We are committed to our environment.
Viva Tierra has taken steps to lessen the impact on the earth, from using biodegradable plastic in our packaging to conserving electricity in our offices. We recognize that there is still much work to be done to reach a sustainable level of resource consumption within our operations, and we will continue to work to reduce our environmental impact for the future.
In August 2007 we installed a 25 kW solar power (photovoltaic) system on the roof of our Washington office. The grid-tied system is expected to supply approximately 40% of our electricity needs and reduce our CO2 emissions by 53,156 pounds (24 metric tons) per year. Click here to download a report on the results of our energy production and conservation efforts.
We’ve integrated environmental responsibility into our daily operations.
All Viva Tierra brand apple bags are made with ECM biodegradable plastic.
We streamline our logistics operations to ensure that our produce items are delivered with the minimum possible "food miles" on them. We also make certain that trucks are fully loaded to make the most of our transportation mileage. Just like carpooling, this eliminates wasted fuel and helps reduce vehicle congestion on our roads.
We continually strive to reduce the amount of paper used in our offices by streamlining processes, eliminating duplication, encouraging the use of e-mail and enabling employees to fax directly from their computers.
In 2007 we redirected our main incoming fax line from the traditional paper-printing fax machine to a new system which receives the documents electronically as PDF files. The majority of our incoming faxes are now received, processed and archived entirely electronically. This upgrade alone saves approximately 100 sheets of paper every day.
We collect paper, cardboard, glass and aluminum for recycling. Some paper with printing on only one side is reclaimed to be printed on the other side, and other paper is reused to make scratch pads. File folders are used at least twice (turned inside out and relabeled) before being recycled.
Several employees are able to work from home at least part time, thus reducing commuter trips. Carpooling is also encouraged, and employees have the flexibility to adjust their schedules to make ride sharing work for them.
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We use cloth towels in our bathrooms and kitchen.
We collect and compost all our kitchen waste on-site at our main office. This includes our daily production of spent coffee grounds. We brew only fair-trade, shade grown, certified organic coffee, and we use real ceramic mugs, not disposable cups.
We have installed retractable screen doors on all our entrances, which allows for natural ventilation of the office without letting in flying insect pests. In our moderate Pacific Northwest climate, this allows us to keep the office naturally cool and comfortable for most of the year. Air conditioning is only necessary in the hottest summer months (and of course we close the doors when it is in use).
In 2008 we installed several new windows in our main sales office in order to take advantage of natural light, reducing our need for electricity as well as saving light bulbs.
Also in 2008, we conducted a full energy audit of our office, focusing on improving the energy efficiency of our lighting, heating & cooling systems. We replaced the ballasts in the fluorescent lighting for higher efficiency throughout the building. We also installed a heat pump. We estimate that these upgrades reduced our electricity use by 9500 kWh per year.
We have replaced all computer monitors with LCD flat screens, reducing energy consumption by 85% for each monitor replaced.
Most of our printers, computers, copy machines and other office appliances power down automatically when not in use. Only the fax machines & servers are left on at night.
Several of our organic growers have independently taken steps to reduce their impact on the earth, in addition to simply practicing good organic agricultural techniques. From setting aside habitat areas for wildlife, to working to conserve precious irrigation water, to generating renewable energy on the farm, our growers demonstrate their commitment to sustainability every day. CF Fresh is proud to support their efforts.