The Big Co-Op Clean #BigCoopClean

With the recent events highlighting deep seated divisions in Britain, now is the perfect time for communities to unite and show the power of standing together for the greater good. Joining together to help improve our local neighbourhoods and showing pride in our communities, is a wonderful way to give back to society in a positive way, showing that we can achieve more together than we can on our own. One simple way we can do this, is by taking part in the annual Big Co-Op Clean.

As part of the Co-Operative fortnight, there are some big events planned, where co-operative societies, friends, neighbours and colleagues can come together to help clean up local areas. The next event is in Wrexham on July 1st at 10am with an organised clean up of Caia Park.

Or you can organise your own Big Clean event involving family and friends, or simply do something yourself from home to help support the campaign. There are lots of ways to help and if we all come together and play our part, we can make a positive difference to where we live.

You can help by picking up litter to clean up your local streets or beauty spot. Or maybe volunteer to tidy up an elderly neighbour's garden or help spruce up a play area. You could even have a declutter of your own home and donate your unwanted things to a British Red Cross Shop or hold a car boot sale and donate your funds directly to a Co-Op charity partner. Whatever you do, however big or small, you can be sure that you are making a difference.

You can buy cleaning products that meet the Cruelty Free Household International Humane Household Products standards and pick up a pair of rubber gloves and some bin bags from your local Co-operative, ready to take part in any big clean up jobs that you get involved in this weekend.

You can follow the #BigCoopClean hashtag on Twitter for inspiration.

Find out more about the campaign, events and ideas for getting involved at:

 www.co-operative.coop/membership/coopclean/

Healthy Snacks from The Co-Operative

The Co-Operative recently sent us some of their new 'Loved By Us' healthy snacking range to enjoy. I was really impressed by the fact there was such a great choice of really interesting products to try:

Spiced Ginger Popcorn

Triple Berry Rice Cakes

Chorizo Rice Cakes

Jaffa Fruit and Nut Mix

Strawberry Brulee Fruit and Nut Mix

Cinnamon Pecan Pie Fruit and Nut Mix

Trail Mix

Oriental Crackers

Hazelnut Latte Fruit and Nut Mix

It is so nice to find snacks that contain lots of good stuff such as pecans, almonds, cashews, brazil nuts, dried cranberries, hazelnuts, coconut, dried papaya and raisins. The addition of yummy treats such as chocolate covered coffee beans and white chocolate buttons add a little indulgence to the mixes. The rice cakes and popcorn are good lower calorie treats, deliciously flavoured, low in fat and high in fibre. If I want a snack, I'd much rather enjoy something good for me than fill up on empty calories. Some of the individual products are better for you nutritionally than others, so you can choose between something naturally healthy like the dried fruit and nut mixes or the more indulgent Triple Berry Rice Cakes.

These are grown up snacks, ideal for sharing, very satisfying and so much more nutritious than a chocolate bar or a regular bag of crisps. The variety is excellent and the flavours and mixes are really well conceived. They are all vegetarian, even the Chorizo Rice Cakes, which are flavoured with smoky paprika.

My favourite was the Cinnamon Pecan Pie mix filled with tangy, cinnamon dusted cranberries, crunchy almonds and pecans. Half a pack contains 116 calories and was a very filling, wholesome snack and a really tasty treat.

The packs have clear labels with the nutritional information displayed, so you can make an informed choice.  Find the range in your local Co-Operative Food shop.