In today's world, running a business means more than offering quality products—it means taking responsibility for our environmental impact at every step. At Olive This Olive That, sustainability isn't just a buzzword; it's woven into the fabric of everything we do. Here's how we're working to make a difference while bringing you the best Californian olive oils.
Supporting Local Food Systems
We proudly partner with local farmers and artisans throughout Northern California, creating a vibrant network that supports our regional economy while reducing the carbon footprint associated with long-distance shipping. When you purchase our olive oils, you're not just getting an exceptional product—you're supporting family farms and small producers who are committed to responsible land stewardship.
These close relationships allow us to trace each bottle from grove to shelf, ensuring quality while fostering a sustainable agricultural ecosystem in our community. Many of our partner farms implement organic or sustainable farming practices, using methods that protect soil health, conserve water, and maintain biodiversity—all crucial elements of a resilient local food system.
Our Bottle Refill Program: Reduce, Reuse, Refill
One of our most popular sustainability initiatives is our bottle refill program. Simply bring back your empty, clean, & dry olive oil bottles, and we'll refill them with your favorite oils and vinegars while giving you $3 off per bottle. This simple practice significantly reduces packaging waste and the energy required to produce new glass bottles.
The bottle refill program embodies the circular economy we strive to create—keeping materials in use rather than discarding them after a single use. Since launching this program, we've prevented thousands of bottles from entering the waste stream, proving that small changes can make a significant impact when embraced by a community.
Creative Reuse of Shipping Materials
In our effort to reduce waste, we've established a community collection program for shipping materials. Local neighbors and businesses bring in their clean, gently used packing materials—from bubble wrap to cardboard boxes—that would otherwise end up in landfills. We then repurpose these materials to package online orders.
This practice not only diverts waste from landfills but also eliminates the need for new packaging production. The next time you receive an order from us, know that your olive oil arrived safely thanks to our community's shared commitment to creative reuse solutions.
Minimizing Single-Use Plastics
We believe that the finest olive oils deserve better than single-use plastics. That's why we've replaced conventional plastic tasting cups with compostable alternatives made from plant-based materials. These cups can be commercially composted after use, returning to the earth rather than lingering in landfills for centuries.
Throughout our shop, we continually evaluate opportunities to eliminate unnecessary plastic. From our shopping bags to our display fixtures, we prioritize natural, recyclable, or compostable materials whenever possible.
Community Engagement
We also participate in local sustainability initiatives, from community waste-to-art centers like Scrap to food waste reduction programs like Too Good to Go. By connecting with like-minded organizations, we multiply our impact and contribute to a more sustainable Bay Area.
Our Ongoing Journey
While we're proud of the steps we've taken, we recognize that sustainability is a journey rather than a destination. We continuously evaluate our practices, seeking new ways to reduce our environmental footprint while enhancing our positive community impact.
We welcome your suggestions as we continue this journey. Many of our most effective sustainability initiatives began as customer recommendations, demonstrating the power of community collaboration in creating positive change.
By choosing local, sustainable products, refilling your bottles, and supporting businesses that prioritize environmental responsibility, you become part of the solution. Together, we're proving that small businesses can make a meaningful difference in building a more sustainable future—one bottle of exceptional olive oil at a time.