Guy Watson, founder of Riverford organic vegetables has, in conjunction with Mark Howard of Exeter University, commissioned a full ecological impact assessment of his business, looking into the cost / benefit analysis of environmental improvements across the board in order to effect targeted reductions in CO2 emissions and other impacts. Although the outcomes are still pending Guy gave The Organic Grower a glimpse into some of the areas the survey is looking into.
Guy stressed the important role that education can play in the creation of a responsible and common sense attitude to environmental issues in the workplace. Basics like shutting fridge doors to ensuring condensers are regularly serviced can make surprising cuts in energy use. When looking at packaging it is important to look at the whole life of the product, starch-based polymer packaging may take up to three times the amount of energy to produce when compared with conventional plastics. Guy highlighted the role of the customer in returning packaging materials. Box schemes are as much about supply as they are production. He also stressed that, although a highly visible symbol of the size and scope of the Riverford enterprise articulated lorries were a relatively efficient way of moving produce, consuming only 12 mpg to move a 40 tonne load, when compared with the use of smaller vans.
The final results will be published soon and promise to contain some valuable insights into the true nature of environmental efficiencies relevant to producers on all scales.