What's Brewing / #sustainability

As April unfolds, so does the conversation about safeguarding our planet’s health and resources. Earth Day isn’t just about planting trees and recycling; it's a call to arms for us all to step up and take meaningful action to combat climate change. At Pantree, we’re not just talking the talk; we’re walking the walk, and we're doing it with our partner, Veritree.

Through our collaboration, for every order placed with us for office snacks, beverages, and food service industry delivery, we have committed to planting one tree. Our ultimate goal is to plant 1 million trees, and every step towards getting to that milestone matters for more than just our own business goals, but for the planet. 

The Big Picture: A Climate Emergency
The signs are all around us. With temperatures rising by 1.2 degrees Celsius, we’re witnessing the brutal impacts of the climate crisis: heatwaves, wildfires, droughts, and storms of unprecedented ferocity. It’s not just about saving the planet; it’s about preserving our way of life, protecting our food supply, and securing our global supply chain.

Communities worldwide are feeling the heat, quite literally, with prolonged droughts and severe storms becoming the new norm. The changing climate threatens everything from agriculture to infrastructure. Urgent action is needed, action that goes beyond mere carbon sequestration. We must focus on restoring nature in all its forms, enhancing biodiversity, revitalizing ecosystems, and supporting the well-being of our communities.

Climate and Nature: A Symbiotic Relationship
Climate change and nature loss go hand in hand. Rising temperatures are reshaping our ecosystems, while erratic weather patterns and ocean acidification endanger countless species. However, healthy ecosystems serve as our first line of defense, absorbing greenhouse gases and buffering against extreme weather events.

How Can You Make a Difference?
Change begins with us. Whether it’s reducing consumption and waste, cutting pollution, advocating for climate legislation, or educating others, every action counts. And this Earth Month, you can join us in becoming a customer and placing an order with Pantree for your next office snacks delivery. If you are an existing customer, you can make a difference by amplifying our restorative efforts by adding trees to your basket during checkout.

Our Commitment to Restoring Nature
At Pantree, we believe in taking tangible steps toward a sustainable future. That’s why we’ve partnered with Veritree to make a real impact. Through this collaboration, we’re planting trees that support communities, promote biodiversity, and sequester carbon. With Veritree’s transparent platform, you can track the progress of these projects and witness the positive change they bring to communities and ecosystems alike.

Join Us in Making a Difference
This Earth Month, let’s come together to protect our planet and restore its natural beauty. Together, we can make a difference—one tree at a time. 

Check out our Impact Hub to learn more about the projects we’re supporting and the impact we’re making. Together, let’s turn the tide on climate change and create a healthier, greener world for generations to come.

Until next time, 
The Pantree Team

With Earth Day on the horizon and a peculiarly warm winter behind us here in the city, the conversation around climate change and our environmental impact is more pertinent than ever. At Pantree, as the leading provider of office snacks delivery in Toronto, we're not just about satisfying hunger cravings; we're committed to making a positive difference for our planet.

While our tree planting initiative, in partnership with Veritree, has been a cornerstone of our sustainability efforts, our green initiatives go beyond this to tackle another pressing issue: plastic pollution. Through our collaboration with Plastic Bank, we've introduced a Plastic Recycling Offset program for our home, office snacks service and food service customers, allowing them to offset the plastic in their carts with a simple checkbox at checkout.

Here's how it works: For every order containing plastic items, such as bottled water, we estimate the weight of plastic and pay Plastic Bank to offset an equivalent amount of plastic waste collected from beaches and waterways worldwide. By doing so, we prevent this waste from ending up in our oceans, supporting a cleaner and healthier environment for all. To delve deeper into Plastic Bank's impactful work, visit their website at https://plasticbank.com/.

But our commitment to sustainability doesn't stop there! At Pantree, it's woven into the fabric of our food industry service and office snacks delivery service and operations. Our Zero Waste Office Solutions encompass various initiatives aimed at reducing our carbon footprint and promoting environmental stewardship:

• Carbon Neutral Delivery Fleet: We recognize the environmental impact of transportation and have taken steps to mitigate it. Our delivery fleet is carbon neutral, and we go the extra mile by planting additional trees to offset any emissions produced during delivery.
• Zero Waste Office Services: In addition to providing delicious snacks and beverages, we offer zero waste services to our office customers. From recycling single-use plastic coffee pods to composting coffee grounds, we're committed to minimizing waste and promoting sustainable practices in the workplace.
• B Corp Certification: We're proud to announce that Pantree is now B Corp certified. This prestigious designation reflects our commitment to meeting high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. It's a testament to our ongoing efforts to make a positive impact, both locally and globally.

As we approach Earth Day, we invite businesses and individuals alike to join us in embracing sustainable initiatives. Whether it's reducing single-use plastics, investing in renewable energy, or supporting eco-conscious brands, every action, no matter how small, contributes to a brighter, greener future.

At Pantree, we believe that every little bit helps to make a meaningful difference for our planet.

Until next time, 
The Pantree Team

One of the aspects of our business that we are most proud of is our ongoing commitment to doing our part for the environment. We have been operating for nearly a decade (initially under the name GoJava) and for almost that same length of time, we have been planting one tree for every order placed with us. 

This idea came to our Founder and CEO early on as a way to create more of a positive impact on the world and to find ways--both big and small--to do more with our business than create profit. 

We have seen over the years that this aspect of our operation is not only something we are proud of, but something that our existing and potential customers also find compelling when choosing their office snacks service provider. Having respect and reverence for the environment is more than a trend, it's something that companies are realizing must be an essential part of the ethos of doing business, for the sake of our wellbeing and longevity as a planet. We love being a part of this movement and hope that through our tree planting and carbon neutral delivery programs we might inspire others to do the same. 

To that end, we are diving a little deeper this week into our tree planting program with frequently asked questions we receive about the details of how it works. 

One Tree For Every Order
As part of our commitment to the environment, we plant one tree for every order
placed at Pantree.ca through our tree planting partnerships with WeForest, and now
Veritree, who we recently started working with as our main tree planting partner.

This initiative allows us to provide carbon neutral delivery to all of our customers,
something we are very proud of as it establishes us as the most environmentally
friendly company in our industry. To date, we have planted over 100,000 trees and
we plant additional trees to offset the carbon emitted by our delivery fleet.

Why Veritree?
Veritree partners with planting organizations around the globe to ensure resources
are going to areas most in need of support. If you are interested in learning more
about how Veritree ensures accuracy and transparency through their management
of reforestation and tree planting verification practices, you can read more on their
website here.

Where Are The Trees Being Planted?
The tree planting projects we support are in Zambia, Tanzania, and Kenya. The
trees are planted in these regions because they have been identified as most in
need of efforts and resources directed to reforest these areas.

The wonderful thing about these reforestation projects is that they not only support nature regeneration, but also the communities that live and work there. You can read more in depth about the details of our tree planting projects in these areas on our partner page.

A Step Beyond
Additionally, we provide zero waste services to offices. These include recycling of
Keurig coffee pods, paper coffee cups, plastic packaging from snacks and coffee
bags, etc. We also compost the coffee grounds from our bean-to-cup coffee
machines.

Pantree Reporting
Our tree planting initiatives are regularly updated and made public via the tree
counter on our website. We collect customer data and present it to our customers
in their customer accounts so they can track how many trees they have contributed
to planting and how much waste they have diverted.

We love talking about all thing tree planting and sustainability, so feel free to reach out if you have more questions about our programs and how you can create a positive impact by choosing us for your office snacks service provider. We hope by sharing more insight into our tree planting program you are inspired to find ways to incorporate these ideas into your own business practices!

Until next time, 
The Pantree Team

Hello, friends!

Happy New Year! Are you keen on greening up your office but don't know where to start? Well, you're in the right place! Here at Pantree we've got the tools, the tips, and the tangible solutions to make your office more sustainable. Let's get into it, shall we?

Why Go Green?

Before we dive into actionable steps, let's briefly discuss why it's so essential to make your workspace eco-friendly. Simply put, it's the responsible thing to do for our planet. Plus, sustainability has proven to be good for business, positively influencing both your brand image and bottom line.

Recycle the Right Way

The Problem

Recycling may seem basic, but you'd be surprised how many offices don't get it right, leading to contamination of recyclable materials.

The Solution

Set up clearly labeled bins for plastic, paper, and glass. Educate your team on the importance of recycling and the right way to do it. This is something we can help you with; we provide bins that come with labels (and look pretty, too!)

Pro-Tip: Go Beyond

Host regular workshops to keep everyone updated on best practices.

Choose Eco-Friendly Supplies

The Problem

Traditional office supplies often contribute to environmental degradation, from the production phase to disposal.

The Solution

Swap out standard supplies for eco-friendly versions. This includes recycled paper, refillable pens, and sustainable kitchenware.

Pro-Tip: Pantree's Role

At Pantree, we offer sustainable kitchen and pantry supplies, making it easy for you to switch and maintain an eco-conscious workspace.

Embrace Energy Efficiency

The Problem

Excessive energy consumption not only spikes your utility bills but also your carbon footprint.

The Solution

Switch to energy-efficient LEDs, power down electronics at the end of the day, and use programmable thermostats to control HVAC systems.

Pro-Tip: Get Certified

Energy Star and similar certifications can offer further guidance on becoming more energy-efficient.

Adopt Digital Practices

The Problem

Paper waste is still rampant in many offices, contributing to deforestation and energy consumption.

The Solution

Go digital as much as possible. Use e-signatures, maintain digital records, and discourage unnecessary printing.

Pro-Tip: Use Cloud Storage

Cloud solutions are your best friend for storing and sharing documents.

Encourage Eco-Friendly Commuting

The Problem

Individual commuting significantly adds to carbon emissions and air pollution.

The Solution

Promote carpooling, cycling, and use of public transportation among employees. 

Pro-Tip: Offer Incentives

A little incentive, like a "Green Commuter of the Month" award, can go a long way.

Plant Greenery

The Problem

Indoor air pollution can have detrimental effects on both health and productivity.

The Solution

Invest in indoor plants to purify the air and add a touch of nature to your workspace.

Pro-Tip: Choose Wisely

Opt for plants like snake plants or spider plants that are low-maintenance yet highly effective at improving air quality.

Recycle Your Coffee Pods

The Problem

Despite what the world knows about the detrimental effects on the environment of single-use coffee pods, they are still widely popular for their convenience and array of options. 

The Solution

Pantree’s Zero-Waste Service Program includes coffee pod recycling. Simply order through us and when we come back in to restock, we will remove your pods and put them through our one-of-a-kind coffee pod and grinds separating machine so they can be disposed of properly. 

Google: A Case Study for a Green Success Story

One well known example of a company that has successfully transformed its office environment to be more eco-friendly while reaping financial and employee wellness benefits is Google.

Google's Green Initiative

Google has been implementing sustainability into its offices for years. They’ve committed to making their operations greener, and their efforts have shown significant results, not just in terms of reducing their carbon footprint but also in terms of employee satisfaction and financial gains.

Financial Impact

• Energy Efficiency: Google has been upgrading its offices with energy-efficient facilities, reducing energy costs. They have reportedly saved over $1 billion in energy costs over the past decade.

• Sustainable Sourcing: Google uses sustainable, recycled, and locally sourced materials, which not only is good for the planet but has also proven to be cost-effective in the long term.

Employee Satisfaction

• Improved Air Quality: Google's offices utilize smart air filtration systems, which improve indoor air quality. Improved air quality has been linked to higher productivity and employee satisfaction.

• Natural Light and Green Spaces: Natural light and indoor plants not only reduce energy costs but also contribute to a happier, healthier work environment.

Case Study Highlights:

• Financial Savings: Reduced energy costs by 30% through the use of energy-efficient lighting, heating, and cooling systems.

• Employee Health: After implementing greener practices, Google surveyed their employees and found that 88% reported improved health, well-being, and ability to focus.

Additional Benefits:

• Brand Image: Being a leader in sustainability also significantly boosted Google's brand image, which indirectly impacts its bottom line.

Sources:

• Google Sustainability Report

• Harvard Business Review: The Comprehensive Business Case for Sustainability

It’s All Good

Making your office greener is not a sprint; it's a long-term commitment requiring collective effort. And while these steps will set you on the right path, they're just the tip of the iceberg. The more you dive into sustainable practices, the more opportunities you'll find to make a positive impact.

So, are you ready to make your office eco-friendlier? Head over to Pantree to explore our range of sustainable options and zero-waste programs. Let's pave the path to a greener future together!

Cheers to building a sustainable workspace!
The Pantree Team