We report to Mother Nature
We report to Mother Nature
We report to Mother Nature...and we’ve got Mad Respect!
From our Great Grandfather’s very first orchard, we’ve always known who’s boss.
Every season is different, and there are endless variables that can affect each year’s crop. The temperatures can either push blooms, or delay them. Wind, rain and frost can take the blooms out before they have a chance to fruit. Once the blooms turn to fruit, a number of weather conditions determine how big, juicy and nutrient rich that fruit becomes.
Our job is to stay in close communication with Mother Nature...to listen, to respond, and to show up. From the richness of the soil, to the distance between trees, to the way we prune back the branches, to consistently walking through the orchards and doing our best to anticipate what the trees, vines, or plants may be asking for...we report to Mother Nature!
Because we’ve always worked so closely with the land, we also understand that sustainability is our responsibility.
We are more focused than ever on increasing the sustainability of our operations. Recycling, reducing waste, conserving energy, searching for better packaging solutions, and creating cleaner, more nutrient dense foods are at the forefront of our decision to become environmental stewards, supporting Mother Nature and honoring our responsibility to Her, and to our future generations.
A few things we’ve done...
Solar Installation
Mariani installed a 1.1-megawatt solar array which provides for 25% of the facilities’ electrical needs.
Over 20 years, our zero-emission system will reduce 40 million pounds of CO2, equivalent to taking 4,000 cars off the road in a year.
Since inception, we have already offset 22 million pounds of CO2 (equivalent to 2,300 cars off the road in a year.)
Water Purification
Our water purification plant reconditions wastewater which filters back to the local municipality in the best condition.
Overall water reduction has measured over 8 million gallons.
Energy Efficiency
A boiler economizer reduces natural gas usage by 24,000 therms or the equivalent of powering 535 households for a month.
An energy-efficient air compressor reduces CO2 output by 64,953 pounds annually, equivalent to powering 229 households for a month.
We transitioned all lighting fixtures to motion-activated, induction fluorescent units using 1/3 less energy reducing approximately 1.1 million pounds of CO2 annually, equivalent to powering 3,900 households for a month.
Waste & Recycling
Our recycling program has diverted over 15 million pounds of fiber, plastics, and other waste.
Growing Techniques
Our prune orchards are long term and sustainable crops. Prune trees can grow in all kinds of soil, and do not require as much water or need as much farming equipment as other crops.
We work with our growers to NOT spray if they don’t have to. Our growers are conscientious of their orchards, the land, and water usage. Water is recaptured as much as possible.
Tree prunings are added back to the soil, allowing more nutrients to feed the roots of the trees. We are currently working on initiatives to use food waste that can also feed soil so that we can grow more nutrient dense, flavorful fruit.