How Sustainable Are We?
Striving for a smaller environmental impact.
The following is a list of small steps we at Windy Meadow Nursery and The Center for Holistic Advanced Organic Studies Ltd. has implemented to be good stewards of the earth. While I wish the list was longer, and I have plans to make it so, becoming sustainable is more about the journey than a destination.
1. Since 1999 our Intrepid Coco-CoirÒ Premium Potting Soil has been registered by the Washington State Department of Agriculture for use in organic crop production. Renewable natural resources are our first priority. We preserve wetland wildlife habitats by not using peat moss or energy intensive mined and unsightly fillers like pumice and perlite.
2. Since 1989 we have used our natural, Multiple Strains Working BiodynamicsÔ to create a naturally disease suppressive soil matrix to control opportunistic diseases in the soil. This heath-centered approach has eliminated the need for chemical fungicides for twenty years.
3. We use an integrated fertility management system, the Water Insoluble Nutrition (WIN) advantage. Plants do not require phosphorus in the liquid feed program for three years, eliminating this and other nutrients from leaching into valuable aquifers.
4. We provide the home and professional gardener, natural alternative garden products that are ecologically friendly, simple to use, highly effective, and give the best results for healthy and beautiful gardening experiences.
5. We practice non-chemical height control and eliminate chemical plant growth regulators that stunt a plants development. Proper nutrition and cool cultural practices like opening vents early in the morning encourages plants to grow strong and to their full genetic potential.
6. We conserve water by hand watering – no sprinklers, and using Intrepid Coco-Coir® that contains natural wetting agents so plants stay moist for a longer period of time.
7. All driving surfaces in the nursery are natural Eco-turf, which serves to protect the diversity of flora and fauna while moderating temperatures and humidity within the nursery.
8. We maintain an older fleet of delivery vehicles rather than purchase new. We limit our area of delivery by supporting local business and eliminate the need to ship plants in boxes.
9. We do not over-produce, but gain market share in the area we can deliver to efficiently.
10. We live within our means, and finance expansion with earnings rather than by borrowing.
11. We have a recycle program to reduce the waste stream of cardboard, paper, mixed plastic and plastic nursery pots as well as scrap metal, and aluminum. We compost green and wood waste on site for incorporating into the nursery beds and provides another income stream.
12. Worker safety is insured with proper training and a clean ergonomic work environment.
13. Workers receive training to be productive and are paid a fair wage for the work performed.
14. We use locally sourced products from the Re-Store as a first choice for building materials and low volatile organic compound paints.
15. We purchase nursery containers derived from 50% post consumer recycled plastic and recycled newspaper. We reuse flats and carry trays that are discarded by other nurseries.
16. We purchase recycled computers and printer paper. We bill direct; not through the mail.
17. Early detection of young insect populations through regular scouting practices, facilitates ease of control with the least toxic remedy.
18. Use 90% plus efficient unit heaters and use the most efficient split night temperature levels.
19. Use of natural ventilation eliminates costly electrical fans and reduces peak energy demand.
20. We educate the public and professionals in the green industry to the virtues of sustainable growing practices through literature and the web in the hopes of accelerating organic sustainability specifically in the field of horticulture.
21. We use low wattage high efficiency lighting products on automatic switches.
22. We insulate and maintain structural integrity of the greenhouses to reduce our carbon footprint.
23. We take care of litter control in the neighborhood several times a yearto live by example.
