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A Clif Bar & Co, we understand that our health depends on the planet's health, and our planet's health is at a critical tipping point. Globaccl warming poses an incalculable threat to our environment, to our economy, and to the well being of people and communities throughout the world. Business helped create global warming; business must take the lead in promoting solutions.
The good news is that the solutions needed to stabilize our climate already exist, and that taking action will benefit our economy. Investing in sustainable business practices— including energy efficiency, renewable energy, pollution-reduction strategies, green buildings, cleaner cars and fuels, sustainable agriculture and forest management—will provide tens of thousands of new jobs. It also will save families and businesses billions of dollars. In the process, we'll reduce our country's dependency on fossil fuels, foreign oil, and grossly polluting coal-fired energy plants.This is a time of very real danger but also very real opportunity. It's time to remember that ecology and economics share the same root word, ecos, which means “home.” It's time that we create an economy that works in harmony with the laws of nature. It's time that we all encourage one another on the journey of learning that will transform businesses into less destructive and more restorative institutions. Let's heed the prescient advice of the poet William Wordsworth, “Come forth into the light of things, let nature be your teacher.”
Since we began our journey toward sustainability, we've learned a few things about growing a greener business:
- Embrace the vision of sustainability, and commit to a long-term journey of learning. Start today.
- Understand your business as an ecosystem. Take note of your energy use and your carbon footprint. Strive toward climate neutral. It's possible.
- Educate your employees on sustainability, and then look to them for ways to reduce your impact. The best ideas trickle up.
- Partnerships matter. Moving toward sustainability is an on-going process of learning and sharing. That means working with both non-profits and business partners, mentoring and being mentored.
- Good conversations matter. Ask questions, share your ideas with others, and be patient with the process. One good step leads to another.
- Track your progress. Share the good news about the positive impact of adopting more sustainable practices with your employees, business partners, friends and family. Encouragement and vision helps move us all forward.
- Food matters —sustainable farming and food production make a big impact on the environment. We can all fight global warming three times a day, at work and at home, with more sustainable food choices.
- Supporting organic agriculture. Clif Bar & Co. now purchases 20 million pounds of organic ingredients a year (up from 0 pounds in 2001). By the end of 2006, 70% of all the ingredients we buy will be organic. We do not source any GMO ingredients. Even our
T-shirts are organic. Sustainable agriculture is a powerful tool in the fight against global warming. Organic farming uses 1/3 –1/2 less fossil fuels than conventional agriculture, and stores carbon in the soil instead of releasing it into the atmosphere.
- Support clean, renewable energy. Through Clif Bar & Co's partnership with NativeEnergy, we buy wind energy credits to climate neutralize the CO2 emissions generated by our business practices including the energy used by our office, bakery, business travel and shipping from the bakeries to our warehouse. These funds help build new sources of renewable energy. We also help our consumers take action through our Cool Tag program, which enables them to buy wind energy credits to offset the CO2 they generate through auto or air travel to a particular event, or in the course of their daily lives.
- Use recycled materials wherever you can. For example, each year Clif Bar & Co. makes our 12 million caddies (the boxes that hold our products on shelves) from 100% recycled paperboard. We also use 100% recycled paper in the office and in our printed materials.
- Plant trees. Trees provide essential ecosystem services;they prevent soil erosion, protect watersheds, absorb and store carbon, and furnish critical wildlife habitats. In partnership with American Forests' Wildfire ReLeafprogram, Clif Bar & Co. supports ecosystem restoration.
- Promote the use of bio-fuels. Clif Bar & Co. runs a 100% biodiesel-powered bus that tours the country, spreading the word about the solutions to global warming.
- Share the love. Clif Bar & Co. makes events cleaner, greener and climate neutral. These venues include the 2006 Amgen Tour of California professional cycling race, the 2006 Maverick's Surf Contest, the 2005 and 2006 Escape from Alcatraz triathlons, the Bonnaroo music festival, the Berkeley Greek Theater and others. Keep an eye on our website—there's more green love on the way.
- Don't journey alone. We know our impact is greater when we work with others. Through Clif Bar & Co's Partners in Sustainability program, we support a diverse group of organizations that, in turn, help us move forward on our journey toward growing a greener business.
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