Our Environmental Commitment
The Hokto Kinoko Company makes business decisions based upon environmental and ecological considerations, which support our philosophy, for sustainable farming, health and the well being our company, employees and the community.
Current Environmental Issues
The Reality of our global environment are much more serious than many know.
Environmental facts we should be aware of:
According to a report published by the (IPCC), the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the average global temperature rose 0.74 ℃ over the past 100 years.
In addition, environmental factors such as chemicals and smoke emitted from factories cause serious environmental pollution in the human body, as well as the ecosystem. Adverse effect include:
- Respiratory Disease
- Cancer
- Nervous System Problems
- Birth Defects
https://www3.epa.gov/airtoxics/3_90_024.html
In a report published by the World Health Organization (WHO), concerning the air pollution in China, it reported that 656,000 people each year lose their lives due to environmental issues. http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2007/07/070709-china-pollution.html
Energy Conscious
Hokto’s 262,000 square-foot indoor farm, in San Marcos, is among the most energy-efficient commercial buildings in California. It has received an Excellence in Energy Savings Merit Award from San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E) for its energy-efficient equipment, such as high-efficiency rooftop chillers and variable-speed controls. These measures not only save energy, but also give us greater control over temperature, humidity, and light, and thus result in a better quality product.
Energy Savings on Air Compressors
By consolidating and integrating operations of 12 individual air compressors, Hokto reduced the operation time and saved energy.
Energy Savings | |||
---|---|---|---|
Customized Measure # from above | Baseline Usage (kWh/yr or therm/yr) | Installed Usage (kWh/yr or therm/yr) | Energy Savings (kWh/yr or therm/yr) |
1 | 344,560.0 | 211,198.0 | 133,362.0 |
2 | 170,514.0 | 94,804.0 | 75,710.0 |
Calculated Energy Savings Totals | 209,072.0 |
Hokto achieved SDG&E’s 2009 Energy Efficiency Program goal by 100%
Packaging
A sample of the other company’s packaging with a tray.
Each Hokto mushroom is grown with an almost uniform perfection. Our Bunashimeji, Bunapi® and Maitake mushrooms are sold in pillow packs and inner trays are not necessary to adjust weight or size.. These polypropylene films are recyclable (recycle code #5), and environmentally-friendly. Using this state-of-the-art film, rather than trays, minimize waste in packaging.
Our packaging has less carbon footprint than our competitors, such as imported mushrooms from China or Korea.
Recycle of cultures
Hokto’s growing media is 100% organic, and is recycled into superior organic compost. They are recycled to a nursery after the mushrooms are harvested.