Books, Beans, and B-Corps: Making New Eco Friends
Eco wonder woman, a.k.a. Arwen from Lulu’s Customer Support team and I traveled to Larry’s Beans to meet a fellow B Corp company, learn new sustainability tips, and frolic in caffeine happiness. We were aware of the Raleigh-based coffee roaster’s reputation as a sustainability superstar, so we were eager to learn more about their practices.
Within seconds of entering the building, we were welcomed with mugs of hot coffee and introduced to Daniel Tassitino, Communications Ambassador for Larry’s Beans. We began our tour at the end of the production process – the compost, recycling, and trash bins. While learning about their waste reduction initiative, we ran into the company’s namesake, president, and founder, Larry Larson!
Getting to Know Larry’s Beans
Larry, with a coffee cup in hand, shared his perspective on sustainability and the challenges of promoting a culture that values environmental responsibility. I asked him if there were any best practices he’d like to share. He quickly explained that Larry’s Beans doesn’t have “best practices.” They just know what does and doesn’t work for their business. They’re still learning as they grow.
On its sustainability journey, the coffee roaster has accomplished some pretty great things including:
- Ethical Coffee Sourcing: All Larry’s Beans coffee is Organic, Fair Trade, and Shade Grown.
- Energy-Efficient Facility: The facility utilizes composting, zone heating, natural daylight, solar panels, rainwater harvesting barrels, and more!
- Biodiesel: The roaster is home to Raleigh’s only B100 fueling station
- Worms: Larry’s Beans uses their compost, coffee grounds, and burlap coffee bags to house and feed their worm farm.
Partnering For Progress
After our tour, we asked Daniel, “Do you want to be Lulu’s friend in sustainability and hold each other accountable?”
“YES!” he exclaimed to our delight.
We high-fived then rumbled off into the sunset in the Larry’s Beans recycled veggie oil bus. Just kidding. Instead, we went to a conference room and began planning the next steps in our goal-setting partnership.
Together, Lulu and Larry’s Beans will hold each other accountable in our efforts to achieve our sustainability goals. After all, what’s better than a good book and a cup of fine coffee – both from certified B Corps? Okay, maybe a cuddly cat on your lap, but not much else!
