That is, we don’t use any synthetic or bio-engineered herbicides/pesticides/other treatments that are extremely common in the produce industry (e.g., lettuce one finds at a typical supermarket). Although the short- and long-term health effects of many modern herbicide treatments used on conventional (and, potentially, in some certified organic) produce are currently unknown (and will likely remain, technically, “under investigation” for years to come), at Westcliffe Greens we don’t have any interest in either supporting the multinational corporate producers of many such products, or of taking risks with our customers- or our own- health (as one might imagine, we also love to eat our own greens). As an ex-academic researcher and Ph.D., the owner of Westcliffe Greens, Chris, has seen first hand how “the sausage is made” when it comes to experimental research testing of ideas and products, and the publishing and marketing of data, especially by those with vested financial or professional interests or biases, conscious or unconscious.

As a small operation, we are currently only focusing on retail sales (i.e., we do not sell wholesale quantities or sell to distributors). Although we hope to expand at an organic pace, one of the perks of buying from a small operation is that we can harvest our crop extremely fresh. In fact, in almost all cases, our greens are harvested the day before and the day of our sales. As many of our customers note, and from tests we have run ourselves, properly stored greens from us will last for a substantial amount of time (e.g., multiple weeks), if stored appropriately. Often, produce purchased “new” from a large grocer or distributor has been sitting in storage for longer than the time we are able to hold multiple weekly sales!

One of the major perks of hydroponic methods of food production is its resource efficiency. Our systems use a form of what is termed a “recirculating” hydroponic method, in which all of the water and nutrients that are needed for our plants to grow and thrive are “recycled,” repeatedly, until they are fully consumed by the plants. This means that we have essentially no water or nutrient loss (e.g., there is nowhere for water or fertilizer to go other than to be utilized by the plants until they are fully consumed). Estimates vary, but this method tends to use approximately 95% less water than traditional soil based methods of farming, which we see as a major asset in our local environment, and an additional way in which our hydroponic techniques can compliment our existing soil-based farming friends in the area.

We grow all of our greens in Westcliffe, CO, and sell only in the local area. See above for information on our sales locations. If you purchase from us, and live in or near Westcliffe, you are likely buying greens that were grown within a mile or two (or less) from your location.

In establishing Westcliffe Greens, we knew that we were committed to remaining in Westcliffe for the long term (perhaps our business name gave away our plan). We live, work, and plan to stay in Westcliffe. As long as we are able to maintain viability, we envision growing the best produce we can for local community, helping to ensure food security in our remote area, and to increase food resiliency via a complimentary method of food production working alongside our other farmer friends in the area (e.g., by using hydroponic techniques).

Similarly, money spent at local businesses tends to recirculate at a much higher rate in the local economy, relative to purchases through non-local entities (this is sometimes referred to as the “Local Multiplier Effect:” you can find many studies estimating its magnitude. We’d crudely estimate that it’s likely that 2-5 times- or more- value remains in local circulation after local purchases, thus benefiting the entirety of the Westcliffe community and the surrounding areas). At the end of the day for the philosophers out there: from the perspective of your grower at Westcliffe Greens, we subscribe to the idea that our actions and choices reflect our own subjective value priorities; money reflects (amongst other things), a value transfer mechanism; and thus we can direct our money to reflect our values.