General Produce, a leading family-owned and operated produce distributor, is ramping up its focus and efforts in the sustainability arena. Improving daily operational targets and establishing a company commitment to achieve “green certification” by year end is an aggressive but worthy goal.
“The terms ‘sustainability’ and ‘green’ are often interchanged, but we’ve learned through the initial evaluation process that true sustainability encompasses much more,” said Linda Luka, Director of Marketing and Communications for General Produce. “We’ve partnered with Green Plus for our official certification and are very pleased with the assessment results. While we have some worthwhile work ahead of us for certification, we can also take credit for many practices already in place that contribute to our sustainability efforts.”
Green Plus, a nationally recognized third-party certification company describes their process as a “business improvement program focusing on business education, networking, and recognition.” While their process aims to conserve natural resources, increase recycling and reuse, while also reducing the company’s carbon footprint, the environmental element is just one aspect of their sustainability initiative. The full process includes a review of the company’s engagement and affects with people, planet and profits. The sustainability certification encompasses a review of the social, economic, cultural and environmental impacts of the total business practices.
“We are committed to not only meeting the basic requirements set forth by Green Plus for certification, but aspire to surpass them,” says Daniel Chan, President, of General Produce. Broadly stated, our industry has not typically been a leader in sustainability. We would like to set the bar high as we join forces with like-minded legacy companies. General Produce is a third-generation family-owned business and we understand the importance of innovation and adaptability. We have an imperative to pass along a strong and enduring company for the next generation.”