"With Organics You Get It All": Lessons in Sustainability from Stonyfield Farm

Stonyfield Farm's CEO, Gary Hirshberg, visited Exeter recently with an upbeat message about organics, yogurt, cows and their positive impact on the environment. He cites Stonyfield Farm's 25-year trajectory – from an unknown seven-cow organic farming school to today's market leader – as proof positive that you can win for the bottom line by doing good for the environment. "I can now prove that you can make more money and more jobs by investing in organics," he said. By his own admission, he "hated business" when he was younger. He now believes that it is businesses like Stonyfield Farm – and the power they exert through their success – that will force environmentally friendly change. "Business is the most powerful force on the planet," he said simply.

Hirshberg was delighted to hear that Exeter students are involved in sustainability projects. Recently, students completed a 45-page document entitled, "Proposal for Carbon Neutrality" which lays out in detail three ideas for reaching a carbon-neutral position on campus. The proposal is currently under review. Other Exeter sustainability projects include the Green Cup Challenge (a 15-school competition designed to increase climate change awareness), Step It Up (a national environmental campaign), the Green Flag Program (an environmental awards initiative targeting schools), recycling and composting. "I applaud you for doing this," Hirshberg said, referring to the students' commitment to climate change initiatives.

Creative thinking and alternative marketing strategies have played a key role in Stonyfield Farm's success. "Our advertising spending is a rounding error compared to the competitors," explained Hirshberg. "We started with seven cows, a yogurt recipe and two pathological optimists who were broke." At one point, Stonyfield Farm wanted to increase market share in Chicago. They contacted the Chicago Transit Authority with a plan: hand out free organic yogurt to Chicago mass transit commuters, with a thank-you for reducing pollution by commuting via public transportation. The Transit Authority agreed, and within a few days, Stonyfield Farm had come into contact with 85,000 consumers, many of whom enjoyed the yogurt, not to mention the message.

"Never underestimate the power to do good," advised Hirshberg.

Interested in learning more?
Check out Exeter's sustainability efforts…
Learn about Stonyfield Farm's creative and successful approach to sustainability…
Read about Exeter's recently installed vermicomposting system…