Bigelow Tea brews up plaudits for renewable energy
Fairfield company earns national certification
Bigelow Tea has earned yet another accolade for its pursuit of a more sustainable operation.
The Fairfield-based tea manufacturer announced Wednesday that it received Green-e certification from the Center for Resource Solutions for its use of renewable sources to power its facilities.
“We are all extremely proud of the fact that we are now certified as 100% renewable energy,” said President and CEO Cindi Bigelow in an emailed statement to Hearst Connecticut Media. “We know how important it is for all of us to do what we can to protect our planet. This is our way of trying to contribute to that goal.”
Green-e Energy is a national program run by the Center for Resource Solutions to verify a company’s use of clean energy throughout its operation. To receive the distinction, at least 50 percent of a company’s energy supply must come from renewable sources, such as solar, wind, hydro or geothermal.
According to a statement, all electricity for Bigelow’s facilities in Fairfield; Boise, Idaho; and Louisville, Ken., comes from Green-e certified renewable, carbon-free sources — 90 percent wind and 10 percent solar — which reduces the company’s carbon footprint by 12 million pounds.
“Doing the right thing has been part of the company’s DNA since it was founded by my grandmother Ruth Campbell Bigelow 75 years ago,” Bigelow said in a statement. “This is who we are as a company.”
The company has promised to adhere to the Green-e Energy Code of Conduct and meet strict disclosure and truth-in-advertising requirements. It will also undergo an annual thirdparty verification audit and review of marketing materials.
Bigleow isn’t a stranger to environmental and community engagement.
The third-generation, family-owned buisness earned Certified B Corporation status in 2019 for its investment in social and environmental initiatives. The company touts several such initiatives, including the Bigelow Tea Community Challenge, which has raised $1.7 million to donate to charity since its inception 31 years ago.
The company was also designated a “Zero Waste to Landfill” company in 2012, for diverting more than 90 percent of its waste from landfills in its three location. Instead, Bigelow Tea has opted to compost, recycle and rely on trash-to-energy plants.
“Our purpose as a company has always been about much more than making profits,” Bigelow said. “We’re committed to good citizenship, protecting the environment, sustainability, ethical business practices, accountability, transparency and supporting our communities.”