Mantua, OH Eagle Creek Growers continues its quiet and methodical approach to
sustainable business practices by earning VeriFlora certification. The
VeriFlora program provides stringent sustainability performance standards for
growers addressing environmental accountability, the health and well-being of
workers, their families and communities, and product quality. This was a
natural next step for us in our continuing commitment to sustainability. I
believe it adds value not only for our wholesale accounts but also the end
consumer, says Jill Cain, Owner of Eagle Creek. VeriFlora provides us an
independent, third party certification that consumers can trust.
VeriFlora requires its growers, including Eagle Creek, meet stringent
guidelines in the areas of crop production, ecosystem management, resource
conservation, energy efficiency, integrated waste management, worker safety,
workplace conditions, and product quality. Energy efficiency and conservation
has been the focus in our expansion efforts over the last 5 years. says Cain.
5 years ago when natural gas prices started going through the roof, we knew we
had to do something big to sustain ourselves and the company. We installed our
300 HP Biomass Boiler system in 2006 and in 2009 we installed a 50 KW Wind
Turbine. Both projects have helped us save energy and money, as well as reduce
our carbon foot print. Its a win-win all around.
The Biomass heating system generates heat for the entire greenhouse range using
recycled wood chips, saw dust, and horse manure, thus eliminating gas and oil
consumption. The Wind Turbine, which has now been in place almost 1 full year,
has helped the company save between 10% – 15% on its electricity.
Eagle Creeks greenhouses and production warehouses are equipped with high
efficiency light fixtures with motion sensors. These sensors turn lights on only
when people enter the area, and have reduced power consumption by one-third.
Additionally, Eagle Creek has installed ebb and flow flooring designed to
recycle all water used on site, reducing runoff and overall consumption.
Moreover, all greenhouses have energy curtains designed to maintain appropriate
temperatures overnight, which has reduced heat usage by up to 50%.
VeriFlora has helped Eagle Creek concentrate on other areas of sustainability
and environmental stewardship such as reducing the use of chemicals in the
greenhouse and using more beneficial insects and natural biological controls.
Eagle Creeks goal is to maintain a high quality product for the consumer, while
reducing environmental impacts across its production process.
Eagle Creek is a family owned and operated wholesale operation. Consumers can
find Eagle Creek products at their retail division, Eagle Creek Garden Center
located in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, but also throughout the Cleveland, Columbus, and
Pittsburgh markets. Eagle Creek grows mainly annual color, including spring
annuals, fall mums, poinsettias, and holiday potted plants. For more
information, log on to
www.eaglecreekgrowers.com
Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) and VeriFlora is an independent certifier
of environmental, health and safety claims. For more than two decades, SCS has
developed internationally recognized standard and certification programs aimed
at spurring the highest level of environmental improvements, social
accountability, and product performance. There are more than one billion flower
stems certified sustainably grown under the VeriFlora label. For more
information: www.SCScertified.com and
www.VeriFlora.com.
Source:
Scientific Certification Systems