Waste do’s and don’ts at ’Bu’s and Bees

Zero-landfill trendsetters Subaru and Burt’s Bees lead ZWL event

April 12, 2011

Subaru of Indiana Automotive Inc. manufactures the Subaru Outback®, Legacy®, and Tribeca® lines (as well as the Toyota Camry® for Toyota). It is the only Subaru auto assembly plant in the U.S.

In May 2004 it distinguished itself for another "only." It was the only auto assembly plant in the U.S. to reach zero waste to landfill. The automaker sends nothing from its manufacturing process to the landfill. "In other words, a typical household puts more trash in the ground than SIA's entire manufacturing facility," the company says.

The zero-landfill status is part of the company's commitment to being a world-class environmental leader within the automotive industry, the company says. That commitment goes beyond complying with all environmental laws and regulations and extends to implementing effective pollution prevention systems, conserving natural resources, and creating employee awareness and involvement.

Subaru of Indiana Automotive was recognized for its zero-landfill achievement by the EPA, receiving its WasteWise 2007 Gold Achievement Award in industrial material recycling. The automaker has received four EPA Waste Wise Gold Achievement Awards in total.

Subaru's zero-landfill accomplishment inspired other manufacturers to strive for it as well. GM announced in 2008 aspirations to convert half of its major global manufacturing facilities into landfill-free operations by 2010; it is only 5 percent away from that goal.

Natural personal care products manufacturer Burt's Bees achieved zero landfill in April 2010. Steve Walker,

environmental sustainability manager, said that the effort is part of the company's mission: "We strive to make people's lives better every day—naturally. Our belief in creating truly natural products that are good for you, the environment, and society hasn't changed.

"We have found that we can 'do well by doing good.' That includes positively influencing all our stakeholders, including our parent firm, The Clorox Company."

Take on the Zero-Waste-to-Landfill Challenge!

On May 18, the Green Manufacturer Network hosts a Zero-Waste-to-Landfill Challenge workshop that includes a tour of Subaru of Indiana Automotive and a presentation of its zero-landfill program by Subaru's Denise Coogan, manager, safety and environmental compliance, and Tom Easterday, executive vice president.

Burt's Bees' Steve Walker will speak at the event as well. He will explain how the personal products manufacturer went from sending 30 tons of waste to landfill per month in January 2007 to reaching zero landfill across its operations in April 2010.

More information and registration are available at Zero-Waste-to-Landfill Workshop or by calling 888-394-4362.