Mendocino County’s Climate-Conscious Companies
Five Businesses Taking Measures to Care for the Planet
by Cozette Ellis
Surf Market
Surf Market in Gualala offers a wide variety of ethically- sourced local produce, seafood, and other artisanal goods. It works to grow the local economy and food systems through involvement in the Mendo-Lake Food Hub and the Go Local Mendonoma Coast. Through the market’s partnership with Sonoma Clean Power, they use solar by day and geothermal by night, achieving a long-pursued goal of powering the store with 100% locally-produced renewable energy.
Ukiah Natural Foods Co-Op
Driving through Ukiah, you cannot miss the sage green Ukiah Natural Foods Co-op, or their shiny new two-story expansion project. The Co-op not only values the quality of their products, but they also work to increase the quality of life for their community. In 2020, they donated $8,450 to community grants and nonprofits, $7,839 to 29 local schools, and $2,224 to local nonprofits with their former change-for-change program. They also give all food waste generated in-store to farmers for animal feed, and they donate “unsaleable”—read, not pretty enough—food to Plowshares.
Thanksgiving Coffee
If you have lived in Mendocino County for some time, you likely know Thanksgiving Coffee. Founded in the Noyo Harbor in 1972, this coffee company has been locally and internationally involved in social justice and environmental sustainability work from the start. It’s a Certified B Corp, as well as Fair Trade and USDA Organic certified. The company partners with small coffee-grower cooperatives on five continents. In addition, they are the primary sponsor of Bee Bold Alliance, a pollinator protection organization.
Harvest Market
Harvest Market in Fort Bragg and Harvest at Mendosa’s in Mendocino are two of the best options if you’re in the area and in need of a local grocery store. A family-run business since its founding in 1985, and a Certified B Corporation, Harvest Market has implemented multiple climate-conscious practices over the years, such as adding solar panels at both stores, banning single-use bags two years before the state mandate, installing LED lights, implementing new refrigeration systems that are 82% more efficient, and focusing on organic produce.
Terra Sávia
Terra Sávia is a winery and olive mill dedicated to conservation, sustainability, and memorable experiences. Terra Sávia exists in the “Grandeur of Simple,” and offers a unique experience with recycled ancient redwood furniture, dozens of rescued animals milling about, fruit and floral gardens, a local nursery, and a produce farmstand—an environment that welcomes everyone. A perfect setting for their organic, award-winning olive oils and wines.
