Recognising the need to respond to climate change, Yellow Jersey Logistics (YJL) is contributing a set value for each of its vehicles to Food & Trees for Africa (FTFA) projects which will offset some of the company’s carbon emissions. “We acknowledge that trucks are a major contributor to carbon emissions and we want to lead by example and challenge the freight industry, especially all transport companies, to find innovative ways to reduce their carbon footprint while uplifting the communities they serve,” said Jannie van Jaarsveld, sales manager for YJL. He told FTW that the company hoped to make an annual contribution to carbon offset programmes. Road transport, by transport subsector, is the largest contributor to global warming and the fleet emission average for delivery vans, trucks and big rigs is 10.17 kg of CO2 per gallon of diesel consumed, according to Wikipedia. This Arbour Month, the YJL team will assist the learners of Inxiweni Primary School in Tembisa, Gauteng to plant trees and summer crops in their garden. “The school is cognisant of the fact that children should eat vegetables and fruit to reduce escalating malnutrition and is thus very grateful for YJL’s contribution,” says Joanne Carty, programme manager for FTFA. Following this, YJL will support FTFA to provide more training and resources to develop the school’s permaculture food garden to supply learners in need with fresh produce. The surplus produce from the garden is sold to generate income and the community benefits by being able to buy cheap, freshly produced, local vegetables. “The additional training and support from YJL will help the project to become more sustainable,” says van Jaarsveld. CAPTION Planting for the future … Yellow Jersey MD Freek van Tonder with Joanne Carty and Jannie Van Jaarsveld and some of the children from Inxiweni Primary School. Photo: Shannon Van Zyl
