Save the planet or avoid the credit crunch?

Bustling Central London, surrounded by congestion and commerce, may seem a surprising place to find an organic safe haven. But then, anything less than surprising doesn't seem to come naturally to Alara.

Alara, one of the country's biggest muesli producers, were the world's first fair trade cereal company and have just become the first zero waste food business in the UK. Their green accomplishments, alongside their pledge to become carbon neutral by 2010, helps set them up as a shining example of how it can be done.

Whilst big business may shy away from this way of thinking, especially during current hard financial times, passing it off as profit sapping and soft, Alara's rapid expansion and list of awards show it's not just the planet that benefits from going green!

Size Zero

Although they have been trading for over thirty years, the free thinking, enviro-conscious foundations of Alara are now more relevant than ever. From office supplies to packaging, the whole organisation operates on a ‘zero waste' basis and, whether its refilling printer cartridges locally or turning food scraps into practical soil conditioners, nothing is dumped.

This may seem like extra effort in today's economic climate, but Alara are proving that any initial costs incurred in the implementation of such measures, are far outweighed by the longer term benefits.

There are many ways in which Alara profits from the zero waste policy; whilst the company benefits from a greener image and reputation, the most remuneration of going zero is simple waste reduction; they save money because they waste less.

Next Step: Zero Carbon

Building on their Zero waste successes, Alara have set their sights on being carbon neutral by 2010. Some key steps have already been taken, with the exclusive use of renewable energy sources throughout the company. This is complemented by a wind turbine, which crowns one of the warehouses.

Specially installed lighting systems monitor area use and natural illumination levels to ensure adequate light when required, but turn themselves off when no movement is detected or when natural light sources can suffice.

Complementing these steps is the local sourcing of supplies, which cuts excessive travel and benefits the surrounding community. If this carbon conscious path is maintained, Alara's 2010 goal will clearly become reality.

Team Effort

Tell an employee they should be working harder so the ‘company' can benefit from greater profit margins and it'll probably motivate them as much as a slap round the face. Sit them down and tell them how the company is striving to become cleaner and greener however and that everyone will benefit, and therefore has a responsibility to help, from saving the planet and the reaction is very different.

As a result of Alara's green initiative, the team now have a clear goal of their own and have become more productive, less wasteful and, ultimately, closer. As well as increased output the zero waste policies have built Alara into a healthier, happier workplace and, aside from the direct green benefits of the waste and carbon programmes and the reduced costs, Alara have reaped some much subtler benefits to their business and beyond.
These benefits are perhaps best summed up through Alara's reclamation of a piece of local wasteland. After removing over ten tonnes of rubbish a wonderful garden and green space has sprouted up, it has simultaneously helped offset carbon emissions and provided a community focus point, with Alara as its flagship.

Community and employee participation in the garden is encouraged and organic values promoted. The garden acts as a real time illustration of the benefits of waste reduction and investment in one's environment. With everything from pomegranates to honey produced in the garden, the values and rewards of organic hard work are taught, lessons which Alara hope will be translated into the lives of the local community.

The Way Forward

Alara have set the standard and provided the blueprint to show that waste-free, carbon neutral business success can be a reality. Through setting clear, achievable goals at each juncture they ensure their growth whilst keeping control of the ethical implications involved. Their recent recognition as ‘Green Business of the Year' at the Fast Growth Business Awards 2008 is testament to this, as is the incredible award winning muesli they produce. It is however the real life relevance of what they do which drives the company forward.

Perhaps if other organisations followed Alara's lead, soon the whole of Britain could be reaping the rewards of a healthier, greener country.

For ways you can go green and for more information on Alara's muesli, visit their website at www.alara.co.uk