Green Focus is an on-going 3-step effort by Lakeside Produce to do our part in protecting our planet. The focus of this program is on Green Growing Practices, Sustainable Packaging and Responsible Distribution.
Each element of this initiative is outlined below:
Lakeside Produce has always strived to be an environmentally responsible company. We have been a leader in adopting Green Policies and constantly moving towards ecological sustainability. Recently we have taken the following steps:
- Natural Pollination - We use actual bumblebees for our pollination process
- Integrated Pest Management - Using a small harmless wasp instead of dangerous chemical pesticides allows us to keep our produce entirely pesticide free without harming the produce.
- Computer Controlled Environment - Our state-of-the-art system dispenses exactly the correct amount of nutrients, water and CO2 for maximum efficiency.
- CO2 Scrubbers - Used to clean CO2 emissions and recycle back into our greenhouses.
- Coconut Fibre / Recycled Twine Supports - Our crops are all grown in Coconut fibre which is not only benefitial to the plants, its entirely recyclable! We also use 100% recycled twine to support each and every plant.
In addition to our growing practices we have focused our efforts on reducing our waste by converting to recyclable materials in our packaging, shipping and even promotional materials.
- Natural Kraft Boxes - Our standard boxes since 2007.
- Sugar cane trays - Replacing styrofoam and plastic with compostable sugar cane and bullrush trays allow our packaging to be far more renewable.
- "Pete" Clamshells - Recycled and recyclable, not to mention great barrier characteristics and increased shelf life.
- Reduction of Packaging - We have worked very hard to streamline our operation to use the least amount of packaging. This includes reusable plastic containers for shipping.
- Recycled Stock - All of our product ID cards as well as all company letterhead and promotional materials are printed on recycled stock. We even replaced our paper POS materials with a DVD to reduce our paper waste.
Our international distribution network is a fine tuned, computer controlled system that works in conjunction with our inventory control system to ensure the most efficient possible delivery method.
- Maximize Truck Freight - Fewer trucks on the road helps to reduce our Carbon Footprint.
- Team Drivers - Our Drivers work in teams for the safest and most efficient possible delivery method of our produce.
- International Operations - Our Distribution network spans all across North America providing us with the ability to reduce shipping costs and distances significantly. This also allows us to offer fresh produce year round, regardless of your local temperature.