Toyota, one of the automotive industry's largest manufacturers, is conducting new initiatives to help preserve the environment and reduce their carbon footprint. As the creator of popular eco-friendly vehicles, such as the Prius, Camry Hybrid and all-new Mirai fuel-cell model, Toyota has decided to step up their "green" efforts and work to diminish waste throughout each of its facilities. By making certain modifications at their plants and following a "reduce, reuse, recycle" platform, the company has already had great success and will continue to show improvements in the future. To give you an idea of how Toyota has been helping the environment, we've compiled a list of some of their most important eco-friendly initiatives.
Converting Landfill Gas to Renewable Energy
Toyota's Kentucky manufacturing facility is currently working with Waste Services of the Bluegrass in order to convert harmful landfill gas comprised of methane into renewable electricity that can power the Georgetown assembly plant. Through the use of the gas, Toyota will be able to create over 10,000 cars a year and help reduce pollution.
Preservation of Water
All of Toyota's Certified LEED dealers are working to preserve water by reducing usage by 20 percent. The manufacturer's Alabama facility has also been reusing water from their cooling tower, allowing them to save 300,000 gallons a year, while the company's Ontario, Canada paint shop has made efforts to preserve millions of gallons.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
By following a "reduce, reuse, recycle" platform, Toyota's U.S. facilities were able to successfully eliminate 95 percent of their waste in 2013 alone. This achievement resulted in the U.S. Zero Waste Business Council declaring 32 U.S. Toyota facilities "Zero Waste Businesses." Toyota's Indiana plant was one facility recognized for their efforts, which include reusing oil from stamping machines in blanking presses to reduce the purchase of oil by 80 percent and changing windshield packaging to decrease waste.
In addition to efforts made within their facilities, Toyota has also provided 208 used Camry Hybrid batteries to Yellowstone National Park in order to create a battery storage system that will power the Lamar Buffalo Ranch. If you'd like to learn more about how Toyota is promoting eco-friendly initiatives, view the company's 2014 environment report.
