Sustainability

Paramount Citrus has focused on socially responsible business since its inception. This past year, along with Business for Social Responsibility (BSR), we measured the Carbon Footprint of all our activities including the inputs to our product. This will serve as a baseline measurement for each year.

What do we do?

Water

Water is a precious resource and Paramount Citrus has made significant strides to reduce its water footprint.

  • 100% of our groves are under micro sprinkler or drip irrigation
  • Zero runoff generated from our agricultural practices
  • Water monitored and tracked monthly to ensure no leaks go unattended
  • Significant investments in R&D to minimize the irrigation required
  • Waste water is recycled

Energy

Paramount Citrus uses alternative energy whenever possible and is on a very “clean” grid compared to electricity companies located elsewhere.

  • Bio-mass waste is sent to a co-generation plant and used to generate energy
  • Investigating feasibility of using byproduct for bio-fuels

Transportation

By using the railroad and reducing propane and butane used Paramount Citrus has reduced its fuel use.

  • Increased utilization of railroads, which is significantly cleaner than transporting via truck
    • Created route from L.A. to Chicago to distribute to Mid-West and East Coast customers
  • Forklifts are currently being changed to electric rather than propane or butane
  • Fleet has several Prius and Escape Hybrids
  • PCA sends all of its used oil to be recycled

Human Resources

Paramount Citrus’s greatest asset is its people. Both Paramount Citrus and its parent company Roll International invest significantly in the communities where we live and work.

  • “Wellness program”
    • Gym membership is subsidized
    • A Weight Watchers chapter is subsidized
    • In planning stages:
      • Gym on site
      • Cafeteria on site that subsidizes “healthy” choices
      • Doctor on site
  • Roll Giving
    • After 6 months of employment, each employee’s charitable donations are matched by the company
    • After 1 year, each employee receives a grant to give to the charity of their choice
  • Hospital
    • Paramount Citrus has donated significantly to Children’s Hospital Central California
  • Community
    • For other programs in the Valley, including school scholarships and grants, click here.

Waste Reduction

Throughout the company, a vigorous recycling program is in place.

  • Paper/Corrugate
    • At each desk and copy area there are paper receptacles for recycling
    • In the warehouse there is a bin for recycling corrugate material
  • Plastic, glass and aluminum
    • In each eating area, plastic, glass and aluminum are recycled

Other

  • We do not till the ground so more carbon is stored in the earth from our product than other products
  • The trees themselves sequester carbon