We have a policy of minimising the impact of our business on the environment. We do this in 5 key ways:
1. Carbon offsetting (UN billion tree campaign)
We offset the carbon dioxide of our deliveries by donating to plant trees for the UN billion tree campaign. Customers can also contribute to offset their own deliveries, and after 58 contributions they receive a certificate of a planted tree from Tree Nation.
| 1 delivery |
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| Average trip |
9 km |
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| The delivery vehicles emits 150 grams of CO2 per kilometre |
1.3kg CO2 per delivery |
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| Assumes weekly deliveries |
88.5 kg CO2 over 1 year |
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58 offset contributions are enough to pay for 1 tree
so that the CO2 emissions of deliveries are absorbed (for one customer)
50% is donated by reason2.be.
An electronic certificate from Tree Nation will be sent to the customer to prove that the tree has been planted thanks to their 58 contributions.
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| If a customer ends the subscription before the 58 deliveries are complete, then the amount will be donated to a central pot that will be used at the end of the year to buy a number of trees. |
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| € 0.06 offset contribution |
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| 1.7 % of a tree |
Cost of donating 1 tree is 7 euro via Tree Nation (on behalf of the UN billion tree campaign)
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| Each tree absorbs 1000kg CO2 over its lifetime |
The number of trees needed to offset the emitted CO2 is based on a tree planted in the humid tropics absorbing on average 22 kg of carbon dioxide annually over 40 years. Each tree will absorb 1000kg of CO2 over its lifetime. The annual calculation assumes that 5 trees should be planted to ensure that at least one lives to 40 years or that their combined sequestration equals 1000kg. To find out more about the calculation, click here to see the CO2 emissions calculator
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| 58 offset contributions pays for 1 tree to absorb enough CO2 of each customers delivery |
Reason2.be matches each customer donation of €0.06 for each delivery. |
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2. Economical vehicles
We try use the most fuel efficient vehicles possible. Our current delivery vehicles emit only 119 and 137 grams of CO2 per kilometre (Fiat Doblo 1.3L van and Toyota Yaris 1.4L). The Yaris conforms to the Euro IV emsissions standard, and both vehicles are one of the most fuel efficient vehicles in their respective segments.
3. Source locally
We try to source all our fresh organic produce from Belgian farms. This helps to not only provide the freshest produce possible for our customers, but also helps to lower the 'food miles' of the products we supply. Depending on the season, the produce may be sourced from neighbouring countries, but we work closely with our suppliers to keep the food miles to a minimum. You can see a list of our local producers here.
4. Optimised routing
We use routing software that optimises the route for all our deliveries. This kind of of routing can be shown to be more energy efficient than individual shopping trips.
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Analysis
By analysing the mileage driven for our deliveries and comparing to the potential miles driven by customers who would otherwise neeed to drive to the nearest organic shop/market, you can see that actual mileage driven is almost half.
This model assumes that the customers that use reason2.be would not be able to walk/cycle to the nearest organic shop and the produce would not be bought on other coincidental trips.
The driving mileage shown is for conceptual purposes and does not correspond to the actual mileage driven.
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| In addition, we utilise the delivery vans to recycle customers glass and to provide exchange services. This means that the delivery van is never empty, even at the end of the delivery route. We maximise the logistic possibilities and don't waste fuel. |
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5. Closed loop reusable packaging program
We try to use only reusable packaging. By reusing packaging we are operating in a 'closed loop' from the farm until the customer. The cardboard delivery boxes, plastic trays and eggs boxes are all reused, so please return them each week. We use some paper packaging to line the boxes, and this can be recycled by customers. We also use sometimes compostable trays are made from sugar cane that can be composted with the food waste.
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Why reusing beats recycling:
· Reuse keeps goods and materials out of the waste stream
· Reuse advances source reduction
· Reuse preserves the ‘embodied energy’ that was originally used to manufacture an item
· Reuse reduces the strain on valuable resources, such as fuel, forests and water supplies, and helps safeguard wildlife habitats
· Reuse creates less air and water pollution than making a new item or recycling
· Reuse saves money in purchases and disposal costs
· Reuse generates new business and employment opportunities for both small entrepreneurs and large enterprises
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