Ed Inett Knows His Apples
It’s not often that you come across companies who are sincere about sustainable development and corporate responsibilty. These words and phrases are very easy to print in a PR release or put on a website, but much more difficult to put into practice.
Alara Wholefoods is one company which makes the effort to commit to environmental and self-sustanability values. They use the space around their premises to grow food which is either used there or distributed to other bodies.
This February, in conjunction with Terra Madre, they furthered the apple orchard they started in 2009 with Apples For Everyone, an event that set about creating London’s largest inter-city orchard. It was celebrated with a Wassailing party, featuring warm cider and apple fritters, and after helping plant one of the new trees, I caught up with Ed Inett who is part of the development.
Where did the idea of Apples For Everyone come from?
‘The orchard ideas came from the Terre Madre Kings Cross group, who are very active in the area and saw the plot was going to waste and organised with Booker Cash and Carry to start the vineyard in October 2009. With the award of the Capital Growth Grant we were able to further plant the trees last week.’
Where does the food that is produced go?
‘The food from the other garden projects in the area go to the community groups and local businesses that are involved in the projects, for example Alara Wholefoods and Camden Black and Minorities Ethnic Groups.’
The area around the orchard is undergoing a substantial amount of redevelopment. Do you see your endeavours as part of that?
‘Yes most definitely. There is so much going on in King’s Cross at the moment and the more sustainable improvements the better.’
What is the scope for expanding the project?
‘Lots of scope! There are lots of areas of currently wasted land up and down the Camley Street area that we are trying to encourage local residents, businesses, and community groups to take over where possible and start food growing plots.’
Do you grow your own fruit and vegetables?
‘I’ve been inspired and am currently starting my own vegetable garden at home.’
Do you have advice for anyone who might thinking about doing the same?
‘Look up local groups and volunteer organisations and get involved – there are so many projects all over London and they are fun and rewarding to get involved with. Also they often help to improve your local area. Growing your own food is a great way to save money, reduce your carbon footprint and make meal times tastier. You can use grow pots or bags if space is limited and still get a great yield. It is also good exercise, great for the mind and you will really see the miracle of where food comes from.’
Your company was highly commended in the Sustainable City Awards. Do you have any tips for people about how to lead a more sustainable way of life?
‘Reduce the number of meals you have with meat and have one meat-free day a week. Veggie meals can be much more than just a pile of vegetables on your plate – use the internet and get adventurous with your cooking. Like most meat farming, dairy farming can be highly carbon intensive so do your cholesterol levels a favour and cut down on cream and cheese as well.
‘Another one is to buy local and fair trade; it might cost that little bit more, but can you really put a price on helping to reduce global poverty and saving the planet? Plus local and fair trade goods tend to be better quality.You can get anything you need if you look hard enough from wooden toys to zucchini.’
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