ABOUT US

Green Initiatives

Deep Roots Market's mission is to work toward a sustainable future. That means being more aware of the ways our operations affect the environment around us, all the way from the selection of products we bring to the store, to the energy we use in maintenance, to the by-products we throw away. Like many businesses now, we use email for many communications, print on the back side of paper, and recycle faithfully, but we're ever-working to improve our ecological footprint by considering new endeavors.

One of the most exciting and groundbreaking steps we have taken is to banish plastic bags from our checkout counters. Instead of giving out so many of these bags, which pollute our landscapes and seascapes, harm

We would love our store to have a green roof, skylights, and plenty of natural shade from nearby trees to regulate our in-store temperature year-round, but in the meantime we must still use air conditioning. We adjust it carefully, though, and save every gallon of water runoff to water our flowers in the summertime. (In 2007 alone, 500 gallons of reclaimed "waste" water from AC condensation helped to keep our plants looking gorgeous during city-wide water restrictions, due to one of the worst regional droughts on record.) We also encourage all Deep Roots staff members to get to work using means other than a single-passenger, fossil-fuel driven vehicle, awarding a $1 rebate every time they do so. Several staffers regularly take advantage of this policy by walking, cycling carpooling, or taking the bus to Deep Roots.

Our recycling efforts go a step beyond city pickup standards: We always attempt to first reuse the item before it heads back to our local recycling center or waste facility for reprocessing. Whether it be a box, container, or vegetable scrap, we locate individuals who may be interested in giving it a second life -- boxes as a way to transport groceries (or move house!), buckets for household and farm use, and veggie scraps as rich, organic (literally!) compost fodder.

One of our primary goals is to provide the community with access to locally produced natural foods and products. We are dedicated to bringing in new and unique items that you may have more difficulty finding in most grocery stores, and we take pride in making products available for those suffering from food- related allergies and issues, including wheat-, gluten-, sugar-, dairy- and soy-free goods. Many of these items are available only here at Deep Roots Market.

A Brief History

Deep Roots Market originated as a small natural foods buying club begun by students in the basement of Mary Hobbs Hall at Guilford College during the early 1970's. By 1976, ownership had grown large enough to sustain a small storefront business on Spring Garden Street near UNC-Greensboro. Incorporated in Washington , DC in 1980 under a model consumer cooperative act, Deep Roots became incorporated in North Carolina as a not-for-profit corporation in 1982. In response to major changes in the health food industry during the '80's, organic produce, dairy products and frozen foods were added to accommodate a burgeoning natural foods and vegetarian market. In September 1990, Deep Roots moved to its present location on Spring Garden Street -- only a few miles from its old location -- where it continues to grow, serving the health and nutritional needs of Greensboro and the surrounding greater Triad community. We are happy to say that in January 2006, we marked the beginning of 30 years in operation as we continue our mission of bringing the best of natural foods and products to the NC Triad.

Everyone who shops at Deep Roots Market is welcome to become an owner by purchasing, or subscribing for, one (1) share of voting stock. Unlike corporations that permit the purchase of multiple shares of stock by single owners, which can be bought and sold for profit, only one share of non-transferable Deep Roots stock is allowed per household. This gives each owner-household equal representation within the cooperative body.

The co-op is overseen by a board of directors who have been elected by owners from amongst themselves at the annual ownership meeting, which usually occurs each spring. It is the responsibility of the Deep Roots Board of Directors to envision, define and steer long-term objectives for the co-op's growth and health; establish the policies governing its effective functioning; and hire a General Manager when called upon to do so. Board of Directors meetings occur monthly and are open for observation by (and, with advance notice, participation of) any interested owners, unless specifically designated as closed sessions.