Chico drink company snags award

Santa Cruz Organic’s sodas were recently named among the most eco-friendly beverages that are widely available to Americans by Greenopia, an online directory that encourages people to make green and socially conscious daily purchases, according to the site.

The Chico-based organic food and drink company received the esteemed 4-Leaf rating for its sustainable production processes and strict adherence to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s organic regulations for its sparkling beverages. The company also offsets energy use via purchase of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), and uses solar power and methane turbines to reduce the facility’s use of electricity.

The report is updated each year and features more than 20 popular sodas, juices and energy drinks. Honest Tea was the only other drink company to receive a 4-Leaf rating. To view the report, visit www.Greenopia.com and click on “Corporate Ratings.”