Harris Tea goes green with new solar power system in California

Harris Tea Co, a California-based blender and packer of tea and other beverages, said it will begin running its first solar power system, equipped on its two facilities in Anaheim, on 31 August 2010, as part of the company's overall sustainability efforts.

The tea company has partnered with REC Solar, a US-based solar power integrator, for the design, solar modules, and installation expertise.

The solar system is said to generate 450,000 kilowatt hours a year.

The company expects that this effort will cut down CO2 emissions by nearly 300 tons per year, and said that system will generate 450,000 kilowatt hours a year.

This reduction, according to the company, amounts to avoiding 36,300 gallons of gasoline usage and 15 million pounds of green house emissions during the system's lifespan.

The tea company said that this project was financed in part by Solar Advantage Program through the California Solar Initiative of Anaheim Public Utilities.

Harris Tea CEO Ray Borooah said that the solar power project is a major step forward in integrating the company's sustainability initiatives, focusing on reducing its carbon footprint, and investing in its future, products, and customers.

The company also said that it recycled 260 tons of waste in 2009 and has an continuous program to reduce packaging material across its production units.

Harris Tea Co operates three production facilities in California, Georgia, and New Jersey in the US. All three plants are said to be certified Organic.