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The UK juice bar specialist Crussh has partnered with carbon management specialists Carbon Clear to eliminate its carbon footprint and help support two projects that not only benefit the environment but also local communities in India and Central America.

Crussh is also finding ways to reduce the impact its packaging has on the environment; paper pulp from sustainable forests and environmentally friendly soya inks are now being used by Crussh for its promotional materials. It is also introducing a recycling scheme for all the Crussh juice bars and to encourage customers to recycle their rubbish, plus investigating a special new biodegradable cup made from cornstarch.

"At Crussh, we've always been committed to our customer's health," said Crussh Managing Director Chris Fung. "Now we're able to help make our planet healthier too. These projects not only work to eliminate our carbon footprint but also help to fight poverty, advance education and improve health in developing countries."

About the projects The first project Crussh is supporting is The International Small Group & Tree Planting Program (TIST) in Tamil, India. This project aims to combat the problems of deforestation and simultaneously provide education and health benefits to local farmers. Since 2002 the small groups funded by TIST have planted more than 500,000 trees in India.

The second project is helping the brick-making industry in Nicaragua to reduce its carbon emissions by 25,000 tonnes over the next five years. Creating more efficient brick kilns will not only reduce CO2 levels but stop forests from shrinking and encourage local entrepreneurs.