PRO*ACT, North America’s leading distributor of fresh produce, has earned a Green Business Certification from the Monterey Bay Area Green Business Program. The certification is part of an effort to recognize companies in the region for “exceeding environmental regulatory requirements, preventing pollution and conserving natural resources.”
PRO*ACT is recognized as a leader and advocate for green business practices. Its Greener Fields Together™ initiative, a national supply-chain sustainability and local produce program, has influenced in-house practices as well, which have formed the basis for this award. PRO*ACT’s Green Office Program includes specific operational guidelines to:
- Reduce waste, paper and the use of water and electricity;
- Purchase office products and equipment that are low-energy, compostable and eco-friendly;
- Execute a comprehensive recycling program;
- Reduce travel where possible in favor of teleconferencing.
Successful results include a 44% reduction in trash disposal and a 45% increase in recycling. The total waste-to-landfill volume has been reduced, as well. “Practices like these within our own ‘four walls’ and Greener Fields Together, which promotes continuous sustainability improvements throughout the supply chain, have become part of PRO*ACT’s corporate DNA,” says Kathleen Phillips, Supply Chain Sustainability Manager at PRO*ACT. “We’ve raised the bar on sustainability in our industry and are committed to keep raising it. It’s good for the Earth and it’s good for business.”
