The Enviroment

Daisi loves the Earth. Because, we are local, you can be sure that you are doing your bit to reduce your carbon footprint by buying Donegal Creameries products as we travel less to get our fresh products to you daily! And, because we care, we promise to do our best as a company for the environment and to use packaging which is recyclable. If you care too, have a look at guidelines on how we can all do our bit to reduce our carbon footprint and details of local recycling facilities in your area to see if you can make a difference!

Environmental Policy

Donegal Creameries, Crossroads, Killygordon recognises that good manufacturing practice must incorporate environmental management. The company will conduct its business activities in an environmentally responsible manner and will endeavour to ensure that all adopted decisions will consider the protection of the environment. The management of Donegal Creameries is fully committed to the objectives stated in this policy.

That is to:

• Comply with all relevant environmental legislation.
• Commit the resources necessary to set up and maintain an environmental management system.
• Provide for the publication of the environmental policy internally by posting the document in the company and externally to all interested parties on request.
• Provide for the setting, achievement and review of environmental objectives and targets for the company. Donegal Creameries is committed to the policy of continual improvement of environmental performance as far as economically possible.
• Promote environmental awareness among its employees through appropriate training.

Food Miles

What are food miles?
It is a concept related to carbon footprints. The food miles represent the distance food travels from where it is grown to where it is ultimately purchased by the end user (from grass to glass It is considered that food which has travelled a long distance, may have a damaging impact on the environment and therefore it is less desirable. So the shorter the mileage, the better for the Earth.

Why is it important to you?
It is important because we all have to know about the carbon emissions and we all have to work together for a healthier Earth (environment). We at Donegal Creameries have low food miles because we collect our milk from the local farmers and supply it to you locally.

Packaging

A big tradition in Donegal is the use of the TetraPak cartons supplied by www.tetrapak.ie. These cartons are environmentally friendly - namely that they are mainly made from paperboard, a renewable resource from well managed forests and are suitable for recycling. Tetrapak cartons also keep out the light, protecting the vitamins and natural goodness of milk.

For more information on Tetrapak, see www.Tetrapak.com and www.tetrapakrecycling.ie

Ten Ways to Reducing Carbon Footprint and Foodmiles

The power of the individual may be small, but if we all do one small thing together, we can make a difference. Here’s some things below that you can do to start making a difference

Our individual carbon footprint is the measure of the impact we have on the environment by the amount of greenhouse gases - carbon dioxide or CO2.  - we produce. These gases are produced when we heat our homes, drive our cars and light up our lives. Burning fossil fuels every day increases the carbon footprint we leave behind for future generations

The following is ten easy ways to reduce your carbon footprint:

1. Switch to energy-efficient light bulbs. Each bulb saves at least 100kg of CO2.
2. Turn off lights and electrics such as computers, TVs,etc when not in use, e
3. Replace your old fridge or dryer and ensure that it has the energy efficient A rating. Old equipment does not conserve energy - it costs you money and wastes energy.
4. Turn down you central heating by one degree. A one degree reduction can mean a 10 percent reduction in your heating bill.
5. When you go to the shops make sure you have a shopping list that will cover you for the next week. You won't have to drive to the shops everyday, making a big contribution to reducing your carbon output.
6. Buy local produce. When your food is flown to your local supermarket, its to be going a much greater carbon footprint. Your local producer may be marginally more expensive but if you want to make a contribution then buy local.
7. Plant trees in your own garden or sponsor trees to be planted in you or your family's name. There is a reason trees are the referred to as the earth's lungs. Planting a tree in your garden can save 2,268 kg CO2 per year.
8. As often as possible take the option to walk. Walk rather than drive and keep the planet and your body healthy.
9. Take shorter showers. Showers account for two thirds of all water heating costs. Using less water in your shower means using less energy to heat the water which means less pollution.
10. When it comes to replacing your car think of going with diesel. Its cheaper and you still get a high level of performance.