Offers consumers sustainable agricultural products generated by affiliates Buffalo River Compost and River Road Research
It was back in 2018 when we first explored the practices of Buffalo River Compost – the culmination of Dave Majewski’s longtime sustainability efforts. More recently, we delved into the inner-workings of another sustainable outfit called River Road Research. Aside from both of these initiatives converting waste into useful byproducts, they both (now) have something else in common. They are both affiliated with NOCO, as part of the full-service energy company’s expansion into sustainable lines of business.
NOCO’s new consumer product brand, Tend, is in place to enhance the region’s circular economy, by offering soil amendments including composts and mulches (via Buffalo River Compost), and insect protein based animal feeds including backyard chicken snacks, wild bird feed, dog treats and other pet products (via River Road Research).
“These products are designed to help regional economic efforts flourish by using consciously sourced components to prioritize the health and well-being of our local ecosystem,” said Bobbie Thoman, sustainability manager, NOCO. “Tend is committed to using high-quality components and ingredients along with low carbon production methods and technology, all of which contribute towards a sustainable future.”
- NOCO’s Brian’s Best Compost, Seal of Testing Assurance (STA) Certified Compost, diverts thousands of tons of commercial food waste, tree, leaf and wood waste from landfills, and manure from hoofed animals, aged stall bedding, straw, and alfalfa from the Buffalo Zoo annually to produce environmentally beneficial compost. In addition, Buffalo River Compost recently began receiving plant clippings from the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens.
- River Road Research recycles food waste to create a sustainable protein source for use in animal and aquaculture feed. Using shelf-stable food waste as an insect feed, River Road Research rears black soldier fly larvae for protein meal. The resulting insect-based protein meal can be used as a substitute for the less sustainable protein ingredients currently used in animal and aquaculture feeds. River Road Research operates a research and development facility on Buffalo’s east side.
Tend products now available include:
- STA approved screened compost
- Unscreened compost
- Premium zoo blend manure compost
- Natural mulch
- Premium planting sand
- Black soldier fly larvae – natural and nutritious feed supplement for chickens and laying hens
NOCO has certainly diversified from its early formations as an energy company, founded in Tonawanda, NY, in 1933 (as a residential coal supplier). From there, the company ventured into heating oil, and also propane. Today NOCO is incorporating more sustainable products into the mix, which serve realms that include landscaping, home garden projects, lawns, and urban farms. It’s a direction that aligns with the future of circular economies – a trend that all companies should be considering at this point.
Consumers can order Tend products at growwithtend.com. NOCO is also working with several local garden centers, including Clyde’s Feed and Animal Center, Masterson’s Garden Center, and Northtown Garden Center, to have Tend products available for purchase. Two-pound bags of compost are also available for sale at the Botanical Gardens.
For more information on Tend, visit growwithtend.com and to learn about NOCO’s energy related sustainability initiatives, visit noco.com/sustainable-energy.