OUR COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY
At Greka Icons, we are dedicated to fostering environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and economic prosperity. Our core philosophy is to promote and preserve our environment and cultural heritage while adding value and positively impacting local communities and the economy. We uphold the values we started with by partnering with small companies that have grown alongside us. Our products are of the highest quality, free from additives and preservatives, and crafted with love and respect.
Environmental Sustainability
- Costa Navarino Climate Change Hub:
- Navarino Environmental Observatory: In collaboration with Stockholm University and the Academy of Athens, we operate a climate change hub at Costa Navarino. This observatory has hosted over 1,800 researchers and produced more than 200 research papers.
- Navarino Natural Hall: An interactive educational center dedicated to the nature of Messinia. Over 5,000 schoolchildren have visited this museum, enriching their understanding of environmental sustainability through our educational projects.
Sustainable Agriculture
Through the Captain Vassilis & Carmen Constantakopoulos Foundation, the founder of Costa Navarino and our parent company, we engage in activities focused on sustainable agricultural practices. These programs emphasize responsible land management and organic farming to preserve our region's natural resources and biodiversity.
- Training Local Chefs: We train local chefs in traditional recipes to preserve cultural heritage and promote sustainability.
- Supporting Farmers: We work to conserve biodiversity, elevate local fare, and promote Greek products worldwide.
- Partnership with CIA (Culinary Institute of America): We have embarked on a project to revive and promote the Messinia Mediterranean diet, establishing it as a gastronomical hub.
- Investment in Agriculture: The foundation has invested over €8.5 million in transforming agriculture. More than 1,500 farmers and 800 entrepreneurs have gained expertise through our initiatives.
- Smart Farming Technology: By integrating advanced tools to monitor weather, soil, and crop health, we empower farmers to use precision techniques that reduce water and chemical usage, preserving the ecosystem and securing the future of agriculture.
Sustainable Operations
- Local Sourcing: We prioritize ingredients from local farms to reduce our carbon footprint and support the community.
- Eco-friendly Packaging: We use recycled and biodegradable materials to minimize environmental impact.
- Energy Efficiency: We implement energy-efficient processes and utilize renewable energy sources wherever possible.
- Waste Management: We maintain strict protocols to manage waste responsibly.
- ISO 14001:2015 Compliance: We implement an Environmental Management System to meet international standards.
- CO2 Net Zero Commitment: We aim to achieve CO2 net zero operations by 2050.
- Plastic-Free Goal: We strive for a single-use plastic-free operation.
OUR COMMITMENT TO INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY
At Greka Icons, we believe in creating a sustainable future that is inclusive and respectful of all individuals. As part of a larger group of companies, our focus on sustainability and inclusion is at the heart of everything we do.
Leadership and Core Team
Our leadership team exemplifies our commitment to diversity. Marina Papatsoni, our Founder, Shareholder, and Managing Director, leads with a focus on sustainability and inclusivity. Peter Poulos, our Co-Founder and minority shareholder, brings a diverse perspective as a Greek-American and openly gay individual. Their leadership and personal stories reflect our core belief that diverse perspectives drive innovation and success. Additionally, 50% of our management team are women, demonstrating our dedication to gender equality.
Inclusive Practices
- Accessibility and Support: We have conducted thorough audits to ensure our facilities are accessible and welcoming to all individuals, including those with mobility issues, autism, and other special needs.
- Collaborative Efforts: We collaborate with organizations like Made51 – an initiative by UNHCR, Synergy and Shedia to provide opportunities for marginalized individuals. Synergy, an NGO composed of individuals with mental disabilities, produces some of our products. Schedia supports homeless individuals, who create crafts included in our product range. Through MADE51, artisan refugees from around the world contribute with handcrafted products.
Ongoing Commitment
Our diversity and inclusion policies are dynamic and continually evolving, guided by ongoing feedback and engagement with diverse communities. We are dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of inclusivity and respect, ensuring that our practices reflect our core values and contribute meaningfully to the communities we serve.
Join us in our mission to build a sustainable and inclusive future.
