Only one planet

If everyone lived as we do in the UK we would need three planets to support us. Problem is we only have one available, and the resources on this one are either in a state of decline or simply running out.

We are looking at our whole business and asking ourselves one simple question – how and where can we use less? We think it’s a great question as not only does it help to reduce our environmental impact, but it also means that we are forced to be that little bit more creative, and ultimately that we spend less money too. All good.

We use the most resources (and therefore have the greatest impact) in our supply chain, so it is essential that we work in partnership with our suppliers to achieve reductions. We work with our suppliers on water and energy efficiency, reduced waste production and recycling.

We have seen some great results, from reductions of between 5% and 10% of electricity and gas usage over the last couple of years, and 3 suppliers have more than halved the waste they send to landfill – with one supplier committed to sending nothing to landfill by 2012.

This is how our suppliers performed last year.

We monitor and discuss performance with each supplier monthly and work closely with them on projects that will help them reach their goals. On a yearly basis we get them to provide a detailed set of data that forms the baseline for the following year.

We also try and make fruit towers as resource efficient as possible. Here are just a few examples of green living at fruit towers:

• We use green energy for the office and we give our employees a small helping hand to use green energy at home.
• We offer the tax free cycle to work scheme, lots of bike racks, and some showers (of course).
• We use hybrid cars for when a bike or the train won’t suffice.
• Only travelling when we have to, using the train, and keeping air travel to a minimum.
• Composting all our organic waste in the office and lots of recycling.