At Sargent’s, we believe in giving our customers a wow-worthy experience while also focusing on having a positive impact on the planet for future generations. This dedication extends beyond product selection as we actively seek to reduce our ecological footprint.
In this blog post, we are thrilled to highlight our partnership with East Jordan Plastics, a renowned Michigan-based company specializing in recycling solutions for horticultural containers. Join us as we explore the remarkable benefits of our collaboration and delve into the world of landscaping and gardening in Minnesota, where sustainability and environmental consciousness flourish.
A Green Partnership with East Jordan Plastics
Our partnership with East Jordan Plastics was forged three years ago, when our Head Greenhouse Grower, Cathy Maxson, discovered their sustainable recycling practices at a Growers Expo. East Jordan Plastics boasts a state-of-the-art 150,000 square foot recycling facility in South Haven, Michigan, and has been at the forefront of sustainable horticultural packaging since 1972. Annually, they process nearly 20 million pounds of used plastic from horticultural containers. Through their zero-waste, closed-loop recycling program, they have emerged as the industry leader in sustainable horticultural packaging.
Responsible Recycling for a Cleaner Environment
It’s important to understand that simply tossing empty plant pots into regular, ‘at-home’ recycling bins does not guarantee proper recycling. Sadly, most of these pots end up incinerated or in landfills. To address this issue, we have established convenient drop-off stations at both Sargent’s locations, where customers can responsibly dispose of their horticultural containers and trays. We specifically encourage recycling codes #2, #5, and #6. Our dedicated staff diligently organizes containers and trays of various sizes—a labor-intensive task that we firmly believe is worthwhile. Once a year, East Jordan Plastics collects the organized and stacked pallets, transporting them back to their facility for processing and transforming them into pot-holding trays and new growing pots.
Energy Conservation and Waste Reduction
By participating in East Jordan Plastics’ recycling process, we actively contribute to significant energy conservation. Recycled plastic containers save up to 60% of the energy required to produce the same items from virgin materials. East Jordan Plastics’ “closed loop” recycling process ensures that each time plastic material is recycled, there are substantial energy recovery gains. Moreover, recycling horticultural containers directly contributes to waste reduction by diverting them from landfills and reintegrating them into the container manufacturing stream, and ultimately reducing waste and promoting a cleaner environment.
Join Us on the Journey Towards a Greener Future
At Sargent’s, we take immense pride in integrating our passion for delivering exceptional experiences with an unwavering commitment to sustainability. We invite you to join us on this transformative journey, where together, we can make a positive difference and secure a brighter, greener future for Minnesota. Discover the joy of sustainable gardening practices, explore the breathtaking landscapes of our state, and contribute to a more environmentally conscious world.
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