In a new partnership, freshwater harvested from American tomatoes is to positively impact millions of lives in drought-stricken California.
Drought stricken California
The world is currently facing a water crisis, due to many factors including a six-fold increase in demand over the past century because of exponential population growth. In the USA, for instance, severe drought in the state of California is affecting millions of people. With water now inadequate for agricultural, wildlife and urban needs, the capabilities of farmers, fishermen, business owners and residents are being affected. Reservoirs are extremely low, and hydropower is restricted due to continuing harsh and dry conditions.
Now America’s second largest tomato producer, Ingomar has partnered with BWT to harvest the naturally occurring water found in their tomatoes to create the world’s most sustainable drinking water. “We are proud to partner with BWT and become the first company to grow plant-based drinking water in America. California is facing a water crisis and we are honored to be making a difference.” Greg Pruett, CEO – Ingomar Packing Company.
Ingomar strives to be globally recognised as the premium supplier of industrial tomato products by consistently demonstrating their commitment to their employees, customers, and community. Since 2010, they have improved their environmental sustainability by implementing changes in their fields and facilities to cut down on waste and pollutants. Their general recycling programs have nearly eliminated the need for contributing to landfills. Their drip irrigation system has conserved water, and the development of a wetlands area has not only minimised water waste but also contributed to the flourishing of wildlife.
Ingomar can now produce up to 1 billion litres (~260,000 gallons) of potable water during their 90-day tomato harvesting season.
Ingomar’s potable water will be provided to Merced, Fresno, Stanislaus, and Madera counties through the following social and environmental uses:
• Community Water – (e.g., mobile home parks and schools)
• Providing water to private household water storage tanks
• Ingredient for bottling companies to use for their beverages
• Water can be reused by food processors for agriculture or future production – creating a circular economy
• Environmental projects, consumed by people, and used for WASH projects (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene)
• Groundwater and municipal water replenishment
Why Botanical Water?
• A new sustainable and renewable water source
• Avoid depletion of existing water resources (circular economy)
• Efficient and effective matching of water demand and supply
• Sustainable solution for fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) production on a regional and global level
• Allocation of water for impact projects including water basin recharge and WASH programs
• Immediate results without expensive or complex projects
• Water security for commercial operations and communities
• Enables Corporates to become Water Positive and meet their Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), via Water Impact Credits
• Blockchain and external certified, transparent process through the Botanical Water Exchange (BWX)
Botanical Water Exchange (BWX)
BWX has created an ecosystem that enables the harvesting, purification, and delivery of botanical water via a trusted blockchain water trading platform (BWX) to positively impact people and the planet.
“Reducing all wastage from industrial processes is a key pillar of a circular economy. We are on an exciting journey to create up to three trillion litres
of the world’s first plant-based water and give clean drinking water to 100 million of the world’s most vulnerable people by 2025.” Terry Paule, Co-Founder & CEO of BWT has said.
When fruit and vegetables (including sugar cane) are pressed to extract juice and then evaporated to make concentrate or sugar, they produce a large volume of water in parallel. Until recently, this evaporative condensate was discarded, often to environmental detriment. The new Botanical Water Exchange (BWX) platform relies on the FUJITSU Track and Trust service, which uses blockchain technology to ensure end-to-end traceability of processes, from product refinement through to sales, delivery and use.
“We want to be harvesting, purifying and delivering botanical water within a 200-mile radius to further reduce our environmental footprint,” says Paule. “The Botanical Water Foundation exists to deliver our botanical water to people who need it most, at no cost. Our foundation will then work with many charitable organizations and impact partners across the globe who have existing infrastructure. We can provide them FREE water, via charitable organizations and other impact partners. In doing so, we can reach the world’s poorest people and positively impact millions of lives.” .
Source: EINPresswire.com LONDON, UK, May 16, 2022
