Clif Bar: the plant-based energy bar that packs a strong environmental lesson

What’s one of the most impactful ways to help the planet? Enjoy more plant based food, that’s what. At Earth Cubs we try to encourage people to really think about what they are putting in their mouths where it’s come from, what it has taken to make it and what the impact (of that food) is on the planet. That’s why we love Clif Bar & Company – not just because their bars taste amazing and are totally plant based, but because this company has been going above and beyond, positively contributing to the world, since it was established in 1992.

A food company with a difference, the brand has 5 ‘bottom lines’ which refer to its commitments to the people, planet, communities, brands and businesses. These bottom lines are all based on becoming, and remaining, a company that can have a really good impact, long term, within the food industry, making the food system healthier and more sustainable.

This is central to the health of our planet and all of us humans dependent upon our natural resources,” says Clif Customer Manager, Geoff Showers.

“In short, our dreams for the future are to succeed in helping to create a sustainable and healthy food system for people and the planet, while inspiring others to join us.” Why and how does Clif go above and beyond? Let’s start with Clif’s commitment to organic agriculture, and sustainably sourced ingredients. They have purchased over $1 billion of organic ingredients since 2003, and are the primary private funder of organic research in the United States. Clif is also a 100% renewable energy powered company and are totally committed to a zero-waste goal at all their facilities, including picking up 1 million pounds (in weight) of plastic waste by 2025, planting 1 million trees by 2025, and promising 100% reusable, recyclable, or compostable packaging by 2025.

Lessons from Clif

How can you instil a greater sense of social, environmental and cultural responsibility in yourself and others? You don’t need to become a climate expert, but it is your responsibility as a citizen to understand the basic facts of how we as humans can play our part in looking after our wondrous planet, helping to ensure that the incredible landscapes and astonishing wildlife is taken care of.

Every aspect of human life and our own future as a species is connected to how we treat our planet’s natural resources. Every single person can have a positive influence by putting their money towards items, businesses and activities that support the planet’s health; talking over the dinner table about what’s important and lobbying those in power, as well as voting with green issues in mind. Things you can do on a daily basis include getting outdoors more, and often, to instil a sense of curiosity and wonder in the environment, plants and wildlife, and begin to form a stronger connection with the earth. It’s also important to actively cultivate a conservationist mentality, helping those around you to understand that simply being alive requires substantial natural resources. “This might look like directly showing a fourteen year old where our food comes from, how it arrives at the store, and where it goes when unsold,” says Showers, from Clif.

Use specific examples like what amount of energy (and where it came from) it takes to bring a burger to your BBQ, and then cook that burger! Or, simply think about where the rubbish goes once it leaves our homes; take a tour of the local waste facilities so as to reveal the infrastructure we so often try to make invisible, or want to ignore.

The upshot? Learn, grow, understand and celebrate. Eat more plant-based products. Wonder about where things originated and where they go once they are waste. Be curious about your planet, and if you feel passionately – do something. Remember that our voices are a powerful tool for change, so we need to learn to use them!