JULY EDITION 2015
Sustainable Gifting
DECEMBER 2015 EDITION
Nut Butter & Flax Powerballs
There is no escaping the ads for “stuff” this time of year. Everywhere we turn we are bombarded with flyers, commercials and signs trying to convince us we Ingredients need to get the latest techno gadget, toy for the kids or 1 1/2 cups almond butter fashion item. 1 banana, peeled and mashed 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed The problem is, much of that “stuff” is mass-produced with the use of mass amounts of pesticides or fossil fuels, 2 tablespoons whey protein powder 2 tablespoons cocoa powder by companies with little or no regard for social or 1 tablespoon honey environmental considerations, and often shipped here from overseas (more fossil fuels). 1/3 cup almonds, finely chopped
Preparation How can you give gifts that are better for the planet, exciting to receive, and still within your budget? Here are In a mixing bowl, stir together the almond butter, some ideas! banana, flax, protein powder, cocoa powder and Experiential Gifts: Tickets to a local play, concert or comedy club, ski trip, indoor water park., spa, brewery/ winery tour. Prepaid lessons or gift certificates to put toward cooking, music, ballet, yoga, sports, martial arts. Bonus: many of these items can become memories you create together! Foodie Gifts: Organic & Fair Trade chocolate, coffee or tea. Artisanal local foods. DIY mixes and treats from the bulk aisle, packaged in reusable glass jars or unique reusable containers. Housewares made with bamboo, recycled glass, other 100% recycled or biodegradable materials. Eco-conscious Goods: Visit locally-owned shops to find locally crafted items and products made with natural (continued on page 3)
December Staff Anniversaries Carolyn - 24 years December 17 Rhonda - 4 years December 27
honey. Blend until smooth. Line a plate or pan with parchment paper. Roll into 1- to 2-inch balls and place on parchment paper. Next, roll each ball in the chopped almonds and return to parchment paper. Place in the refrigerator or freezer until firm.
Serving Suggestion Place these in a tightly-sealed container and store in the freezer for a convenient energy-boosting snack. They‘re a great addition to a party tray, too, with raw vegetables and dried fruit. Substitute peanut or cashew butter, if you prefer. - See more at: http:// strongertogether.coop/ recipes/nut-butter-flaxpowerballs/ #sthash.CNueVC59.dpuf
Welcome, New Betsy Atterbury Angela Bonney Amanda Boyle Paula Boyle Marie Chesebro Cindy Davis Sheila Edwardson Kim Flemming Annette Foster Jeanice Fox Rene Fuentes Adam Handt Jannine Harrington Steven Harris Bruce Haugen Jane Hipke
Owners! Sustainable gifting, continued... Wendy Johanson Katherine Kabat Linda Layber Kristine Lucius Shawn McKearn Katrina Meyers Shawn Miller Stephanie Niccolai Susan Nicks Lindsay Ogden Joseph Philippi Elizabeth Riemer Connie Ripplinger Debi Smith Linda Smith Victoria Wojes
Does Basics Have Your Current Address? If you’ve moved since you joined the Co-op, we likely have an incorrect address on file! To make sure you receive Owner updates (and Kids Club birthday cards), please update your address at Customer Service or email
and recycled materials. You can find personal care products, pottery, art pieces, jewelry, textiles such as scarves, hats, gloves, mittens and more. Basics carries a unique selection of Fair Trade, local and organic foodie gifts, sustainable housewares and local crafts. We are happy to arrange any items from the store into a custom gift basket for just $10! You can also find eco-conscious and locally sourced gifts at several other local businesses such as Earthsong Books & Gifts, Glass Garden, Jinja Fair Trade Gift Shop, Raven’s Wish Gallery and Bay Design Custom Jewelers, to name a few. If you are unable to find what you’re looking for locally, thanks to growing awareness it’s easy to find several websites featuring products that have been pre-screened for low environmental impact. Rodale’s (rodales.com) offers over 200 eco-friendly gifts for under $25. Uncommon Goods (uncommongoods.c om) offers over 300 unique and sustainable gifts for under $25, and they’re a certified B Corporation meaning they were independently evaluated on areas such as company governance, environmental practices, and impacts on the local community.
Thank you for considering
accounting@basicshealth.com.
Thank You!
the effects of your gift choices. Happy gifting!
Basics Co-op Board of Directors
The 7 Co-op Principles
Jim Hutchinson Sverre David Roang Jose Cabrera
Dr. Carrie Kaiser S.A. Welch
Please mail all Board correspondence to: Basics Board c/o Basics Cooperative, 1711 Lodge Drive Janesville, WI 53545 Letters to the Board will be opened at the next scheduled meeting. Basics General Manager
Lynnette Wirth gm@basicshealth.com
Voluntary & Open Membership Democratic Control Member Economic Participation Autonomy & Independence Education, Training & Information Cooperation Among Cooperatives Concern for Community
December Events December Super Tuesday
Holiday Crafts for Kids
Basics Co-op Owners enjoy 5+10% off regular-priced items storewide, the first Tuesday of the month! Not yet a Co-op Owner? Come in and get to know us – enjoy free samples and live demos from vendors and community partners throughout the store. Save 5% on regular-priced items. Excludes Shizen Sushi, Loon Lake Deli, consignment, party platters & gift boxes/baskets, alcohol. 6am-8pm Tuesday, December 1
Kids will assemble a gift-in-a-jar, decorate gingerbread ornaments and make pine cone bird feeders with a parent in this free workshop. Kids should bring their own pine cone to work with. Please pre-register, limit 20 students. 2-4pm Saturday, December 12
Holiday Gift Box & Basket Sale
Save 20% on remaining in-stock gift boxes, baskets and select holiday merAromatherapy Bath Oils chandise. Come and play with essential oils and Mon. December 21 - Thurs. Dec. 24 recipes for bath and body care! Basics Health & Beauty manager Jane will Please register for classes at least help students create aromatherapy 24 hours in advance. bath oils to keep or give as gifts. Free, Call (608) 754-3925 or sign up at please pre-register. Customer Service. 10:30am-12pm Saturday, December 12
Happy & Healthy Holiday Wishes to you from your Basics Co-op Staff & Board!
Holiday Hours Open 6am-6pm Christmas Eve Thurs. Dec. 24
Closed Christmas Day Fri. Dec. 25
Open 6am-6pm New Year’s Eve Thurs. Dec. 31
Open 9am-5pm New Year’s Day Fri. Jan. 1, 2016
Located Inside Basics Co-op Open 6am-2pm Mon-Sat, 8am-2pm Sun Featuring homemade pastries and soup from scratch Ask about Gluten Free made-to-order cakes
Connect With Us! Basics Cooperative 1711 Lodge Drive Janesville, WI 53545 (608) 754-3925 www.basicshealth.com Scoop newsletter questions or comments? Amber Glass, basics4amber@gmail.com