One Green World Wins BEST Award!

Since 1993, the BEST Awards have been presented annually to Portland area companies demonstrating excellence in business practices that promote economic growth and environmental benefits.

The mission of the BEST Awards is to inspire the business community by showcasing innovation and commitment to sustainability.

The BEST Awards recognize businesses with significant and unique achievements
in the following categories:

* BEST Practices for Sustainability for Very Small, Small, Medium and Large companies
* Sustainable Products or Services
* Green Building - New Construction/Major Renovation and Tenant Improvement
* Sustainable Food Systems

BEST Practices for Sustainability-Small Company:

Northwoods Nursery / One Green World
Northwoods Nursery / One Green World grows and sells unique edibles and unusual ornamentals. Their core focus, growing edible plants, is one deeply rooted in a desire to promote self- sufficient communities who can sustainably feed themselves.

Find out more...

At One Green World, efficient use of resources is a way of life and has been ever since Jim got started back in 1979. In our decision making, we consider the social, economic and environmental impacts to ensure a fruitful future for ourselves and those who will come after us. To solidify our commitment and make One Green World an exemplary model of sustainability for the nursery industry, we hired a Sustainability Director to help us further our efforts. Here are some actions that we are particularly proud of:  

Salmon Safe Certification

We're proud to announce that we are the first Oregon nursery to receive Salmon Safe Certification. Salmon-Safe is an independent nonprofit organization devoted to restoring agricultural and urban watersheds so that salmon can spawn and thrive. This certification followed a rigorous review of our growing practices. We were recognized for saving water by using drip irrigation and mulching, preventing erosion by using cover crops between tree rows and on fallow fields, using natural methods to control weeds and pests and maintaining at least 50 foot setbacks from streams, providing a vegetated riparian buffer zone.  

Biodiesel

All of our tractors and farm equipment as well as company vehicles and delivery run on B99 biodiesel. Biodiesel is renewable, biodegradable and non-toxic. Burning biodiesel creates a healthier work environment and reduces our dependence on foreign oil.  For onsite transportation between greenhouses and nursery fields, employees use bicycles and electric carts.  

Distinguished Business Recycling Awards Group Member

While many items are reused and incorporated back into production at the nursery, we actively recycle all plastics, cardboard, paper, metal, glass, motor oil, batteries and potting soil. The entire 66-acre nursery (including a private residence) has only one 90-gallon garbage can!  

Composting

All of our woody and vegetative waste is composted under a covered compost shed. The roof of this shed collects rainwater which is used to irrigate pH sensitive plants. Our tub grinder and wood chipper reduces the size of organic particles to facilitate the composting process. This decomposed organic matter is reused onsite as soil amendment and eliminates the need to burn.  

Biodegradable Packing Materials

In our shipping facility, we use 100% biodegradable starch peanuts and reused newspaper to ensure that our plants make it safely to our customers.  

Energy Efficient Lighting

Throughout the property, we use compact fluorescent bulbs and energy efficient light fixtures to reduce our electricity demands.  

Ongoing Community Support

We believe in an active and engaged citizenry. That’s why we support many local community projects, including those related to healthy watersheds, edible landscapes, community gardens and school gardens.  

Download our Sustainability Brochure  

Look for our coupon in the 2008 Chinook Book!