Harris Tea Goes Solar as Part of Sustainability Initiatives

ANAHEIM, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Harris Tea Co., a leading packer of tea and beverages, will start operating its first solar power system on Tuesday, August 31^st. The array is installed on the Company’s two buildings in Anaheim, California, and will generate 450,000 kilowatt hours annually.

“The solar power project is a major step forward in integrating our sustainability initiatives, focusing on reducing our carbon footprint, and investing in the future of our company, products, and customers.”

A “Harris Tea Goes Solar” ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned with key customers and city officials in attendance.

Mr. Ray Borooah, CEO of Harris Tea, said, “The solar power project is a major step forward in integrating our sustainability initiatives, focusing on reducing our carbon footprint, and investing in the future of our company, products, and customers.”

As part of Harris Tea’s overall commitment to sustainability, this new initiative is expected to reduce CO₂ emissions by more than 300 tons annually, equivalent to eliminating the use of 36,300 gallons of gasoline and avoiding 15 million pounds of green house emissions over the lifetime of the system.

The project was made feasible with partial funding from Anaheim Public Utilities’ Solar Advantage Program through the California Solar Initiative. REC Solar, a leading US solar power integrator, partnered with Harris Tea, providing the design, solar modules, and installation expertise.

In continuation of its sustainability initiatives, Harris Tea is committed to moving towards zero land fill. In 2009, the Company recycled 260 tons of waste and has an ongoing program to reduce packaging material throughout its production facilities. Furthermore, the Company created a separate non-profit entity, the Harris Freeman Foundation, to focus on development projects related to education, safety, and sustainable farming of tea and herbs in rural source farm communities around the world.

About Harris Tea

Harris Tea Co., a division of Harris Freeman & Co., is the largest blender and packer of Private Label Teas in North America. The Company has three production facilities in the USA - California, Georgia, and New Jersey. All three plants are certified Organic. With over 60 years of 'tea' experience in procurement and blending, Harris Tea Co. is a diversified vendor, packing virtually all types of tea in a wide variety of tea bags and canned iced teas. For more information please visit www.harristea.com or call 714-765-1190.