CONGRATULATION TO OUR WINNER PATRICIA FROM ANN ARBOR, MI. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR GREAT COMMENTS!
We love our producers, suppliers and vendors and we think most of them have some pretty interesting stories behind their products too. We’ll be sharing some of our favorites here in an ongoing series. Read on for a chance to win a $50 gift card.
What does it take to run a creamery? If you’re Jennifer Bice, it takes lots of care, concern and meticulous attention to detail. The organic creamery behind Eros Organic Greek Yogurt, is operated 100% on solar power from two acres of solar panels. Running on these solar panels is “equal to taking 76 cars off the road, planting 110 trees or powering over 50 homes, “ Bice says. “Creameries use tremendous amounts of energy so we’re constantly looking at new ways that we can deliver the product in a more sustainable fashion.” In addition to solar energy, the creamery uses motion-sensored lights that only come on when needed in order to minimize lighting usage, has electric car charging stations (also operated by solar power) and a computer-operated water system that measures the exact amount of water needed to clean their operational equipment.
The same consciousness applies not only to the creamery, but also to their relationship with Diamond W Dairy, their award-winning dairy producer. Using one dairy to provide all of the milk for Eros yogurt means that they can save in transportation resources as well as get fresh, high-quality milk to the creamery faster. “We really wanted the best and most high quality milk, so we’ve formed a partnership with the Diamond W Dairy because they have one of the best dairies in Sonoma County,” says Bice. Brothers Ron and Ken Wilson run the dairy, which provides organic milk from 600 cows to supply all of the milk that goes into Eros Yogurt.
The Wilson brothers are the third generation of their family to run their farm and they’re known for the care with which they treat their cows. “We want to make sure the animals are taken care of; I think it just tastes better in the end product.” says Bice. “Eros Organic Greek Yogurt is exclusive to Whole Foods Market, is one of the few organic Greek yogurts, and on top of that, it’s delicious!” Eros Organic Greek Yogurt is available in plain, vanilla, honey, strawberry and blueberry and is found only in our stores.
What do you think about the efforts that Eros Organic Greek Yogurt makes to conserve resources in its creamery? Watch the slideshow above and leave a comment with your answer by September 27th. One comment will be chosen at random to win a $50 gift card to our stores.
It is neat to see the conservation efforts and use of solar power.
09/14/2011 7:09:22 PM CDT
wendy says ...
Wow great video! I am glad Whole Foods takes part in all of this!
09/14/2011 7:09:31 PM CDT
Natalya Rostovshchikova says ...
Thank you very much for your business.Organic dairy products paly a very important role in our health especially in hormone balace!
09/14/2011 7:09:40 PM CDT
Dawn LaFontaine says ...
This company hits on my two big concerns when buying dairy: compassionate care of dairy cows and concern for the environment. Thanks Eros!
09/14/2011 7:09:53 PM CDT
Lisa Hopp says ...
It is this kind of love that will change the world for the better. :)
09/14/2011 7:09:58 PM CDT
Fran says ...
It's wonderful to be able to buy organic yogurt that is produced using thoughtful energy initiatives AND made in the U.S. It tastes better on so many levels.
09/14/2011 7:10:17 PM CDT
KMac says ...
Great example of transitioning to organic - every dairy farmer should be so inspiring! Love Eros, BTW.
09/14/2011 7:10:40 PM CDT
JULIE says ...
NATURALLY PROCESSED!
09/14/2011 7:10:50 PM CDT
ErikaM says ...
Wow! I haven't seen such inspiring energy use since William Kam kwamba's windmill!
09/14/2011 7:11:18 PM CDT
Susie Woodford says ...
Eros means "love" and I admire the way the producers of Eros Greek Yogurt make an effort to love & protect our environment! Everyone wins!!
09/14/2011 7:11:28 PM CDT
Monica says ...
I appreciate how seriously they take conservation.
09/14/2011 7:11:46 PM CDT
Brandi says ...
I think what Eros & Diamond Dairy is doing is inspiring and puts a little light into a down world :) So refreshing
09/14/2011 7:12:09 PM CDT
Shawn DuPre says ...
Thank you, Eros Yogurt, for making a high quality, healthy, organic product and doing it with 100% solar power!
09/14/2011 7:12:15 PM CDT
Laura says ...
This is a respectable company beyond reproach - kudos to the organic creamery!
09/14/2011 7:12:17 PM CDT
Rachel H. says ...
Good for you! That's great! Keep up the good work.
09/14/2011 7:12:46 PM CDT
Cyndy says ...
Love it! Ecological responsibility and consciousness is the way to go.
09/14/2011 7:13:22 PM CDT
Sarah says ...
It's really heartwarming to see companies and their leaders truly being the change they want to see in the world. It's obvious through Ms. Bice's comments and actions that sustainability is paramount (solar panels, motion-sensor lights, electric car chargers, computer-regulated water usage). In addition to the humane treatment of the organic dairy herd, Eros' relationship with their third-generation, locally-sourced dairy producers is also treated as an integral part of the business model. Bravo! I haven't had the opportunity to try Eros Greek yogurt yet, but I will certainly keep an eye out for it in the future.
09/14/2011 7:14:05 PM CDT
Christine says ...
love the solar power
09/14/2011 7:14:18 PM CDT
Karen Amendola says ...
Eros is the greek word for love. These cows are treated with love, and they pass along their love by providing us with their milk through delicious products like this yogurt.
09/14/2011 7:14:21 PM CDT
Dana G says ...
Sounds like a great company with a great product!
09/14/2011 7:15:01 PM CDT
Kathy says ...
Wow!
09/14/2011 7:15:36 PM CDT
SueAnne says ...
It takes courage and resolve to follow Jennifer's path in regards to conservation of our resources. I aspire to be as committed. I love greek yogurt and will give Eros a try, as I work to support businesses that work toward the greater good, rather than solely focusing on profits. Thanks for educating us!
09/14/2011 7:15:36 PM CDT
Rachel says ...
This inspires me because I have started to bike to work and for errands. If we all do our best we will inspire others as well
09/14/2011 7:15:58 PM CDT
Pat Boom says ...
The conservation efforts that Eros takes is impressive.
09/14/2011 7:15:59 PM CDT
Holly Oswald says ...
Wonderful to hear about a company that cares about more than just $$ and is making a difference in the world and producing a product that is good for us. Thank you. I look forward to buying your products my next visit to Whole Foods.
Welcome to Whole Story, the official blog of Whole Foods Market. Don't know us? In a nutshell, we are the world’s leading natural and organic grocer and we’re passionate about healthy food and a healthy planet. Learn more about us.
We’re lucky to have a whole bunch of smart, passionate people doing incredible things in areas like organics, supporting local growers, green practices, fair trade, micro-lending and all kinds of food related stuff. We’ll use this blog to share some of the cool things going on around here.
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