Fresh Picks & Sustainability Tips: July 2024
Just a few weeks ago the Measure to Improve team came together for our company Mid-Year Review. While it often feels challenging to pull the team away from their work, I am reminded just how important this time is.
Halfway through the year we are on track to hit a lot of our company goals and that gives us a reason to celebrate the work that our team members and clients have accomplished.
There are also goals that are slightly behind where we want them midway through the year, but that is okay. By tracking and reviewing our progress now, we are able to make informed decisions about how to reach our goals by year-end.
We encourage our clients to “track, measure, and improve” when it comes to their sustainability efforts. And it’s precisely what we do as a business too!
Your goals, whether business or sustainability related, help set direction for your company. They help align your resources (time, energy and money) with what matters most to your organization.
I’m curious — does your company or team conduct a mid-year review? If so, what did you discover this year?
Warmest Regards,
Nikki Cossio - Founder & CEO - Measure to Improve
Image Credit: Walmart Sustainability Hub
Walmart Sustainability Reporting Cycle to Open with New Requirements
While Walmart has not yet announced the date the Sustainability Portal will open, we anticipate that the portal will become available shortly after Labor Day (September 2) and close shortly after Halloween (October 31).
As in previous years, Walmart has made some updates to the portal. Most notably, Walmart has increased the requirements for achieving Giga-Guru and Sparking Change status, adding requirements around reporting your company’s renewable energy consumption percentage, absolute reduction targets, and relevant scope 3 emissions.
Read more about the evolving Giga-Guru requirements.
From the Field
Soil health is the foundation of every agricultural operation! Last month we were busy conducting soil sampling in fields of different growers who are participating in our USDA Climate Smart Commodities grant project, "A Vibrant Future."
3 Common Sustainability Pitfalls for Produce Growers
While starting your sustainability journey can be rewarding, it's essential to be aware of common pitfalls growers may encounter along the way. These include:
Prioritizing Everything: After assessing your sustainability efforts, the list of areas to improve can often be a mile long. If you try to prioritize everything, you end up prioritizing nothing. Aim to focus on the areas of most value to your operations when getting started.
Greenwashing: Avoid misleading or exaggerated claims about your sustainability practices. Be honest and transparent about your efforts, acknowledging areas for improvement and demonstrating a genuine commitment to sustainability.
Lack of Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with stakeholders throughout the sustainability reporting process, including employees from a variety of departments and roles such as growing, harvesting, accounting, packaging procurement, PCAs / CCAs, human resources, and even your suppliers and customers. Their input and support are critical for success.
Measure to Improve can help you create an efficient and effective sustainability strategy! We are the go-to sustainability experts in the fresh produce industry.
Learn more about our Sustainability Consulting Services.
Upcoming Events
7/9 - 7/11: Potato Sustainability Alliance Summer Symposium
7/10 - 7/11: Organic Produce Summit