Scoop Student Co-operative

Deep in the recesses of the University of York’s Wentworth Graduate College is a small, sustainability gem. Now approaching its tenth birthday, 'Scoop' was formulated upon the idea that if the university community were to band together and buy items in bulk straight from producers or other co-operatives, they could avoid many of the environmental problems that arise from a supermarket shop. 

Customers bring along their own containers, or use donated ones, and fill them with products ranging from pasta to tea, washing up liquid to chocolate or beans. Many of their products are not only ‘zero-waste’, but locally sourced, organic, fair trade, or offering simple ways to live more sustainably, often up to a fifth of the price of those available in Aldi. Scoop also distribute weekly veg and fruit boxes sourced from a local organic farm and sell them at wholesale prices.

The food that we eat is responsible for around a third of our global carbon footprint, not to the industry’s huge reliance upon plastics and pesticides. Luckily, initiatives like Scoop are giving control back to consumers, making it far easier for York’s residents to make more sustainable choices every day.  

Scoop is managed by an elected committee of students and manned by friendly volunteers. They are open on Wednesdays and Fridays, at varying times due to volunteer availability, so check their Facebook page, Instagram, or Twitter for their opening times. You can also contact them at scoop@yusu.org or over social media to ask any questions, order a veg box, or to become a much-needed volunteer.