It stands to reason that more sustainable environmental management of a banana farm, the better it is for the environment and for you.
The banana industry is becoming increasingly reliant on agrichemicals to produce the ‘perfect’ fruit buyers often demand. What we don’t often realise is that these chemicals, designed to protect plants from pests and disease can also severely harm workers’ health.
We can’t ask growers to be exposed to agrichemicals, or expect people who live next to a banana plantation to accept the occasional cloud of spray-drift chemicals, that hang over their homes after an aerial spraying. The health impacts of pesticides can be substantial. Research shows that agrichemicals can lead to depression, respiratory problems, damage to eyes, skin infections, sterility and cancers. A study by the Health Research Institute at the National University of Costa Rica found that women in the country’s banana packing plants suffered double the average rate of leukaemia and birth defects.
Health aside, there are significant environmental damages that can be seen from the residues of toxic chemicals used at banana plantations. These can include the devastating effects of deforestation, displacement of communities, the loss of tropical flora and fauna, soil erosion, wide-spread contamination and loss of ground-water resources. We want to avoid that.
Good for the land
All Good Bananas are Fairtrade certified, which means they meet rigorous environmental standards. They’re grown lovingly using organic fertilizer and sustainable agricultural practices, and no nematicides, tiabendazole or unnecessary chemicals. Through the Fairtrade premium, El Guabo farmers have been able to educate themselves about more environmentally-friendly farming methods – to stop farm polution entering waterways, reduce soil erosion, use organic fertiliser and compost and stop the use of herbicides so the groundcover between plants attracts back wildlife.
Many of the farmers and their families have seen the health and environmental impacts of more intensive farming methods and are focused on improving their farms for future generations, so their children can freely play outside, swim in local waterways and enjoy the pristine natural environment. More and more bananas we bring from Ecuador are organically grown and certified.
We believe the rigorous environmental standards for Fairtrade producers is better for the health of the growers and for you!
Good for You
We believe you should be able to eat healthily with a healthy conscience.
Our bananas contain all the natural nutrients for you to enjoy. Bananas contain vitamin B6 and tryptophan, a type of protein that your body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier. Next time you want to cheer someone up, forget flowers – buy them a bunch of bananas.
Bananas consist mainly of sugars (glucose, fructose and sucrose) and fiber, which makes them ideal for an immediate and slightly prolonged source of energy. This is why sports enthusiasts appreciate the potassium-power delivered by such a high-energy fruit.
Good for the grower, good for the land and good for you.
