Sustainability

The triple bottom line

We don't pretend for a second that we are perfect, but from day one we have always strived for the triple bottom line – Environmental, Social and Financial sustainability.

Environmental

Given that our core business is growing, sourcing and supplying organic ingredients we have a real headstart. Scientific evidence has proven that organic agriculture results in much greater biodiversity (more birds, bees and animals) and protects the environment through legally binding standards that prevent pollution – whilst banning herbicides and artificial fertilisers.

Organic agriculture is also playing an increasingly important role in mitigating climate change – by taking carbon out of the atmosphere and safely locking it away in the soil - at a consistently greater rate than intensive production. More information about the environmental benefits of organic agriculture can be found on OF&G's website.

In addition, to further reduce our environmental footprint we:

• Purchase all our electricity from Ecotricity – a 100% renewable energy supplier
• Installed a 20Kw solar array on our warehouse
• Compost our milling waste and use this to increase the carbon content of our herb field soil
• Consolidate international shipments – significantly cutting the carbon cost of transportation
• Draw our water from a borehole - sunk on the farm
• Use 100% recyclable, fossil fuel-free packaging – wherever possible
• In partnership with Viridor, we have put in place compressive recycling and zero to landfill waste streams

Social

Alongside treating our suppliers with respect we are also fully committed to investing in our staff. This includes a supportive working environment, a strong commitment to positive health and annual profit share scheme.

Much more broadly, there is now compelling scientific evidence that organic food is better for human health. Put simply organic food is the best way to:

• Avoid potentially harmful pesticide residues
• Ensure the greatest level of nutrients and antioxidants in the food and drink we consume
• Avoid hydrogenated fats and controversial additives such as aspartame, tartrazine and MSG

Financial

Clearly for any business to be sustainable in the long term it has to make a profit. And whilst our profits are unlikely to attract the attention of venture capitalists any time soon, we make a surplus that allows for meaningful re-investment. In addition, we have transferred all our long term borrowing to Triodos Bank – an ethical bank with decades of experience in the organic sector.