Alara, one of the country’s biggest muesli producers, were the world’s first fair trade cereal company and have just become the first zero waste food business in the UK. Their green accomplishments, alongside their pledge to become carbon neutral by 2010, helps set them up as a shining example of how it can be done.
Whilst big business may shy away from this way of thinking, especially during current hard financial times, passing it off as profit sapping and soft, Alara’s rapid expansion and list of awards show it’s not just the planet that benefits from going green!
From office supplies to packaging, the whole organisation operates on a ‘zero waste’ basis and, whether its refilling printer cartridges locally or turning food scraps into practical soil conditioners, nothing is dumped.
There are many ways in which Alara profits from the zero waste policy; whilst the company benefits from a greener image and reputation, the most remuneration of going zero is simple waste reduction; they save money because they waste less.
Building on their Zero waste successes, Alara have set their sights on being carbon neutral by 2010. Some key steps have already been taken, with the exclusive use of renewable energy sources throughout the company. This is complemented by a wind turbine, which crowns one of the warehouses.
Specially installed lighting systems monitor area use and natural illumination levels to ensure adequate light when required, but turn themselves off when no movement is detected or when natural light sources can suffice.
Complementing these steps is the local sourcing of supplies, which cuts excessive travel and benefits the surrounding community. If this carbon conscious path is maintained, Alara’s 2010 goal will clearly become reality.
The zero waste policies have built Alara into a healthier, happier workplace and, aside from the direct green benefits of the waste and carbon programmes and the reduced costs, Alara have reaped some much subtler benefits to their business and beyond.
These benefits are perhaps best summed up through Alara’s reclamation of a piece of local wasteland. After removing over ten tonnes of rubbish a wonderful garden and green space has sprouted up, it has simultaneously helped offset carbon emissions and provided a community focus point, with Alara as its flagship.
Community and employee participation in the garden is encouraged and organic values promoted. The garden acts as a real time illustration of the benefits of waste reduction and investment in one’s environment. With everything from pomegranates to honey produced in the garden, the values and rewards of organic hard work are taught, lessons which Alara hope will be translated into the lives of the local community.
For ways you can go green and for more information on Alara’s muesli, including their new sustainable range, visit their website at www.alara.co.uk
