Comprehensive water and energy use programs as well as waste management policies are implemented in many operations as a way to save natural resources and prevent pollution.

In the tropics, these programs are not only available on Dole-owned farms but also on the Company's independent producers' farms, and are often complemented with initiatives aimed at protecting the fauna and flora of the areas where we operate. 

Water Use

Because water is one of nature's most valuable resources, Dole endeavors to ensure that it is managed carefully.

To this end, our Research Department is continuously looking for new techniques to decrease the use of water, particularly through more precise irrigation systems.

Dating back to 1987 one of  Dole's priorities has been to develop a more scientific approach for better scheduling the irrigation of bananas, i.e. to apply water only when and where necessary to compensate for soil water deficiencies. Dole's Research Department developed the technology for an electronic method for monitoring soil humidity.  Soil moisture is now monitored at least once a week. The Department also issues instructions on how to adjust the irrigation schedule, when necessary.

Other initiatives aimed at managing and reducing water use include: 

• Construction of reservoirs to capture rainwater for irrigation, and reduce the usage of deep well water
• Introduction of Mobile Banana Processors, a miniature version of a standard packing plant, which cuts water usage by 97% compared to a standard packing plant
• Pre-irrigation of lettuce fields with the water used in the processing of packaged salads

It is also Dole's policy to recycle water, whenever possible. To this end, Dole designed a Water Use Re-Circulation System for packing plants. The system saves energy, protects aquifers, chlorinates water for fruit processing, and helps eliminate latex and metals.

The Water Use Re-Circulation Systems tremendously reduces water consumption up to 90%. These systems recycle the same water for up to six days. However, the water is filtered and chlorinated to assure quality and safety.

Energy Use

Dole has extensive programs to reduce energy usage. These programs include:

• Use of natural gas instead of diesel in our pumping stations as a way to reduce emissions of ozone-forming hydrocarbons, toxics and carbon monoxide
• Reduction of refrigeration systems using CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons), an ozone-depleting refrigerant, or ammonia and freon
• Use of banana wastes for biogas production
• Combustion of wooden material as a way to produce energy

Waste Management

Wastes, when not properly collected and disposed of, can be sources of environmental contamination and pollution. Dole's policy is to limit wastes as much as possible, collect them and recycle them whenever possible.

To avoid leaks when preparing the product mix for fumigation, Dole uses a closed system, so that the mixing stations produce zero waste. The left-over spray material is collected from the aircraft, stored in a sealed collection tank, and used for the next application.

In addition, Dole participates in several programs to ensure complete collection and adequate disposal of containers in the banana producing areas. In particular, Dole has signed agreements with the chemical industry, so that Crop Protection Product containers are collected by and returned to the manufacturer. Furthermore, in our cannery in the Philippines, a third-party recycles Dole's tinplate trimmings, cans/ends rejects, 55-gallon steel drums, plastic cups, fibers, cartons, copper wire and scrap iron.

In Latin America, Dole has developed an important program with the objective to recycle plastic bags used to protect the banana bunches. The system consists of collecting and classifying plastic from farms, transporting it to collection yards, and storing it until it can be baled and transported to the recycling plant by third parties.

Some of our distribution centers also have practices in place to recycle all cardboard, corner board, plastic, wooden material and organic waste.
Finally, Dole uses mulching and composting to make use of fruit and vegetable waste, such as leaves, cuttings and overripe, bruised or misshapen fruit.

Biodiversity Programs

Dole has worked with several environmental organizations, which are at the forefront of biodiversity research and implementation of monitoring and preservation programs.

Dole's scientists have worked together with a multitude of teams researching tropical birds.  Specifically Dole has set some land aside from production in order to protect waterways which serve as migration corridors for some tropical bird species. The results obtained in Dole's plantations with this system have been equivalent to the ones obtained in nearby conservation areas including for birds which are highly susceptible to habitat disturbance.

Reforestation Programs

Dole is actively involved in reforestation programs and operates a nursery which produces half a million plants of various species.  The plants are distributed to institutions and organizations dedicated to reforestation work.

Dole also works with the local communities to train individuals in the techniques of re-establishing and maintaining tree cover.