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The glass doors of the Fremont PCC open and close continuously, accommodating the steady stream of patrons who visit the market to purchase healthful food. In 1953 fifteen families established PCC as a food-buying club. Today, more than fifty years later, PCC thrives. It is the largest consumer-owned natural foods co-operative in America, with eight stores owned by almost 40,000 families. The Federal Government has certified PCC an organic grocery store. Not only are the products sold at PCC eco-friendly, but also the brick and mortar store benefits the environment. . PCC was the first business in Seattle to install a photovoltaic panel array to produce electricity. By using special solar selective glass for windows with western and southern exposures, the solar heat gain is reduced by

50%, allowing air conditioning to be decreased by 20%. The same hydronic loop interconnects the mechanical and refrigeration systems, allowing heat generated from cooling the food to heat hot water and interior air. Inside the store, the linoleum flooring is a natural product made from cork, linseed oil, jute, and wood. Instead of using a petroleum product to fuel the elevator, PCC uses hydraulic oil, which is a biodegradable, vegetable-based oil. To learn more about PCC, visit the website. (--MD)

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1441 N 34th St
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