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27 Feb 2012
0 Comments By valarie New me

Responsible consuming – take two

Oh man, the more I dig into trying to be a responsible consumer, the sneakier multinational corporations appear.

Cashing in on consumer America’s fascination with organic, independent, local, boutique, green and SMALL businesses, corporations are buying them up in droves.

Here is a partial list:

Boutique business                                           Corporate owner                                          Date and price paid (if available)

Burt’s Bees                                                          Clorox                                                                2002 – $925 million

Tom’s of Maine                                                  Colgate/Palmolive

Stoneyfield Farms                                           Danone (Dannon, Evian)

Ben and Jerry’s                                                 Unilever                                                            2000 – $326 million

Horizon Organics                                             Dean Foods (largest dairy in U.S.

Odwalla                                                                 Coca-Cola                                                         2001 – $181 million

Naked Juice                                                        Pepsi Co.                                                           2006 – $450 million

Vitamin Water, Smart Water                       Coca-Cola

R. W. Knudsen, Santa Cruz Organics        Smuckers

Kashi                                                                      Kelloggs                                                            2000

Back to Nature and Boca Burgers               Kraft Foods (part of Phillip Morris group)

Cascadian Farms and Muir Glen                 General Mills

Green and Black Chocolate                           Schweppes

Stoned Wheat Thins                                         Nabisco

The Hain Group owns all of the following brands:

Bearitos, Breadshop Granola, Celestial Seasonings, Garden of Eatin’, Health Valley, Imagine Foods, Terra Chips and Westbrae.

The Hain Group stockholders are the following: H.J. Heinz, Phillip-Morris, Monsanto, Citigroup, Wal-Mart, Lockheed Martin, Waste Management, Pfizer, Merck and Bank of America. Reads like the list of corporate villans to me.

My issue is that these corporations are probably some of the biggest reasons why the organic and natural food industry was begun in the latter part of the twentieth century. And certainly the biggest reason why those companies are now growing so quickly. The growth of the organic and natural section of the food industry is “the fastest growing in all of food,” according to former CEO of Wal-Mart, Lee Scott. Wal-Mart has decided to bring a record number or organic companies into their corporate fold the past few years – gives me the chills to think! And these companies are not getting into the business so they can help family farmers transition to organic farms or to aid in the local production of goods and services – they are in it for the money. Organic and natural labels sell – faster and for more money.

And it is obvious the big corporations have a vested interest in us remaining in the dark about their new holdings. Check out the websites and labels for these brands. No mention of corporate owners or partnerships. They are definitely not being transparent.

Voting with my dollars has just become a bit more challenging.

 

21 Feb 2012
0 Comments By valarie Dan's, Equipment

About our tools

 

As we build our “earth friendly” business, we want you to know that we put a lot of time and effort into selecting tools and equipment. The options and considerations are almost overwhelming. We’ve evaluated new versus used and alternative fuel options. Electric and re-chargeable for example are simply not viable options for a commercial operation. There is a propane alternative but the technology mostly relies on those little propane bottles (which we hate and why are they always green?). Four stroke, handheld equipment tends to be heavier and less efficient causing more run-time. In short it is difficult to dissect fact from hype and we have done our due diligence.

 

First of all, our equipment is new or nearly new. We choose to work primarily with Echo handheld equipment and Toro recycling mowers. Both manufacturers are known for their performance and reliability. All of our equipment meets or exceeds current EPA emission standards. Perhaps equally important is our equipment maintenance schedule. We’re dedicated to keeping our tools and equipment in good, clean running condition.

 

Like all landscapers, we do need to drive around with a trailer in tow. This requires fairly heavy-duty trucks, which are rarely known for their fuel efficiency. In this case our primary vehicle is a restored chevy, purchased new by Dan’s parents in 1976 then gifted to our company. This is, in fact, a family Heirloom and we feel it is well within the spirit of recycling and re-use.

 

We will continue to investigate new products and technologies as they improve. Meanwhile, we will convert yard debris to fertilizer or mulch, saving many trips to the landfill. Heirloom Gardens relies on natural processes rather than synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. We work with our clients to achieve the most efficient use of water. Saving the earth, one yard at a time.

 

 

16 Feb 2012
1 Comments By valarie Green Tip

To make a difference – make your own water bottles!

-Make your own water bottles-

Every 5 minutes, 2 million single-use plastic bottles are thrown away, only 20% recycled, using 750 million gallons of crude oil per year. Gulp!
Buy a few metal, dishwasher-safe bottles in various sizes ($5 – $25). Fill with filtered water or our delicious local tap. Put in the door of the fridge. And viola, you have a wonderful, cold water bottle every time you need one.