Why Packaging Matters
We are working to solve the use of plastic packaging for our products and wanted to share our research and ongoing efforts to find more sustainable solutions. We will continue to update these efforts here with measurements and results.
Indoor Farming and Sustainability:
Our vision is simple: Move the farm, not the food. By doing so we are able to reduce food miles by 99.975%. Growing directly for our community we are able to eliminate food waste. Using controlled climate technology we are able to eliminate upwards of 90% of water usage. As a Public Benefit Corporation, we are committed to operating sustainably and prioritizing the well-being of our environment and community.
Why Plastic?
Plastic packaging offers a barrier to oxygen and moisture, keeping produce fresh for extended periods. It also protects fresh produce during transportation directly from our farm to your door. In our tests, we've found that produce lasts seven times longer in plastic packaging than without it. We use packaging to maximize quality and minimize food waste simultaneously.
In our most recent season, we averaged less than a 4-mile distance between our farm and our customer’s doors. This achievement highlights the close proximity of our farm to the community, making Area 2 Farms the nearest source of fresh produce for many people since the Garden of Eden.
Today, our packaging is made from 100% recyclable materials. The plastic packaging that we use is made from reused plastic already in circulation. Once used, our packaging can be recycled, diverting plastic from landfills and oceans.
Just because Area 2 Farms' packaging is 100% recyclable doesn't mean it's always recycled. The current US recycling rate is around 29.1%. Fortunately, technology and funds dedicated to recycling innovation are helping improve this situation.
Alternative Packaging Material
While we primarily use 100% recycled and 100% recyclable plastic for packaging, we continuously search for better alternatives to reduce our long-term environmental impact. Currently, most alternatives have limitations:
Compostable materials often rely on per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to repel water and keep food fresh. These chemicals can contaminate soil and water, posing health risks. PFAS-free compostable containers are available but are better suited for short-term food preservation rather than long-lasting freshness.
Emerging paper options coated with vegetable-based films provide similar impermeability to plastic but are in the early stages of food safety testing and accessible pricing.
We remain committed to researching and identifying packaging alternatives that balance shelf life, food waste minimization, and environmental impact. Until we find a suitable alternative, we believe using RPET is the most responsible choice.
Open Conversation and Transparency
Transparency is a core value at Area 2 Farms. We strive to foster open communication with our Arlington, Virginia, and Washington DC Metro Area communities regarding our practices and environmental impact, including packaging.
This Week’s Harvest
This Week’s Harvest is a one-time purchase to taste the season's goodness. It includes vibrant greens, fragrant herbs, crisp microgreens, and hearty root vegetables, all freshly harvested and delivered to your front door.
Taste-This Week’s Harvest for yourself, and then let us know your thoughts. Or, come by for a tour. We are always eager to meet the families we feed and to show off exactly where our food came from.
And we can do so all season long.
Area 2 Farms offers different harvest subscription options to meet your family’s needs. Check out the 4-Week and the 10-Week Farm Subscriptions to choose what works best for you.