July 2024

Troubled Waters - Microplastics in our Water Supply 💧💧💧

July is coined 'Plastic-Free month' - which is why we're diving into how plastic affects the food chain, our watershed, and ultimately - our health. We want to give you the facts, but also some solutions. While reality can be a bit grim, the goal is to take charge and DO something about it! Let's go!
The history of research around plastic pollution begins in the middle of the ocean basins, thousands of kilometers from land, in the central gyres. The first scientific findings of marine plastic debris were published in the journal Science in 1972, but plastic pollution is more than just what meets the eye.  Since the early 2000’s more and more research has been conducted on what marine biologist Richard Thompson coined as “microplastics” to reference the ubiquitous small particles found in ocean sediments and surface waters.  Microplastics (MPs) are now defined as small bits of plastic, 5 millimeters or less, and either engineered for end-products, or the result of environmental degradation of polymer-based trash. 

Primary MPs are intentionally engineered tiny plastic particles and are used for commercial use in products such as cosmetics, as well as microfibers shed from clothing and other textiles, such as fishing nets. Secondary MPs are the small fragments of plastic from degraded large waste such as plastic bags and bottles.

We often marvel at the crystal-clear blue waters of Lake Tahoe, but beneath the surface lies an invisible threat - microplastics. These tiny particles, invisible to the naked eye, are becoming a grave concern for our beloved lake and its delicate ecosystem.  A recent study conducted by researchers from the Desert Research Institute, Nevada, in collaboration with the University of Nevada, Reno, and the Tahoe Environmental Research Center, revealed the concerning presence of microplastics in Lake Tahoe's water. The team collected samples from various locations around the lake and analyzed them for microplastics.

Shockingly, out of 38 lakes and reservoirs world-wide Lake Tahoe had the third highest concentration of plastic and the researchers found microplastic particles in more than 90% of the samples collected. With 5.4 plastic particles per cubic meter, Tahoe is cited as one of three lakes where microplastic concentrations are higher than those found in the notorious ocean gyres of floating garbage.  The particles found in Lake Tahoe were primarily tiny fibers, likely originating from synthetic clothing shed during washing or drying. Other sources of microplastics include plastic bags, packaging materials, and single-use plastics that break down into smaller pieces over time. Lake Tahoe is the largest body of water within the Northern NV Foodshed and feeds directly into the Truckee River.  
At GBCFC, we define Local as those products that are produced within our foodshed. We define our foodshed as the watershed (or drainage basin) of the Truckee, Carson, and Walker Rivers. Water is the geographical lifeblood of our community, and all farmers in the Great Basin share this scarce resource and have to keep it clean for everyone to thrive... Lake Tahoe is the top of our watershed and feeds directly into the Truckee River.  The black-edged border in the graphic below outlines the Northern Nevada Foodshed. 

The presence of microplastics in Lake Tahoe's water is worrisome, as they pose a significant threat to the lake's ecosystem. Aquatic organisms, from tiny zooplankton to larger fish species, inadvertently consume these particles. As the microplastics accumulate in the food chain, they can have adverse effects on the health and reproductive capability of marine life. 

Additionally, microplastics also impact the water quality by absorbing harmful chemicals. These chemicals then become concentrated on the surface of the particles and can potentially release into the water, posing threats to both aquatic life and plants. MP stress has a direct interaction with the plant roots because MPs can be adsorbed onto root hairs, thus affecting root growth (Bosker et al., 2019). In leaves, MP stress most likely causes oxidative stress, thus reducing leaf growth and photosynthesis (Lian et al., 2021; Colzi et al., 2022). 
GBCFC's Nutrition Education Director goes into more detail in her article below on the risks of MPs on human health... she also provides some very practical steps that you can take to reduce the exposure of MPs in your life. 🤗

The presence of microplastics in Lake Tahoe's water calls for immediate action. As a community, we can take several steps to reduce the amount of MPs in our watershed:

1. Minimize single-use plastics: Opt for reusable alternatives like cloth shopping bags, stainless steel water bottles, and glass food containers.

2. Choose clothing wisely: Select garments made from natural fibers, such as cotton or wool, which shed fewer microplastics during washing.

3. Proper waste disposal: Ensure proper recycling and responsible waste management practices to prevent plastic debris from entering our waterways.

4. Raise awareness: Inform friends, family, and acquaintances about the issue of microplastics, encouraging them to make sustainable choices.

5. Buying groceries in bulk can have a significant positive impact on reducing microplastic waste. When purchasing items like rice, pasta, and cereals in bulk, consumers can eliminate the excessive packaging that often accompanies smaller individual portions. By bringing reusable containers to refill, shoppers can avoid adding unnecessary plastic containers and bags to their waste stream. Additionally, buying larger quantities of fruits and vegetables allows for a reduction in the use of plastic bags and packaging materials. This shift towards bulk purchases not only reduces the amount of plastic entering landfill or ending up in oceans, but also contributes to raising awareness about the harmful effects of microplastic waste on our environment.

Microplastics in Lake Tahoe's water represent a growing concern for our environment and health. By raising awareness, making conscious choices, and advocating for stronger regulations, we can work towards reducing the release of microplastics into our ecosystems. Let us come together as a community to protect the beauty and integrity of Lake Tahoe, ensuring a cleaner and healthier future for generations to come.
Written and researched by Daryan Glenn, co-op member-owner and adjunct staff 🩷🩷

PLA Versus Plastics -
A Case Study

Back in February we introduced you to one of our newest producers - Little Frog Farm (also 20% off this month).  
When Brenton of Little Frog Farm used to be the Local Food & Sustainability Coordinator at the co-op, our team spent hours debating whether PLAs are truly better for the environment than standard plastic (see chart below).  Most plastics photodegrade into smaller particles but never fully biodegrade. In a controlled environment, PLA will naturally break down, returning to the earth, so it can be "classified as a biodegradable and compostable material". However, none of the PLAs in Nevada will find their way to an industrial composting facility... because WE DON'T HAVE ANY HERE!  Even our largest compost facility, Full Circle Compost, isn't capable of reaching the temps needed to break down most PLA containers and utensils on the market. A bunch of us have tried to experiment with PLAs in our home compost piles and the products NEVER BROKE DOWN, even after years. In realizing this, you also have to ask the question - How high of temps are needed in a composting facility to break down PLAs?  Wouldn't that kill all of the beneficial microbes in your compost if you went that high?  Alas, there are not a lot of great options in our county or our state at this point.  
Here at the GBCFC, we still believe that PLAs are MUCH better in terms of long-term environmental impact.  Michelle Nash’s (GBCFC'S Nutrition Education Director) article in this month’s newsletter details the risks or health from the prevalent use of plastics.  That is why most* of the cutlery and to-go ware we have in our store is PLA.  *We constantly research and update our packaging as new PLA options become available.  To learn more about composting in Northern Nevada, check out: Down To Earth Composting and Full Circle Soils and Compost.

How to Protect Yourself and Your Family Against Micro and Nanoplastic Particles ❤️‍🩹

Michelle Nash
Nutrition Education Director (NED)
Certified NTP & MScN
The Great Basin Community Food Co-op

Toxins are impossible to completely avoid in the world we live in, and microplastic particles (MPs) are certainly no exception to that.  There are many ways in which we are exposed to MPs, including through:

• The food we eat- both in the food and the containers used to transport and store food.  Recent studies have found plastic particles in both fruit and vegetable crops as well as various protein sources (1, 2, 3).  Due to their ability to resist grease, oil, water and heat, many of the containers and bags used to package, transport and store foods are made with PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), also known as “forever chemicals” because of the way they do not break down, just into smaller and smaller particles. 
• The water we drink- many sources of tap and bottled water have been shown to contain MPs.  Although there is variation in the amount if contamination from various water sources, there is no +denying that much of the MPs run off ends up in water ways and many water filtration methods fail to fully remove MPs from the source.
• The products we put on our skin- there is little to no regulation in the U.S. when it comes to skincare and cosmetics, as a large majority of ingredients do not require FDA approval before going to market.  In an analysis of 7,704 cosmetic and skincare products, 9 out of 10 of them were found to contain MPs (4).
• The clothes we wear- nearly 70% of clothing is made from plastic.  Materials like polyester, nylon, polyamide and acrylic are examples of plastic materials commonly used in clothing that are absorbed by the skin when worn and shed particles in the water upon washing.  Oner study reported that “over 700,000 microfibers were found to be released from a 6 kg wash load of acrylic fabric and up to 13 million microfibers from polyester fabric in the first wash cycle (5).”
• The air we breathe- technically called nanoplastics (NPs) due to their smaller size, nanoplastic particles have been found circulating in the air.  Although there are many ways in which NPs make their way into the air, primary contributors are the breakdown of synthetic textiles and airborne fertilizer particles.

Nano and microplastic particles can lodge or embed themselves into the tissues in which they were exposed or translocate to other body tissues. However, the means of exposure and the health impacts of MPs are vast and concerning, to say the least.  Although the research regarding the impacts MPs and NPs have on human health is still in its infancy, widespread conclusions are being drawn that there is a range of adverse health effects caused by exposure to MPs.  Evidence suggests that MPs and NPs induce inflammation, impair cellular metabolism, cause cell death, and lead to oxidative stress in the body (6).  Due to each of our biological individuality, these effects can manifest in many different health conditions.  Some of these may include gut microbiota dysbiosis, intestinal barrier dysfunction and metabolic disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and disorders (7).
One area of particular interest about MPs and NPS that has gained more traction is the negative way they impact hormone production and regulation in the body.  Many MPs and NPs contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals that have structural similarities with specific hormone receptors and, therefore, interfere with normal hormone receptivity, altering the hormonal action of the endocrine glands (8).  This may lead to developmental abnormalities, decreased sperm quality, and other reproductive issues in both men and women (9, 10, 11).
Navigating a world inundated with so many tiny plastic particles can feel hopeless.  When it comes to reducing plastic consumption and exposure, education can be the most empowering tool and the best defense in mitigating their negative impacts.  If all of this feels overwhelming (understandably so), take it one step at a time and challenge yourself to change one area before moving into the next- maybe start with eliminating plastic food storage containers and then move on to skincare and beauty products.  Begin looking into the safety and quality of the current products you are using, and when any of those products you deem to be unsatisfactory run out, do some product research before buying their replacements.  Then, begin to read labels about the contents of clothing and textiles before purchasing or familiarizing yourself with some clothing companies that use sustainable fabrics and production methods. Some available resources are listed below to help navigate this and avoid MPs as much as possible in your life. 

• Plastic Soup Foundation is a great resource for more information about the many issues of MPs contamination as well as solutions and what consumers can do to help.  My Little Plastic Footprint is their app that helps you reduce your plastic footprint by going on a plastic diet. Reduce the plastic you use in your daily life and choose sustainable alternatives.
• Beat the Microbeads Guide to Microplastics.  They also have an app that allows consumers to scan skincare and cosmetic products to check from MPs contamination (www.beatmicrobead.org)
• Environmental Working Group’s Tap Water Database provides insight into pollutants in local water resources.
• Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep makes it easier for shoppers to understand potential hazards and health concerns related to ingredients in cosmetics and personal care products.  Environmental Working Group (www.ewg.com) is a great resource for more information about specific ingredients and clean product alternatives.  They have an easy-to-use app that allows consumers to scan a product’s barcode and review its rating- EWG’s Healthy Living App.
• Take advantage of all of your local food co-op's plastic-free alternatives in the prepared foods and bulk departments.  See sales below 🧡

July GBCFC Sales - 🫙🍴🍽️

$1 OFF All Pre-Packaged Bulk

That's right - following suite with plastic-free July, we're offering ALL of our pre-packaged bulk at $1 off each item. This includes banana chips, chocolate sea salt almonds, Coconola granola, curried cashews, dates, dried mango, rainbow peanut drops, rolled oats, supreme trail mix, white jasmine rice, quinoa, yellow popcorn, and zen party mix. Vendors vary but all items are certified organic. All items will include a bottle deposit of $1.50 to be refunded once the clean bottle is returned.
Valid 7.1.24 - 7.31.24

20% OFF All Reusable Packaging

Don't see some of your favorite bulk items on the list that's $1 OFF? No problem. Just stock up on a variety of our reusable packaging in (nearly) a million different sizes. 🫙
We are offering jars, food containers, utensils, straws all at 20% off to get our customers stocked up for a plastic-free July.
Valid 7.1.24 - 7.31.24

20% OFF Little Frog Farm Microgreens

While our varieties of Little Frog Farm's microgreens (pea shoots, spicy mix, broccoli shoots, sunflower shoots, and a regular mix) are in plastic containers - we want you to know more. 🌱 The article above details how some plastics photodegrade into smaller particles but never fully biodegrade. In a controlled environment, PLA will naturally break down, returning to the earth, so it can be "classified as a biodegradable and compostable material". However, none of the PLAs in Nevada will find their way to an industrial composting facility... because WE DON'T HAVE ANY HERE! Here at the GBCFC, we still believe that PLAs are MUCH better in terms of long-term environmental impact. (Read more above!)
Valid 7.1.24 - 7.31.24

$1 OFF All HOUSEMADE Items in Glass Packaging

 
And the sales continue! Anything we make that comes packaged in glass is $1 OFF. This even helped us repackage a few of our favorite items, including our Housemade Hummus and Housemade Pickled Veg (like what we serve in the Foodshed Cafe).
Don't miss this chance to stock up on all juices, roasted salsa, dressings, spicy kimchi, desserts, and so much more! All items will include a bottle deposit of $1.50 to be refunded once the clean bottle is returned.
Valid 7.1.24 - 7.31.24

Buy One, Get One FREE - Foodshed Cafe Beers On Tap 🍺 ➡️ 🍻

 
Celebrate summer on our patio with a cold brewski, and maybe one for a friend. For the first time ever, we're offering buy one, get one for our seasonal beers on tap. While we have some local favorites, please check with our amazing cafe staff for current selection. 
Valid 7.1.24 - 7.31.24

You can now ORDER ONLINE from the Foodshed Cafe! 👍

TOAST Online Ordering has arrived! We think this is a game changer for those with short lunches or who may be interested in picking up dinner on their way home from a busy day.  In thoughtfully planning and implementing our online ordering system, we sought to do a few things:

• Make wait times a bit less for those in a rush (and those who wish to reap the benefits of planning ahead). It's also important to remember we're not "fast" food ... each item is grilled or made to order and we believe the quality is significantly better as well. 
• Encourage more folks in town to try our delicious menu - crafted from the products of local and regional farmers, ranchers, and producers (38 featured on the menu & counting). 
• Embrace the luxuries of convenience. We know it's been challenging to read our in-person TV menus (we have a lot of information including nutritional & farmer/rancher info and seek to be as transparent as possible with what we're serving you) BUT we also understand the font is smaller than preferable for most. You can now take your time perusing our online menu on the TOAST app or our webpage and we even have a few large printed menus in the cafe now! 

ORDER ONLINE

RAW Goat Milk Has Arrived! 👍

LOCAL Raw Goat Milk from Kool Kids Ranch (Spanish Springs, NV) is now available in the frozen section at the co-op in 12 and 16 oz. glass jars. As most of you are aware, raw milk sales for human consumption are illegal in the state of NV. This raw goat''s milk is ONLY intended for animal sale and use. One of the Nevada Department of Agriculture's requirements for this animal feed is that all batches need to have a bit of dye or coloring in them.  Kool Kids Ranch truly are the coolest and they figured out that a pinch of charcoal will do the trick... so don't be surprised if you notice a slightly greyish tint. Raw dairy is chalked with nutritional benefits such as immunomodulatory effects, allergy management, anti‐inflammatory, and antioxidant effects, as well as antimicrobial and anticancer properties!  🐶🐰🐒🐏🐖🐈🐈‍⬛🐕🐩🦮🐐🩶

LOCAL Produce Season Has Arrived at the Co-op! 

It's the season where our produce and grocery shelves are barely large enough to stock all the incredible produce we're getting in. A few of our latest LOCAL items include: 

• Kool Kids Ranch (Spanish Springs, NV) - Raw Goat Milk for Pet food 
• Atlas Strawberries (Smith Valley, NV)
• Harris Market Farm (Reno, NV) - Garlic Scapes
• Snowball Ranch (Eureka, NV) - Organic Alfalfa feed only for these grass fed & finished retail cuts of beef in our meat department
• Holley Family Farms (Dayton, NV) - Pork bones and lard in our meat department (think ramen) and organic chard in our produce department
• Reno Food Systems (Reno, NV) - Herbs and chard
• Sterling Farms (Smith Valley, NV) - Snow peas
• Ripcord Farms (Washoe Valley, NV) - Fresh onions and garlic scapes
• Sierra Valley Farms (Beckworth, CA) - Asparagus
• Jamason Farms (Battle Mountain, NV) - Asparagus 
• DFI (Reno, NV) - Organic Chard
• JSM Organic Strawberries (Royal Oaks, CA) - While not in our watershed, these folks do organic strawberries right! 
• Cherry Dog Orchards (Fallon, NV) - Ranier and Bing Cherries
• Mountain Song Rebranded Products - including High Sierra Elderberry Syrup, Mountain Magic Fire Cider, Sierra Pine Tallow Balm, Honey Blossom Whipped Tallow, Magnesium and Lavender Whipped Tallow, Calendula Honey Rose Lip Balm, Garlic Cooking Tallow, and Spicy Seaweed Gomasio (Previously Sierra Roots Wellness) (Sierra Valley, CA)

Edible Landscape Updates

The edible landscape, outside of our grocery store, had a busy June. We waited to let the purple larkspur bloom that had (so generously) seeded itself in our front garden bed. We gathered it out of the bed to make way for warm-season plants and to make bouquets. After that, the team added BOOST, a rich locally made compost from LOCAL Full Circle Soils & Compost (throughout Nevada), smoothed the bed out, made some irrigation repairs and adjustments, and we planted some of our LOCAL farm seedlings: A variety of tomatoes from Grow Up Farm (Bordertown, NV) and Fisk Farm (Fallon, NV). We tried out some statuous shishito and jalapenos from Grow Up Farm (Bordertown, NV) as well. Check them out when you stop by.
Our pollinator garden is buzzing. Everything is in bloom: milkweed, gaillardia, clary sage, comfrey, sunflowers, and more!
The berries and cherries are blooming and fruiting. sweet peas are in blossom as well. Try the sweet white, purple, and pink blossoms on a salad! Honeysuckles, raspberries, white and red strawberries, serviceberries, oh my. We began thinning our fruit trees. It's sentimental to remove the tiny fruit because you want it all to grow, but when you thin to one fruit every six to twelve inches or so, it allows the fruit to become full size and actually lightens the branches. We will continue to thin the nectarines, peaches, apples, and plums. Hmm ... I wonder if we should thin the almond tree in the parking lot. Bigger almonds this year? Happy Summer! ☀️

Soup On Pause 'Til Fall!

We've paused our Housemade soup schedule during the summer heat. Hot, Housemade soup will return in the Foodshed Cafe this fall with old favorites and new offerings. We will still offer frozen soup, while supplies last! 🍲🥣🍜


Anyone can shop, everyone can join!
Open everyday from 7:30am – 9pm
Great Basin Community Food Co-op
240 Court St Reno, NV 89501
775.324.6133
info@greatbasinfood.coop
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