Wednesday, July 30, 2008

money trees for grown-ups: a look at sustainable energy

When I was young, I would imagine what it would be like to have a money tree in my backyard. Anytime I wanted a new toy, I would just pluck the dollar leaves off the branches, water the roots, and skip away without any worry of running out of my allowance. Soon more dollar leaves would grow and I would continue to be rich! Now that I’ve grown up, I’ve noticed that there are “money trees” all over the place. Okay, so not actual trees, but almost as good. Wind power and solar power act like money trees to our homes, businesses, and economy. We can use the sun and wind just like the leaves on the money tree. It’s renewable! Unlike gas (and money), we can’t run out of wind and sunlight. Because these renewable technologies are so new, there is one barrier that keeps people from buying them, they are expensive. However, even though the seeds for money tress are expensive, the money leaves pay you back forever. The same is true with the use of renewable energies. Sustainable energy sources provide a wonderful rate of return. When a business or home makes the initial purchase of a solar panel or wind turbine, they begin to save money. Both sunlight and wind are free! Electricity bills drop, gas bills drop, and the best part is that the environment is protected at the same time. If a business is still hesitant to make the initial purchase of these new technologies, there are organizations such as the Bonneville Environmental Foundation. They offer Green Tags through the EPA Green Tag Program. The purchase of these Green Tags allows you to support a sustainable energy of your choice. So, even if a company doesn’t have their very own wind turbine, they can still support the use of sustainable energies. This program is a great way to use wind and sun energy, while the technology that harvests them is still so new (and expensive). That’s why earthpure organics™ is committed to providing Green Tags on all of their products. Every product has carbon offsets through the support of wind power. Now that I work with a company that helps grow “money trees” I can focus my free time on finding a Pink Barbie Jeep.

audrey - sales

Friday, July 25, 2008

sb12: the beginning of something better


Senate Bill 12 went into effect on July 1st, 2007. It details basic nutritional standards for snack foods and entrees that are sold in schools. These requirements include a maximum of 35% calories from fat, 10% from saturated fat, and 35% from sugar. Also, a snack item may not exceed 175 calories in elementary schools and 250 calories in middle and high schools.

As good as this may sound, these guidelines are just the frosting on the cake....with less sugar and fat. The fact is, over 10,000 existing products had been reformulated for SB 12 compliance by the time it went into effect last year. Less calories, fat, and sugar? Sure. But they are still, very often, highly processed products that contain GMOs, pesticide and herbicide residues, preservatives, artificial sweeteners, colors, and flavors and so on. 100-calorie packs of cookies. Baked chips. These are not necessarily part of a "healthy" diet. But at least it is a start. It is the foods on the "exempted list" that really deserve our attention. The list includes fruit, vegetables, nuts, legumes, nut butters, seeds, eggs and cheese. The nutrition profiles of these foods are generally much better than their processed, sugar-added, fried, or baked, counterparts. But unfortunately, they still aren't as available and visible in schools as many of us would like them to be.

earthpure organics™ has taken a great interest in supporting SB 12 and supporting positive change in the availability of quality snack items for students. earthpure organics™ in partnership with it sister company, Nextgen Vending™, produces and distributes a wide range of SB 12 compliant foods, including whole food formulations like dried fruits, nuts, trail mixes, and food bars. And, of course, it is always organic™.

justin - product development

Thursday, July 24, 2008

genetically modified to what?

Concerns surrounding this issue have sparked debates from nearly every field (no pun intended)- from environmentalists, health specialists, to scientists, everyone seems to have a significant position. While genetically modified foods (GMO's) have been on the market since the early 90’s, and make up the majority of produce at most grocery stores today, there remains to be a contentious attitude towards the practice.

I have to admit; in the past I have felt torn on this issue myself. Why? All I have to do is recall my “introduction” biology class at the local university. I clearly recall the lesson that fell right in between the nitrogen cycle and the human genome. The professor claimed, whole-heartedly, that genetically modified foods are completely safe and that we should trust the regulations that are in place that ensure the safety of our food. Then she coolly explained how tomato crops have been infused with the genetics of a sea creature, resulting in extreme temperature resistance (not to mention its ability to navigate against a strong current, and a stem that resembles a dorsal fin).

I don’t want to knock the regulating agencies that work hard to keep our food safe. But, mistakes do happen. Just think about the recent salmonella breakouts. How long did it take to determine the source? Wait, did they ever determine the source? Furthermore, think of how many ingredients that are allowed to be put into our food products as a main ingredients when they have been linked to deadly diseases: high fructose corn syrup or monosodium glutamate anyone? If the same regulating agencies allow that, what is stopping them from seriously questioning GMO issues?

Reading about genetically modified food on the web can also be quite the dumbfounding task- this blog excluded, of course. However, many agencies and health specialist remain vehemently opposed to GM foods, citing everything from poor safety testing1,to unintended, unknown effects on flora fauna biodiversity2, and economic concerns resulting from gene patents3.

So, whether some scientists are convinced of the dangers in GMO food, or not, I’ll continue to err on the side of caution. There is just enough concern out there about GMO foods to have me thinking of my children’s delicate bodies, lives, and their future on this planet.

james - operations

food that’s fair

When I used to grocery shop I had one goal in mind, to get in and out as quickly as possible. I would zip from aisle to aisle tossing random items into my cart and then finish my trip by gambling with the grocery lines, trying to determine which was the shortest. As it would be, I always ended up behind the man who fought with the cashier about sale prices, or the lady who couldn’t find her wallet. However, my grocery trip goals have recently changed. With the increase in food prices I realized that I needed to pay better attention to what I buy at the grocery store. I could no longer afford to have a bunch of food in my pantry going to waste, so I began to plan out what to buy and start reading labels. As soon as I slowed my pace down at the store to a swift glide I was able to notice all the different types of products. Not only were there almonds, but also, there were organic almonds, raw almonds, and an especially new label to me, fair trade almonds. When I looked at this foreign sticker, I began to analyze it. I know what it means to be fair and I know what it means to trade, but I didn’t know much about our world trade practices. I shouldn’t have been surprised that I knew little about our trade practices considering the fact that I never really thought about how my food got to my table other that the fact that I drove it from the store to my kitchen (sad I know!) This little sticker intrigued me so I began researching and this I what I found:
In today's world economy, where profits rule and small-scale producers are left out of the bargaining process, farmers, craft producers, and other workers are often left without resources or hope for their future. Fair Trade principles help exploited producers escape from this cycle and gives them a way to maintain their traditional lifestyles with dignity. Here are some of the benefits of fair trade:

• Fair trade increases annual incomes of small farmers
• Fair trade helps put in place tools for self-sufficiency
• Fair trade assists small farmers to stay out of high interest debt
• Fair Trade helps build infrastructure in farmers community
• Fair trade lets consumers have a clear conscience about their purchases
• Fair trade lets consumers assist and empower others with their buying power
• Fair trade lets consumers be part of a social justice movement
• Fair trade allows consumers to initiate a chain of responses that will positively impact the lives of farmers and their families.
• Small farmers use organic methods, which are more environmentally friendly and sustainable
• Small farmers disperse their plants throughout a region, a sustainable method
• Small farmers plant shade grown coffee which is key to protecting certain species of birds
• The existence of small farmers helps prevent the clear-cutting of larger estates

Clearly this one little sticker has one big message. Life’s not fair to many of the people who provide our food, so it is up to us, as the consumer to speak with our wallets and support companies who are fair trade certified. Now, with my self-education on all of the different meanings of certain labels (fair trade, organic, gluten free, vegan, etc.) I have a quick reference on my packaging, and I can once again zip through the aisles, however this time I’ll be making smart and socially conscious purchases as well.

audrey - sales

Monday, July 21, 2008

conventional foods and obesity

We have all seen it on the news, read about it in magazines, we know obesity is a problem; we know we have to make changes but the question is why? Why are 1 out of 4 Americans obese, why has obesity steadily been on the rise for the past 25 years? What is different now than 30 years ago?

According to studies around the world, MSG, an additive in most conventional foods could quite possibly be the reason behind a nation-wide obesity epidemic. During multiple studies regarding diets and diabetes, mice were injected with MSG as newborns. The MSG triples the amount of insulin the pancreas creates, in effect creating obese mice to perform tests on. This is similar to what happens when humans ingest foods with MSG. By stimulating the pancreas to release insulin, which in turn drops blood sugar MSG will actually increase appetite! This is no accident, manufactures are well aware of the effects their product create. To much insulin can also lead to the start of type II diabetes, which just happens to be alarmingly increasing in children, which was almost unheard of before the introduction to MSG.

MSG, which is not used in organic food, is found in all types of conventional foods, prepackaged dinners, fast food, chips, cookies, crackers…..its everywhere. The only way to be sure you are not eating it is to be sure the food you buy and prepare is fresh, organic and healthy. MSG manufacturers do not hide the fact that their product is used to hook customers and make than eat more of it than if MSG were not added. It is up to you to take responsibility, educate others and make the choice to buy healthy and organic foods and snacks whenever possible.

We can beat this obesity epidemic, eat fresh, local and organic also teach those around you about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and we can turn the next 25 years into something Americans can be proud of.

amber - business development

Sunday, July 20, 2008

children and the dirty dozen

Often people make healthy lifestyle changes when they become parents. Parents want what’s best for their kids, and increasingly, organic products are becoming part of these lifestyle transitions. Clear signs of this movement can be found in the rapidly expanding organic baby food and organic baby clothing industries.

Organic food is very likely even more important for children than it is for adults. Children eat much more food than adults do in relation to their weight. They are also affected more quickly and easily by the foods they ingest. This is why it’s the "pregnant women and children" that must be warned about the heavy metals they may be consuming in their tuna. In addition to their low body mass and relatively rapid metabolism, children are growing and developing on a daily basis. It is these aspects of being a child that make a healthy, organic diet so essential.

Most of us understand the importance of consuming a diet that is balanced in respect to the different food groups, or, the balance between carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. We have also heard that most of us should be eating more fruits and vegetables- and most children love fruit. Unfortunately, some non-organic fruits and vegetables have been shown to consistently absorb high amounts of pesticides. These "dirty dozen" of produce include: apples, strawberries, peaches, pears, nectarines, imported grapes, spinach, potatoes, celery, lettuce, cherries, and bell peppers. Studies suggest that by replacing the conventional varieties of these 12 foods with organic varieties, an individual can drastically reduce their overall pesticide intake. Another recent study from the University of Washington tracked the pesticide by-product levels in children’s urine. The findings showed that children who consumed mostly organic produce and juices versus conventional varieties of produce and juices had only 1/6 of the pesticide by-products present in their urine. These studies are incredibly significant and highlight a good starting point for those of us that are new to organic food.

New parents, new kids, new organic diet!

justin - product development

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

health and beauty: finally together again

Everyday people spend time grooming themselves, some more than others, but generally everyone makes it a habit to spend a little time in the morning and evening to wash their face, rub on deodorant, lather up shower gel, and apply body lotion. These daily rituals help us not only maintain a healthy lifestyle, but also, they help us look a little more attractive. A single product like toothpaste can prevent gingivitis and provide minty fresh breath in one application. It’s no wonder then that health and beauty companies make billions of dollars a year. They are selling miracles! Why would we change a thing?

We are all doing what we’ve done for years, and through our own experimenting we have found our favorite brands, flavors, scents, and even specific quirky ways to use these products. For example, I like to floss my top row then my bottom row with waxed floss. I have no clue why I do the top first. Everyone has their own preference, and none of these habits need to change. However, we might want to rethink some of the products we use. Many products are lacking on the health side of the “health & beauty” part of its claim. Our government aims to protect us from harmful drugs and medications, but their focus is on products that are taken orally. According to the FDA, cosmetics and their ingredients are not required to undergo approval before they are sold. Also, there are only ten substances that are prohibited in the use of cosmetic products. This lack of concern for the products that are acceptable to use on our bodies is strange considering the fact that our skin is a major way our bodies absorb chemicals. Our skin is the largest organ we have! It not only eliminates toxins, but it also absorbs them. So, when you put shower gel, lotion, eye cream, shampoo etc. on your skin, you absorb it!

We should use products that make us both feel good and smell nice without exposing ourselves with harmful chemicals – USDA certified organic body products eliminate many of the problems that conventional products carry without sacrificing the things we love about them. You can use organic body lotion that moisturizes as well as your old stuff in a scent or flavor that you love! Although there are only a handful of companies that sell certified organic body products, keep your eye out because many more are on their way (including an earthpure organics™ line). A good company to start with is Natures Paradise. They have products with scents so good you could eat them (probably not a great idea), and they are USDA certified organic so you know that any food-based ingredients used, will not carry harmful chemicals or pesticides. Its good to see health and beauty back together again!

audrey - sales

Saturday, July 12, 2008

killing you with sweetness

Artificial sweeteners have long been praised by dieters the world over. With less calories and an undeniable sweet flavor they have made their way into a multitude of products touting their diet friendly existence. Although it appeared we might have finally found a way to eat what we want and still maintain our waistlines the truth eventually came out and once again the old saying rings true that we cannot have our cake and eat it too.

The intent of artificial sweeteners was as a sugar substitute and less fattening alternative to sugar, simply copying the flavor of sugar but with no valuable calories or energy. Unfortunately for us, after testing this product the FDA found traces of toxicity yet still approved it for mass production. We now have many products such as sodas, yogurts, coffee creamers…etc in vending machines sweetened with toxic chemicals. There are five approved substitutes too look out for: saccharin, neotame, acesulfame potassium, aspartame and sucralose, the most common and dangerous being sucralose and aspartame. Sucralose is sugar, which is chlorinated and chemically alerted to create a product, which is in no way or form “sugar”. Aspartame, according to a report in Flying Safety is a possible cause of tumors, mental disorders, birth defects, epilepsy, and diabetes to name a few. The breakdown of Aspartame in the body leaves behind, methanol, formaldehyde and formic acid, all of which can be lethal in proper amounts.

The good news is that we have options. Simply cutting out products that are labeled “sugar free”, “diet” or “low calorie” is a good place to start. Replace your sugar substitutes with products like organic and raw Agave nectar, which is not only delicious but has a low glycemic value as well. Use organic honey or organic sugars to sweeten up your foods and drinks. Getting rid of these products will not only help save you and your family from side effects but will help enforce a healthier, happier and more informed lifestyle you can all feel good about.

amber - business development

know your labels - they could save your life


At the grocery store with my wife, I’m probably like most guys (and I don’t mean absent-mindedly roaming the beer aisle for a hour). What I mean is that there are certain foods at the grocery store that I need to help choose - mostly because they are some of my favorite foods to eat. Some of these items include crunchy chips, hearty breads, and delicious chocolate bars/ cookies. And, unfortunately, the same foods that I love to shop for are often riddled with tricky marketing techniques to make them appear as if they are something they are not.

I often find myself strolling down the cookie, chip, or bread aisle, noticing the many misleading labels. Many companies like to use words on their packaging like “Natural” or “Finest Ingredients” when nothing could be further from the truth. You see, it is perfectly legal for companies to do this because such words like “Finest” and “Natural” are not nearly as regulated in the food industry as it is with organic food. This problem doesn’t exist nearly as much within the organic food industry due to proper regulation and certified USDA organic food is always made without harmful pesticides, artificial sweeteners, and hydrogenated oils. In fact, just last week I noticed a new brand of non-organic bread on the shelf that said, “Made with the Finest Ingredients,” so, I rolled that bag over to read the ingredients, and sadly, the result was all too common- high fructose corn syrup was listed as the 3rd ingredient! Personally, I find this very troubling. Something that says, “Made with the finest Ingredients” can contain a substance that the Mayo Clinic reports as contributing to “diabetes and high cholesterol […and] the growing obesity problem.”1

This is one of the great things about earthpure organics™: there are no tricky marketing techniques to mislead consumers. And while we make every effort to be as transparent a business as possible, it certainly helps that we are certified organic with Oregon Tilth. For those that are not familiar with organic certification, it means that even if we wanted to cut corners and riddle our products with artificial preservatives, genetically modified organisms, and other harmful chemicals, it’s simply not allowed. When you want to shop for the safest, healthiest, most nutritious food for your family, certified USDA organic is the best choice.

james - operations

Thursday, July 10, 2008

plant-based bio-plastics: a better alternative

The bottled water industry is in increasingly hot water. Many consumers and companies have decided that bottled water is not something that they want to support. The waste stream generated from the water bottles is massive; very little ends up being recycled. Furthermore, many studies have shown that chemicals such as BPA and phthalates can readily leach into the water from the bottle. This is cause for serious concern as these hormone-like chemicals can act as endocrine disruptors.

To address these issues, earthpure™ organics is distributing a PLA (poly lactic acid) water bottle made from a plant based plastic, derived from corn. This bottle is completely free of BPA and phthalates. It can biodegrade in 80 days in a proper composting facility. It may also be recycled, incinerated, or put in a landfill. Petroleum-based water bottles will be with us for thousands of years, in landfills and oceans.

Critics of corn PLA suggest that it is a bad decision to be using a food grain for packaging. But the fact is, the majority of corn grown in America goes to feed livestock. So, raising the price of say, beef, which is heavily subsidized and creates an enormous carbon footprint and waste stream is a bad idea? Besides, prices of every major food staple have risen sharply in the last 1-2 years. And it is not hard to figure out why..... the price of crude oil.

The PLA corn bottle is not perfect. But, it is a huge step in the right direction. We mustn't wait, inactive, for the perfect technology to arrive. Plant based bioplastics, including PLA, are our best opportunity for creating a sustainable packaging industry. So, let's help drive this new, evolving industry toward even better technologies by supporting the best choices that are available today. By doing so, we can expect to see even better sustainable technologies in the future.

justin - product development

spread the green

Green is America’s new favorite color. In the past, the color green was associated with things like vegetables, trees, and The Incredible Hulk. Now, along with our past associations, we are starting to include cars, light bulbs, and even whole food candy bars into the mix. Everything, whether it’s pink, white, blue or grey, is beginning to change to a slight green shade if you look hard enough. With our expanding knowledge of how we can positively or negatively effect our environment, we can no longer turn our heads in the other direction. We must accept this responsibility, simply because it is the right thing to do – whether you are a business, or a mom at home setting examples for your children.

Within the past decade people have exchanged their CDs for iPods, letters for emails, and fossil fuels for wind power. Although learning how to download music onto your new iPod may have been intimidating, you soon realized how convenient it was to have all your songs in one compact device. This luxury soon became commonplace, and to some a necessity. We may be hesitant at first to try new things, but we have proven that we are capable of adapting and using new technologies to our full advantage. Using new technologies is just the beginning - we are all capable of changing our everyday practices as well, thus affecting how much we consume and the level of waste that we produce. These may all seem like small changes, but when thousands or even millions of people make small sacrifices it can become big change. It is no wonder then, that we are trying to spread the green.

audrey - sales

Thursday, July 3, 2008

a better fit: healthy food for healthy places

Students, teachers, doctors, patients, employees, and others around the country are beginning to recognize the irony inherent in the conventional vending options available to them. Hospitals, schools, gyms, and recreational centers, are places where we go to support or regain our health, not undermine it. Many of these traditional strongholds of the vending industry have become increasingly dissatisfied with the discrepancy between the message of their program and the message, effects, and contents of the snack items in their vending machines. Even with the entrenched practice of monetary kickbacks (commissions) from vending operators and manufacturers, many organizations have decided to forgo vending machines altogether. Of course, there is another answer: organic, healthy vending items. As a baseline for any healthy food item, earthpure organics™ is committed to, and believes in, organic food. How can we talk about “healthy food” if we include items that were grown with synthetic pesticides, petroleum-based fertilizers, raw sewage, and genetically-modified seeds? Or with prepared products, is it appropriate to base a “healthy food” conversation on “100-calorie packs” and “baked-not-fried”? The answer, of course, is no. Consumers want to see healthy products in their places of work, play, and recovery that have a meaningful message and positive nutritional value in regards to their health. While portion control and preparation method are pieces of the puzzle, the more important questions include: How much synthetic pesticide / herbicide residue is left on this food? What preservatives, artificial flavors / colors, and processing agents have been used to create this product? Does this product contain Genetically-Modified-Organisms? Fortunately, we can address and overcome these questions by consuming organic food. It is earthpure organics™ mission, as the only 100% organic product supplier to the vending industry, to make organic vending products widely available to Americans wherever they may find themselves. Whether you choose an earthpure™ vending kiosk snack, or make a different choice at your local food mart, organic is surely a better fit.

justin - product developer

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

why earthpure?

During the course of doing business as earthpure or nextgen, we are often asked, "why". The question, I believe, comes from that place in our past that is comfortable, knowable or familiar. Why change now? Why start eating organic food when most of the world doesn't? Our answer is always the same, and that is you don't have to change your life, but simply begin to make more informed and hopefully healthier choices. We feel strongly that it is our responsibility to inform you, to earn your trust, one day and one product at a time - if we do our jobs well, you will find yourself going out of your way to find that organic vending kiosk that your weren't sure about just a few months back. Below, you will find our written guarantees and mission statements - we hope this gives you some insight as to why we do what we do.

paul

brand confidence
We developed the earthpure organics™ brand in order to offer a healthy solution that has organic ingredients, is fair trade sourced as often as possible, and never uses stuff that’s bad for you (see below). Whether you are a parent, teacher, or just a guy or gal looking for better organic options, you never have to worry whether or not an earthpure organics™ product is good for you, or good for your kids – you will know it is.

We believe that every time you buy an earthpure organics™ product, you are investing in your future, and the future of all our children. We take that investment and your confidence in our brand very seriously. Thank you.

healthy standards
The earthpure organics™ brand consistently meets the market demand with guaranteed, always organic™, healthy products that will never include the following::

  • GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms)
  • Trans Fats/ Hydrogenated Oils
  • Highly refined simple sugars
  • Aspartame, Neotame, Cyclamates, Acesulfame-K, High Fructose Sweeteners
  • Highly Refined Grains
  • Bleached flours
  • Bromated flours
  • Stimulants
  • Artificial colors
  • Artificial flavors
  • Chemical additives
  • Hydrolyzed collagen protein (HCP) or gelatin
  • High Levels of Sodium
  • Added Nitrates
  • BHA preservatives
  • BHT preservatives
  • Benzoate preservatives

company mantra
“We believe that our values drive our thoughts, and our thoughts drive our actions. We hold one consistent thought above all others at Earthpure Organics™ and we let our actions speak for themselves" –

“Market Quality Organic Products”

mission statement

core philosophy
Earthpure Organics™ is a mission-driven company that relies on a core set of values in all its dealings – these values are; honesty, integrity, social responsibility, diversity, family, success, hard work, passion, pride and modesty. Our mission to be a trusted leader in the retail organic food and product industry is firmly rooted in a powerful work ethic and our conviction that we can and should make a difference. We will continually work toward exceeding the needs and expectations of all our stakeholders: our customers, employees, suppliers, partners, communities, the environment and the planet. Setting and adhering to high standards is what we continually strive for – we will always be positive examples for other organizations and other people to emulate. Our vision carries well beyond our business or industry - we are forever bound to the people we engage and the world in which we live.

business
We believe in the right to profit through the voluntary exchange of goods and services with our customers, partners and associates. It is our belief that earned capital is a barometer of our success as a company, but not the only barometer – our success must also be based on making ethical and moral choices, earning the trust and loyalty of our customers and engaging our local communities through volunteer work and mentoring. We will act as a model for others who are interested in being socially and environmentally responsible, while being profitable. Earthpure Organics™ firmly believes in the Fair Trade principles – we will be consistent in our support of companies and products that understand and follow Fair Trade principles. It is our mission to deliver the widest selection of organic products to diverse markets in a timely manner and ensure freshness, availability and Always Organic™ content.

product
Earthpure Organics™ has set a goal to develop and sell the highest quality organic products at market competitive prices. Our product quality/ standards are based on nutritional value, taste, freshness, and of course they must have all natural and organic ingredients. We will never use a product that includes the use of trans-fats, refined sugars, GMO’s, refined grains, stimulants, nitrates, aspartame, artificial colors or flavors, BHA/ BHT/ Benzoate preservatives or chemical additives.

people
We will treat all our customers, partners and associates with respect, dignity and trust. We will engage all people and business transactions honestly, fairly and with positive intent. We believe that exceeding expectations is crucial to building relationships, brand and loyalty. The lifeblood of our business is in the relationships we develop, and the belief that we are having a positive effect on the lives of everyone we engage. We will focus many of our programs on the health and benefit of children of all ages.

earth
We believe we have a responsibility to treat mother earth with the same respect we bring to our business and our relationships. This means we make all efforts to use sustainable products, we recycle, reuse and reduce, and we are Always Organic™. We support the use of local businesses, farmers and products at all times. We continually strive to support socially responsible initiatives and technologies that foster stewardship of the land, protect the environment and allow us to leave a smaller overall footprint. To this end, we pledge to offset our business footprint (warehousing, shipping, etc.) by purchasing annual wind energy credits and employing energy saving technologies to all of our business practices.

tomorrow
Our mission statement reflects our goal to continually grow, and effect positive change within ourselves, our company and the world in which we live. It reflects our hopes and passions to be the best we can be at all times and in all areas of our lives. Should we ever fall short of our goals, we will work together to re-invigorate that passion and help shape a better tomorrow.