The energies of life on Earth ebb and flow in a delicate balance it has perfected over several million years. The impact we have on this harmony is substantial, and since the industrialization of agriculture has become of critical importance. Not even a century ago, many of our local fields, meadows, and forests were densely thriving with ecologic self-sustaining life. With today’s urban sprawl, this abundance of ecology exists only in the most remote areas. Many of our pre-industrial grain fields have been converted into grasslands, overly used and sprayed with generations of insecticides and fertilizers. This chemical exposure is having long-term consequences for the health and performance of soil around the world. The physical stress of heavy tillage equipment and processing at “off” times has destroyed sensitive soil ecosystems, requiring a vicious cycle of even more chemical use and a deterioration of groundwater. Globalization has introduces viruses and parasites that have affected our plants, and inevitable insect pollination from genetically modified crops as contaminated even the GMO-free areas with traces of genetic engineering.
Large companies around the world have an ethical duty towards the environment with every action they take. There is no doubt that the most substantial impact to our environment comes from the manufacturing process, namely of those companies who hold the greatest market shares. We would like to see companies that have a heart-felt desire to minimize their impact and deliver the healthiest goods gain greater success in our economy. Some key concepts and processes we value include:
- Gentle, energy efficient manufacturing
- Solar energy and green electricity from hydropower plants
- Low CO2 emissions footprints
- Use of renewable energy resources
- Minimal packaging designs, recyclable or reusable materials
- Reduction of electricity and heating consumptions
- Avoidance of unnecessary water and waste water consumption
- Sustainable disposal of waste products
- Organic, gentle farming and natural production
- Organic aquaculture and sustainable fisheries
- Promotion of seed and pollinator health
- No testing on animals
- Reduced environmental pollution
- Use of environmentally friendly technologies that minimize adverse effects
The protection of our planet’s soils, waters, climate, and atmosphere is one of the most important tasks of our time—and there is no better motivator than looking into the eyes of our children. We expect our suppliers and our supply chain to incorporate into their operational management system this same level of commitment to assessing their impact and improving upon their environmental performance.
