Today is Earth Day, so we’re celebrating by sharing some of our favorite sustainability stories in the industry. If you aren’t sharing your sustainability story, you should probably start. Here’s why:
When it comes to sustainability, the fresh produce industry has long been ahead of the game. From improving resource consumption through increased efficiencies to always searching for ways to further improve processes, it seems to be written in our DNA. Not to mention, it’s become an important differentiator in the marketplace that you need to be taking advantage of. Below we’ve highlighted a few sustainability stories that we are familiar with and love. We’d love to hear about your favorites!
Natural Delights Medjool Dates
On The Natural Delights Blog, they describe growing Medjool Dates as a “labor of love, a test of strength, and a triumph of the human spirit.” We couldn’t agree more. It’s evident they truly “take pride in the human element attached to every part of the growing, harvesting, and packaging process” (that’s right, no robots or machinery!) and they set the standard for their water conservation, waste management, and safety practices. Plus, all Natural Delights Medjool Dates come directly from their own date groves, which means they keep their carbon footprint small due to a lack of product importation. Not to mention, “Medjool Dates are never treated with pesticides or additives of any kind.” Their reasoning: Why mess with perfection?
California Giant Berry Farms
Now here’s a company that’s dedicated to making a difference. If there’s one thing California Giant Berry Farms is known for (besides their fresh, delicious berries!), it’s how much they value giving back. From raising awareness of childhood obesity and school nutrition through their Tour de Fresh cycling events to fighting hunger and food insecurity, they seem to do it all. But what you’ll find out on their “Earth Friendly” page is how giving back isn’t just about philanthropy. To them, it’s also about “protecting the land in which they grow berries so that they will continue to have viable farming for generations to come.” California Giant Berry Farms uses 100% recyclable clamshells, drip irrigation that allows them to deliver only the necessary amounts of water and nutrients to crops, and integrated pest management to minimize the need for pesticides. Not to mention, they’re completely dedicated to the wellness and development of their employees, providing training, leadership programs, health benefits, and equal pay, to name a few. California Giant Berry Farms… we’re impressed.
SUNSET® Produce
On Sunset’s new Inspired by Life blog, their “What You Need to Know about Greenhouse Growing” blog post says it all. SUNSET®’s fresh produce is greenhouse grown to perfection, using reusable growing mediums like rockwool, natural pollination, and integrated pest management. Plus, all SUNSET® products are non-GMO verified. In fact, they were the first fresh produce brand to become non-GMO verified in 2010! As for those greenhouses… not only do they produce fresh fruits and veggies all year long, but they take up ten times less land than field farms. More fruit, less land… talk about efficient!
IFCO
IFCO’s sustainability story has us completely hooked. With straightforward content, statistics, infographics, and imagery, its clear IFCO provides efficient, safe and sustainable solutions to their customers. Period. Within seconds, you realize that their innovative RPC design is a game changer. The benefits? 92% less water consumption, 76% lower ozone depletion, 82% less solid waste… and that’s just the beginning. Not only have they reinvented fresh produce packaging, but they’re continuously seeking ways to further improve and help their customers improve too! Their website even includes an interactive section allowing visitors to “calculate their environmental impact” when using reusable containers. Simply brilliant.
Is there a sustainability story that stands out to you? Share it with us by tweeting @TheCoreBlog – we’d love to add some to the list!
