Ditching Our Bank

This has been a long time coming. When we moved back, we had every intention to find a local bank or credit union when we returned, but we honestly got a little lazy. We started with a big bank because my little sister was working at one at the time as a teller and she got a little bonus for signing new people up. The thing about big banks--they are convient. We didn't switch because of their easy online access (since our REI credit card is also from the same bank) and the abundant supply of ATMs (I hate ATM fees).

So, we are finally now proud members of Wings Financial Credit Union (formally City-County). There are many great credit unions and local banks in Minneapolis that our neighbors on our e-Democracy listserv recommended. We first narrowed our search by only going to visit those with Saturday hours because of our busy weekdays. We also wanted a credit union with more than one location in Minneapolis. We did a credit union tour on Saturday and popped into three different candidates. We went with Wings because they were in a convenient spot not too far from our duplex, very helpful and able to answer our questions with the most ease. In one place we visited, everyone smelled liked cigarette smoke and another was just so busy and not as conveniently located.

Additionally, Wings offers easy online banking, phone app for mobile banking, Twin Cities themed checks, 0.25% APY for our checking, 0.50% for our savings (0% and 0.05% at US Bank, respectively), and great CD options. We also feel apart of a banking family by having the ability to vote on the board of directors and attend annual meetings. Here's to truly local banking!

Seward Co-op and the P6 Movement

I am very proud of my co-op. Equal Exchange and 6 grocery co-ops in the United States (Seward being the only one from MN) have teamed up for the Principle 6 initiative to "promote small farmers/producers, co-operative businesses, and local farmers/producers" and "empower consumers to use their purchasing dollars to create an economy that embodies our highest values." Cool. The new labels are us, making decisions easier. If the item carries a P6 label, it meets two of the three criteria:

1) local (from MN, IA, ND, SD, or WI)
2) cooperative ownership of the business or nonprofit status
3) small farmer or producer which is independently owned and sells directly to stores or through a local distributor

Thank you, Seward, for making it easier to support the local economy and be more sustainable. Check them out and read more here.

Also, Seward recently received their LEED certification -- gold level. I love my co-op! Read more about it here.

Peace!

Two - Grocery Co-ops

When Guthrie and I lived in Atlanta, there was only one co-op in the entire metro area! Every time Guthrie and I would be back to visit, I would beg him to take me to the Wedge or the fabulous new Seward co-op, as that is where I get all of my power. I truly love my co-op. I do almost all of my shopping there -- no need for Rainbow or even Target. Sometimes it's hard to make greener more sustainable decisions with every purchase you make, but shopping at the co-op helps make the decisions easier. The products usually have a lower carbon footprint, are well labeled so you know if they are local, and are often organic and/or fair trade. Guthrie and I ran out to the Seward Co-op to become members there. As a former member of the Wedge, I am so happy to back supporting my co-op.

Choose one near you --

City Center Market - Cambridge

East Side Food Co-op - Minneapolis

Harvest Moon Co-op - Long Lake

Just Food Co-op - Northfield

Lakewinds Natural Foods - Minnetonka & Chanhassen

Linden Hills Co-op - Minneapolis

Mississippi Market - St. Paul

River Market Community Co-op - Stillwater

Seward Co-op Grocery & Deli - Minneapolis

St. Peter Food Co-op & Deli - St. Peter

Valley Natural Foods - Burnsville

The Wedge Co-op - Minneapolis

The membership is usually around $80 and you are purchase class C stock. Though if you find you don't like the co-op experience (who wouldn't?) you can always sell back your shares and get your money back. Though perks vary by co-op, you usually get coupons, perks like 10% off one purchase every three months, bulk items at a discount, a vote for the board, class discounts, newsletters, and access other fun member-only events.

For more information on your Minnesota co-ops, organic gardening tips, recipes, events, etc check out this website:  Twin Cities Food Co-ops

Let me know if you ever want to carpool to Seward! Happy shopping! Peace!