Sustainable development is “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” (World Commission on Environment and Development)

At VanWingerden International, Inc., we strive for sustainable development in our product components and growing procedures.

As a wholesale grower, our product is intrinsically environmentally friendly. However, we are taking many additional steps to make our whole company’s practices as ‘green’ as possible.

Ebb/flood Irrigation – Our irrigation method is a fully contained watering system; that means no runoff and no wastewater!

Winstrips – Our seedling trays are made of injection molded plastic which can be reused again and again.

Biocontrols – Whenever possible,we use biological controls instead of pesticides. Biological controls are natural enemies of pest species; for example, lady bugs feed on insects and mites. We spend over $125,000 per year on biological controls!

Energy Use/Climate Control – the climate in our greenhouses is regulated by a completely computerized systemwhich greatly reduces our heating and cooling costs and also creates less of an impact on the environment. Also, we use carbon dioxide in the greenhouses. Plants require CO2 for photosynthesis, a process which converts CO2 into oxygen and sugar.

Recycling – We are working with our cardboard and plastic suppliers (boxes, tags, pots, pot covers, and sleeves) to recycle as much as possible. Also, several viable organic alternatives to plastic are emerging (such as biodegradable straw pots.) Most of our product is shipped on reusable metal carts instead of in boxes.