We sat down with Pascaline Lauzé Malouin in the lively and warm environment of Coop La Maison Verte on the first day of April. Pascaline is the marketing coordinator at the establishment and spoke to us about the motives for starting the coop. Wishing to address issues of isolation and the inaccessibility of ecological products, the coop is a place where you can get a cup of free coffee, participate in a workshop on gardening, and buy organic and fair trade products.
The coop carries products from community supported local food producers and collectives such as Fermes Zephyr, Morgan Farms and Alternative Bio. About 80% of their products are organic. In addition to this, they also sell micro brewed beer, organic seedlings and green cleaning products. Along the walls are containers for buying seeds, beans, grains and flours in bulk, as well as shampoo and detergents that customers may purchase and transport using their own containers. The shelves are stocked with locally produced cookies and biscuits, baby care products, hand crafted clothing and jewelry, and all of the accoutrements necessary for starting your own seedlings indoors. Friendly and welcoming, the staff is knowledgable about the products and involved in the community. Mauricio, an employee of the coop and also a founding member of Cycle AlimenTerre, overheard the interview and was eager to share his passion for his community and food sustainability.
Coop La Maison Verte is committed to serving the community of NDG and creating a more sustainable society. Whether they are screening films on food production practices, giving workshops on composting or having family craft days, Coop La Maison Verte challenges industrial farming practices and the urban conditions that may result in social isolation
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Visit their website: Coop La Maison Verte