Here at The Greater Green, we know that simply selling eco-friendly products is not enough. We are constantly searching for new ways to become "greener", through recycling endeavors, reducing and reusing materials whenever possible, alternative energy sources, and supporting companies that have demonstrated a commitment to protecting our planet. Some of our ideas and innovations have been implemented, and others are still in the works. Here is a list of our endeavors:
Trees for the Future: Helping to Build a Greener Tomorrow
As of July 7, 2008, The Greater Green has partnered with Trees for the Future, a non-profit green organization dedicated to helping communities around the world restore tree cover, preserving traditional livelihoods and culture for generations to come. For every order placed online, we will now be planting one tree in a community in need of reforestation. CLICK HERE to learn more about Trees for the Future by visiting their website.
Over 500 trees were planted in 2008! Thanks so much to all of our customers- we are so grateful for your support and business!
Green America Approved Business
As of March 2008, we have been appoved by Green America (formerly Co-op of America), one of our nation's leading green organizations,as a socially and environmentally responsible business. You can rest assured that this seal of approval means we operate our business in ways that support workers and communities, as well as our planet. To learn more about the Co-op of America Seal of Approval, visit their website by clicking HERE .
Using Recycled Paper Products: Conserving Valuable Resources
The Greater Green is now purchasing recycled paper supplies, including envelopes and paper for packing slips, paper for all correspondence, and cardstock for business cards from The Paper Mill Store, which offsets 100% of its electrical usage with Green-e certified wind power and manintains a Forest Stewardship Council certification for helping to protect the world's forests. They also feature numerous manufacturers who carry recycled paper lines. Our envelopes now contain 100% post-consumer recycled fiber, and as well as all of our paper and card stock.
Reusing Packaging Materials: Closing the Loop on Waste
When you receive your shipment, you may discover a number of different possible packaging methods and materials. Whenever possible, we re-use boxes and packaging materials used by our manufacturers to ship products to us. That means, for example, that your package may be filled with foam packing peanuts, which are not environmentally friendly, but since we received them, it is a "greener" decision to reuse them than to recycle them or throw them away, wasting a still-usable item. You may also find shredded paper filling your box, because reusing paper again before recycling it reduces waste even more (if you can't find a use for the shredded paper, please add it to your recycling bin. If you aren't already recycling paper, click here to find out more about paper recycling in your area.). We encourage you to re-use our re-used materials whenever they are still in good condition, extending their life and reducing waste. Our boxes may not always be the prettiest around, and will not contain our logo on the outside (a sure sign that new materials are being used), but as long as we determine that shipping materials are in good shipping shape, our commitment to reducing the waste of valuable resources means we will reuse them.
When necessary, we also use USPS designated Priority Mail boxes for shipping out orders, which are certified Cradle-to-Cradle. This certification means using environmentally safe and healthy materials; design for material reutilization, such as recycling or composting; the use of renewable energy and energy efficiency; efficient use of water, and maximum water quality associated with production; and instituting strategies for social responsibility.
100% Green Energy: Sustainable Resources
The Greater Green is pleased to announce that as of January 2008, we purchase 100% of our energy needs, for both our store and our home, from green energy sources. Through Consumers Energy, we have been able to purchase our share of energy usage from a combination of biomass and wind power. We are extremely excited to take this important step toward a more sustainable future for our community, our country, and ultimately, our planet!
Charitable Donations: Giving Back to the Community
In 2008, The Greater Green donated 2% of our profits to non-profit organizations that provide hope and help to individuals in need. We have chosen Heifer Interational, for their commitment to relieve world poverty and provide families a "step-up" in life; and Second Harvest Gleaners of Southwest Michigan, an organization that takes usable food remaining from restaurants at the end of the end and delivers that food to local food banks for people in need.
In 2009, we are joining 1% For the Planet. More details will follow soon!
Sourcing Through Eco-Friendly Distributors and Manufacturers
We have made a conscious choice to source many of our products through an incredible distributor that has a solid commitment to sustainability and Fair Trade around the world. They offset 100% of their energy consumption and carbon usage from shipping, ship our packages in 100% recycled fiber boxes, and support Fair Trade and organic, sustainable practices around the globe. Yes, there are probably cheaper distributors out there, but in terms of green commitment, none are better. This means we may not always be able to beat our competitor's prices, but we remain competitive, and we provide a commitment to green, sustainable business that very few of our larger, corporate competitors just can't offer.
Certified Naturally Grown
As of June 2008, The Greater Green Farm has become Certified Naturally Grown with transitional status. We are very excited to take this step, which demonstrates to our customers that we are committed to protecting the land we live, work, and grow our vegetables on. CLICK HERE to read more about our farm.
Looking to the Future: Upcoming Plans for 2009 and Beyond
We have been experimenting with both a handmade windmill and a handmade solar water heater system to produce supplemental electricity and hot water for our store (and, actually, for our home as well). Watch for updates as we fine-tune our design and implement our plans!
We have started a small worm composting project, and hopefully will have worm castings available for our garden this summer. We are going to be taking our Certified Naturally Grown vegetables to farmers' markets in southwest Michigan- another example of our commitment to protecting our planet. Watch for a gardening page to be included with our website this spring!
We are searching for new small businesses that create exceptional natural and organic products. In 2009 we hope to feature more unique and hand-crafted items from small businesses, support the growth of local artisans, and provide products that are even more natural and organic. We would love to hear any recommendations you may have!
Finally, we have expanded our selection of heirloom/open-pollinated and organically-raised seedlings to include over 50 varieties of plants. Check out our Farm page for more details, and if you live in the SW Michigan area, you can visit us at the Allegan Farmer's Market on Thursdays!
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR GREEN MISSION!
Last updated: February 4, 2010
