01   BIODIVERSITY

We support biodiversity by reforesting the land with a diverse population of trees and plants. Some bear fruit to be wild harvested, some are intended to restore degraded and deforested land, and others are simply homes to the forest’s inhabitants. Together, they all help the ecosystem maintain its natural balance.

02  ORGANIC & FAIR TRADE LEADERS 

Our operations at Candela Peru have helped create several organic and fair trade certifications by pioneering and setting the standard with their own practices and values. We were the first to get organic certification for brazil nuts, as well as lead the way for the FLOCERT standard in fair trade.

03   REFORESTATION AND AGROFORESTRY

In 1995, our Peru-based operations started our reforestation program to replenish the rainforest’s brazil nut trees that had been cut down. Currently, we grow a diverse group of seedlings in our greenhouse and aim to plant 50,000 of them in 2021 alone. We have helped others plant native crops like cupuacu in deforested areas, restoring 284 acres through organic agroforestry. These efforts will not only increase carbon capture for the planet, but it will help small producers return to these areas year after year for income.

04  ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

By adding value to the rainforest in its natural state, we can give small producers in the area an opportunity for additional income. With their partnership, we have successfully protected 341,593 acres of brazil nut forest and 8,330 acres of bruiti forest. We do all we can to support the sustainable management of the Amazon rainforest, and take small steps to alter how we harvest and transport that can make a difference in the survival of a species.

05   WASTE REDUCTION

Utilizamos todas las partes de los productos que cosechamos. La pulpa se convierte en harina, las cáscaras en combustible y las vainas en velas. Con las sobras hacemos pienso para animales. Además, buscamos constantemente formas de reducir los residuos. También estamos trabajando en la fabricación de briquetas de carbón vegetal a partir de cáscaras de arroz. También abordamos el problema de los residuos alimentarios utilizando semillas, muchas de las cuales acaban en vertederos o incineradas, donde producen metano y otras emisiones. Guardamos semillas de árboles.

06   FOOTPRINT

We take our impact seriously, which is why we look for ways to reduce our footprint at every turn. We’ve created a process that uses leftover brazil nut shells to power our operations. Our offices are outfitted with solar panels, and we are currently working on a new water recycling system to reduce our consumption. We dispatch our products in large container shipments and warehouse them near our customers to reduce our shipping footprint as well.