like more information on the Web sites she 1 cup water. Boil mixture for 10-15 minutes then bage to 2 cups of water. Boil. Concentrate the tumours. Banned in Norway. -SM used to research this article, e-mail her at drain through a coffee filter to remove grains. dye by boiling without a lid for ½ hour. [email protected].

18 December 2001 / January 2002 December 2001 / January 2002 19 radical, non-violent social change, written lation between member income and how much the People & planet- and compiled by Brian Burch, a Dear Editor, member spends at Karma. I spend a large propor- Toronto-based writer with a history of tion of my income at Karma, not because I have activism going back to the Vietnam The Chronicle finally has e-mail! I’ve often oodles of money but because I like the food and friendly events thought of writing in about this or that issue, but support Karma’s philosophy. I do my work shifts War. The overall focus is on non-violent now that you are easily accessible by e-mail, I’ve at Karma because I believe in it as a concept and a protest and ways to develop and imple- South Riverdale environmental liaison, finally put mouse to screen. But why on earth community, not because I’m earning some theoret- Wed Jan 16, 6-8pm, Toronto ment practical alternative social institu- would you still want contributors to drop off a ical $ per hour based on how much money I drop tions. Price (incl. postage & handling): Meet neighbours, Ministry of paper copy of submissions? In this day and age, at the till. If you penalize the working members $12. Cheques should be made payable to Environment, Public Health, city planners that’s really retro and a waste of paper. who are bigger spenders, Karma will lose income Toronto Action for Social Change, P.O. and strength, quality of selection will degrade, the and others to discuss local environmental I enjoy reading The Chronicle and appreciate its Box 73620, 509 St. Clair Ave. West, Toronto, labour pool will weaken and we will proceed issues affecting health and quality of life, illustration of the depth of commitment to the envi- Ontario, M6C 1C0. More info: 416-651- downhill. from pollution to parks planning. Free. ronment and Karma’s contribution to sustainable 5800 [email protected] Third Wed. of every month; call for loca- living practices. It makes me feel good about shop- If you really want to be progressive, let’s go back ping at Karma. I have found that once you get tion (it changes). Info: Paul Young 416- Label this! - new Web site — to mandatory work shifts for those who are physi- hooked on all the tasty organic and alternative cally able. I’m convinced that the end of mandato- 461-1925 x241 www.labelthis.org stuff, it makes the more mainstream stuff seem ry work shifts is a great trap door for slackers (I Guelph organic conference and trade A new citizens’ labelling movement is expos- bland and overprocessed. don’t buy the busy-ness argument). Those who ing the genetic experiment in our food. Did join Karma as working members are making a show, I usually read The Chronicle cover to cover. In the commitment. I’ve dragged my tired ass across Fri-Sun Jan 25-27, Guelph you know that more than 70 per cent of pro- Oct/Nov 2001 issue, I was disturbed by Mark town many nights for a clean-up shift. The elimi- cessed foods in North America contain untest- Davidson’s proposal for “progressive fees.” It Canada’s largest public, organic event. nation of mandatory work shifts did not eliminate ed genetically engineered ingredients? None of sounds like he’s suggesting that our discount and Organic trade show and food-tasting fair with the no-show problems caused by those who are these is even labeled: North American con- member fees be on a graduated scale based on more than 100 tables (free to public). More careless with their time or choose to play hooky. It sumers are left unprotected, eating in the dark. income or the amount we spend at Karma, because than 30 workshops and courses for all levels of also dried up the labour pool and put more pressure those working members who spend more at Karma Practical tools and advice to help you take action. on those remaining, as well as pressure on those interest. Keynote (Saturday): Gunnar Rundgren, get a larger net amount each month off their gro- dedicated clerks who work for low pay (social jus- President of the International Federation of And topical links: cery bill from the working member discount (8 per tice — where are you now?) Reboot mandatory Organic Agriculture Movements: http://www.planetfriendly.net/food.html cent), which translates to more money earned per work shifts, and pay our staff more so they will “Organics in Europe: Lessons For North workshift hour. For more peace, environment, tend to stay longer and become more experienced American Agriculture.” Guelph food and organics listings, If I’m reading between his lines correctly, he’s and better able to manage the store and direct the University Centre. Info: 519-824- see www.planet- proposing that if we earn more or spend more at member labour efficiently. I think the staff are 4120 x2558; [email protected]; friendly.net. Events, Karma, our discount would decrease, and fees great — I have no complaints — but a high http://guelph2002.organic- increase relative to other members. This scheme courses, broadcasts, turnover is a killer for long-term viability. farms.ca sounds like: a) big brother, b) a disincentive to announcements, jobs. Perhaps the change to allowing non-worker status and shop, c) penalizing working members, and d) a boosted Karma’s income, so would have been a Free weekly e-mail bureaucratic and accounting nightmare. It’s not www.gks.com/OrgConf/ trade off, but I think that Davidson’s proposed subscription: like members now get higher percentage discounts “progressive fees” would be all-round detrimental Resources for Radicals — people@planetfriend- based on volume of spending — that would be to Karma. Remember, we’re all in this together — 3rd edition now available ly.net. All brought to regressive. How his proposal would practically rich and poor. Let’s not start some sort of reverse you by Karma mem- work is quickly glossed over — what does he An annotated bibliography of pecking order based on income. print resources for those involved in ber Peter Blanchard. mean by a graduated loan schedule? Lisa Simkins the entire spectrum of movements for I think you will find that there is not a strong corre-

20 December 2001 / January 2002 December 2001 / January 2002 21 Karma Co-op Staff

General Manager Member Labour Coordinator James van Bolhuis (acting) Betsy Carter Produce Manager Michael Armstrong CLERKS Health and Beauty/Grocery Sheila Bannerjee Manager Sarah Fairley Audrey van Bolhuis Brandy Humes Bulk Grocery Manager Evan Kroeker Candace Cuss Scott Maynard Bookkeeper Erica Wilson Victoria Bale Membership Secretary On-Call Manager Marilou Lawrence Robin Easton

Karma Co-op Hours of Operation Mission MONDAY 12 – 7 TUESDAY 12 – 9 Statement Our aim is to: WEDNESDAY 12 – 9 THURSDAY 12 – 9 1. create a community of actively participating FRIDAY 10 – 9 members; SATURDAY 10 – 6 2. foster a healthy connection to the food we eat, SUNDAY 11 – 5 the people who grow it, and the other organi- Holiday hours zations who share our beliefs; Dec 23: 11 – 6 3. co-operatively educate ourselves on environ- Dec 24, 25, 26: Closed mental issues; Dec 27, 28, 29, 30: Normal hours 4. exercise political and economic control over Dec 31: 12 – 5 our food; Jan 1: Closed Jan 2: Back to normal hours by operating a viable co-operative food store.