It was a distinct pleasure getting to know the fascinating woman and green pioneer behind Redwood Hill Farm & Creamery, which has been a family-run business since 1968, before the green movement was even popular! Pictured above holding one of her “kids” on the farm, Jennifer is shown standing in front of one of the many solar panels that are used to power her home, the farm and the creamery! What an inspiration to those who wish to offer more sustainable solutions in their business model and practice.
An Interview with Jennifer Lynn Bice, Owner of Redwood Hill Farm & Creamery
Tell us About Your Eco-inspired Company!
Redwood Hill Farm & Creamery is an actual farm and a creamery producing all-natural, delicious and unique specialty dairy products that are also Certified Humane®. Goat milk products include artisan cheeses, award-winning yogurt and probiotic kefir. Lactose-free cow dairy products, under the Green Valley Organics name, include yogurt, kefir and sour cream. Located in Sonoma County, about 60 miles north of San Francisco, both the farm and creamery are solar powered. Owned by Jennifer Bice after starting with dairy goats in 4-H, now three of her siblings also work full time in the family business.
How do You Choose to Go Green in Your Own Life?
With the science of climate change becoming more known all the time, I wanted to do anything I could to try to help and make a difference. Converting our farm, creamery and house to 100% solar was a big step. We also have installed two electric car-charging stations that operate from our solar system and both the business and I personally drive Prius cars. We are constantly trying to reduce our consumption of whatever and wherever we can, reuse where possible, and of course recycle extensively. We also use only 100% recycled paper in the office and use only 100% recycled and/or biodegradeable tasting supplies at demos and tradeshows.
Guilty Green Pleasure?
Getting into bed each night and sinking into my 100% organic cotton sheets….
Can You Offer Any Encouraging Words for Those With a Small Sustainable Business?
Think about the big picture but do the little things that really add up. There are a lot of good ideas and articles out there to help get you thinking about how and what you can do. Everyone and every business can do things that will make a difference!
