Israel and The Netherlands
November 18, 2022
“As a seed company working on the frontlines of the environmental crisis,” says Michal Efrat, Quality Assurance Manager Environment & Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), “Hazera knows we need to take better care of our planet, so it can continue to nourish people everywhere. That’s why the environment is key to our CSR strategy.”
Launched in 2020, ‘Growing the future together’ aims to embed social and environmental responsibility and a sustainable, ethical mindset into everything we do.
“We want to be the best seed company in the world – and for the world,” Michal continues. “By producing seeds and contributing to plant growth, we’re off to a good start. But we want to grow our positive impact even further.”
Reducing emissions
We’re exploring various ways to reduce Hazera’s carbon footprint. “Our Netherlands bike leasing program is very popular with colleagues and also takes cars off the road,” Michal says. “Plus, we’re looking into electric/hybrid company vehicles and carbon offsetting for plane travel, along with installing solar panels at our offices.”
Cutting back on waste and materials
Around one-third of the food produced for human consumption goes to waste. Hazera’s Netherlands employees avoid food waste by taking home tomatoes every week, with leftovers donated to local foodbanks. “It’s a win-win,” says Michal. “We’re maximizing our planetary resources while providing healthy nutrition to vulnerable people.”
Meanwhile, in Israel and the Netherlands, single-use items like disposable cups are gone from Hazera offices. In the USA, we recycle seed pallets, and in our Sderot plant we even upcycle some into furniture.
Protecting our planet’s biodiversity
Seeds are what we do best at Hazera – and our colleagues in the Netherlands and Israel have been planting flowers around their homes and offices. “Bee populations are suffering,” explains Michal, “and wildflowers are crucial for healthy, biodiverse ecosystems. The local bees love their new habitats!”
In March 2021, a devastating oil spill reached the Israeli coastline. “We had to act,” Michal says. “A group of colleagues helped clean up the tar residue on local beaches. That was the inspiration for our company-wide ‘plogging’ initiative, where participants collect litter while walking or running.”
No Planet B
We only have one planet, and we need to protect its ecosystems to feed the growing global population. At Hazera, we’re committed to helping preserve our environment, so we can continue growing a healthy, flourishing future together.
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