AFMA Green Issue - July 08
Measured Steps, Major Impact
Holsum Bakery is making strides on several fronts, with the goal being to have a much softer energy-related "foot-print" upon everything within their control.
With water being a precious resource in the Southwest, Holsum's team has converted its water-intensive sanitation practices to processes using much less water. Lawns have been converted to desert landscaping. Water-less urinals are now in place. Evaporative coolers are being retro-fitted to use less water.
A major lighting initiative is the outcome of an energy audit by Holsum's electric provider. Soon, all bakery lighting will be T-5 (pay-back is less than 12 months) and all depot lighting will be T-8. Motion sensors are going into all office spaces.
A totally-different device to heat a new bun proof box is saving in excess of 400,000 cu. ft. of natural gas/year.
Holsum's team is currently studying a vehicle optimization opportunity, the outcome being to have vehicles situated only in the most-fuel-efficient locations, all driven by need and load carrying capacity.
"Sustainability is intergrated into the culture at Holsum Bakery," says Russ Kort, Director of Sales Operations. "In the baking industry, we are experiencing unprecedented rising costs of commodities such as grain and flour, so sustainability is not only good for the earth, but taking waste out of our systems and tackling high costs where ever possible."
Finally--as it relates to Holsum--all Holsum associates are encourged to bring in their newsprint, cardboard, aluminum cans, plastic bottles, and telephone books for re-cycling. All monies generated go into their "Helping Hands" account which is then distributed by a team to needy families.
Sustainability Efforts
HOLSUM BAKERY BELIEVES
that each of us holds an obligation to preserve and protect our environment. Through our everyday choices and actions, we collectively have a huge impact on our world. It's really a simple concept, but one with far reaching effects.
Holsum is committed to applying the principles of sustainability to all aspects of our business. Holsum encourages their employees to conserve water, energy, supplies and all resources .
Sustainability Initiatives:
- Reduce energy comsumption at plants
- Recycle 3,670 lbs of paper, we saved 16 trees
- Educate associataes how to recycle at their work- place
- Recycling of cardboard, plastic materials and bread bags
- Reduction of water usage at the plants
- Recycling metals, such as steel and iron in our facilities
- Vehicle optimization efforts to reduce fuel usage with alternative
work schedules in several areas
- All vending machines will be changed from bottles to cans
Sustainable Living
The following are some interesting links on education for sustainabale living and the importance it has on the world.
A Greener World:
www.kab.org/site/PageServer
ecoliteracy.org/
deforestationwatch.org/
www.sustainablemeasures.com/
sustainability.publicradio.org/
www.worldwildlife.org/climate/item3797.html
thewomensfoundation.org/2008/call-to-action-recycle-your-cell-phone-and-support-women-and-girls/
www.globalgiving.com/cb/green/innovation.html
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