General Produce is very proud to announce achievement on their goal of “green certification” through a third-party evaluation and process.
“Thanks to sustainable efforts already in place and practice at General Produce, the certification process was achieved well ahead of our original year-end goal,” said Linda Luka, director of marketing and communications for General Produce. “Green Plus helped us evaluate and identify areas that we could enhance and expand, as well as focus on new opportunities in the sustainability arena. No one argues that as an industry, there is much work to be done. We are pleased to be at the
front of that parade.”
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 proud to be the first business in California to achieve Green Plus Certification,” says Daniel Chan, president, of General Produce. “Being a “Green Plus Certified” business means that General Produce will continue to incorporate ‘best sustainable practices’ into our strategic and daily business decisions. It provides us with some basic standards and guidelines within energy and conservation measures. From there, it allows us to develop and improve our workplace environment and expand our community involvement with a focus on partnerships and purpose.”
Dan Chan, President of General Produce (left) and Tom Chan, CEO of General Produce (right).
A component that fits nicely into advancing the industry’s progress is the Greener Fields Together sustainability program, available to the entire produce value chain. This PRO*ACT administered program, has two primary goals: (1) To implement sustainability practices that will improve environmental impact (2) To ensure the availability and safety of produce for foodservice and retail partners in all industry segments. Greener Fields Together engages and involves farmers, distributors, foodservice operators and retail locations in efforts to work toward safer produce from seed to fork. General Produce is a proud PRO*ACT member and supporter of Greener Fields Together.