Many gluten-free products come from companies known not only for their concern for health and nutrition, but also for their environmental responsibility. Take a look at what some of these familiar brands are doing to lower their impact on the planet.
The Hain Celestial Group Inc., best known for Celestial Seasonings herbal teas and Arrowhead Mills baking mixes, uses recycled materials in its packaging and follows manufacturing practices designed to require less electricity and water and to reduce waste. They also support community volunteer efforts, such as funding food pantries and tree planting events, and founded the Sunspire Caring for Cocoa Communities program, which supports farmers in developing countries who grow and process the cocoa used in Hain products.Try: Arrowhead Mills Rice & Shine Cereal
Mary’s Gone Crackers uses only organic and non-GMO ingredients in its products, which are packaged using recycled materials and soy-based inks, and tries to encourage diversity in crop gene pools by using ancient grains and other corn and wheat alternatives. They use local suppliers whenever feasible and work with purchasers to pay fair wages to producers, helping to maintain vibrant local communities and support the efforts of women workers. Try: Mary’s Gone Crackers Original
Endangered Species Chocolate donates 10 percent of its net profits to species and habitat conservation efforts. They carefully source ingredients from farmers who utilize sustainable agriculture practices that support and benefit the environment. They also use cacao from farm cooperatives that foster organic agriculture and responsible labor practices. Try: Endangered Species Extreme Dark Chocolate
Attune Foods grew out of several early pioneer companies in the digestive health and organic foods movement, and its products reflect those values today. The company has been successful in receiving non-GMO certification from ingredient suppliers for its Erewhon organic product line. Try: Erewhon Organic Gluten-Free Crispy Brown Rice Cereal
Lundberg Family Farms, a known leader in organic farming and environmentally and socially responsible practices, hired an Environmental Coordinator in 2008 to help with the company’s commitment to sustainability practices. While many of its products come in recyclable packaging, Lundberg is exploring ways to make all of its packaging recyclable. Try: Lundberg Rice Chips Sea Salt
Bob’s Red Mill works closely with U.S. farmers to assure the quality of the organic grains in its products. The company offers one of the largest lines of organic, whole grain products available in the U.S., and it supports sustainable agriculture practices to produce products free of pesticides, chemical fertilizers and GMOs. Try: Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free All-Purpose Baking Flour
We applaud these companies for their earth-friendly efforts!
The National Foundation for Celiac Awareness offers Vitacost.com website visitors weekly recipes and blogs about living the gluten-free lifestyle. For more information about celiac disease and gluten-free living, visit www.celiaccentral.org.