As growers and processors of California walnuts, we feel deeply connected to the Earth. We’ve spent more than a century caring for the land by maintaining sustainable growing standards that lessen our impacts on the environment. That’s why we take pause to pay tribute to the Earth on Earth Day.
Earth Day works to educate us all about what we can do to adopt planet-friendly behaviors. Though it’s just one day, this day serves as an annual reminder of what we can do every day to reduce our environmental footprint.
California Walnuts supports the Earth Day mission, and we’re working to make our own contributions through sustainable farming and conservation. Our growers and processors are environmental stewards who support research and innovation in water quality and conservation, soil health, energy use, and air quality. We are constantly seeking out and incorporating new methods of growing and handling walnuts that minimize waste, enhance productivity, and preserve and protect natural resources. And we balance our use of natural resources by producing a nutrient-dense whole food that improves human health and nutrition.
Here are just a few ways to celebrate Earth Day this year:
- Celebrate Digitally. Use #EarthDay when sharing your message with others on social media.
- Save Electricity. Turn off lights, reduce appliance use, and unplug kitchen appliances when you’re not using them.
- Conserve Water. Use one drinking glass or reusable bottle per day, and turn off the faucet while brushing teeth or washing dishes.
- Reduce Paper Usage. Sign up to have bills and payments sent electronically, and reuse envelopes and other stationary for scratch paper.
- Recycle. Be sure all cardboard, plastic, and trash goes into appropriate bins.
- Learn How to Compost. Help decrease trash levels by composting. Home options come in many forms. Check out the California Walnuts’ “How-To Compost Guide”.
- Start Your Own Herb Garden. Starting your own herb garden can help save you money and reduce food waste. Start one outdoors or in a windowsill in your kitchen, even in the tiniest of spaces. It’s easier than you think!
- Choose Minimally Processed Foods. When purchasing food, choose whole foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and olive oil to decrease impact on the environment. Shop at a farmer’s market if you can, or order a delivery box full of your favorite fruits and vegetables from local farmers.
- Go Meatless More Often. There are so many benefits to incorporating plant forward meals into your diet, including cooking with more nutrient-dense, plant-based ingredients. Swapping out one meal per day, or even one per week, is a great way to start on your path toward a plant-forward lifestyle.
- Get Cooking. If you have a long-standing resolution to cook more at home, now is the time to start. Doing so helps cut back on waste produced by takeout bags, boxes, and plastics. For recipe inspiration, visit our recipe collections.
Our commitment to the environment is deeply rooted in our heritage, rich farming knowledge and good stewardship practices for the sake of future generations. But you don’t have to be a California Walnut grower to make a difference. There is so much we can all do every day to care for the Earth, and small changes can have a big impact! Thank you for joining us on our journey towards a better planet!
