As one of the world's largest meat companies, Springdale-based Tyson Foods Inc. used 27.5 billion gallons of water in 2007 - enough to fill every bathtub in Northwest Arkansas daily for 8 to 10 years.
That said, the company reports it has made water conservation a priority achieving a 15 percent reduction in water usage per pound of finished product from fiscal 2005 to fiscal 2007. The company credits the reduction on conservation efforts, facility closures and a capital outlay of $16 million for wastewater improvements.
The meat giant also reports a carbon footprint of 5.53 million metric tons annually, but said as a partner in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Climate Leader program it plans to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions annually for the next five to 10 years. No details on the reduction were released. (A carbon footprint measures the impact humans have on the environment in terms of the amount of greenhouse gas emissions measured in units of carbon dioxide.)
These factoids were part of the company's second sustainability report released Monday. The 64-page report details the company's commitments to its "triple bottom line" including economic, social and environmental performances.
SUSTAINABLE PROOF
Tyson Foods claims sustainability is part of its nature as it seeks to protect natural resources, create alternative energy and feed the hungry, according to a report statement by Tyson Foods CEO Dick Bond. "Businesses of all sizes are realizing that sustainability is not a fad. Consumers are asking for it," said Michael Parker, executive director for the Seal of Sustainability, a local organization that helps businesses implement sustainable practices.
He said the public now demands proof of sustainable practices from companies.
Approximately 50 percent of U.S. consumers consider sustainability factors when selecting consumer packaged goods and choosing where to shop for those products, according to a recent survey by Information Resources Inc.
"Sustainability is like a stool, it has three legs which are essential for its balance. Tyson Foods appears to be focused in the right direction," Parker said.
The sustainability report has become a planning tool for businesses to acknowledge success and set future goals and standards with respect to being good corporate citizens and neighbors.
Full Story: http://www.nwaonline.net/articles/2008/04/05/business
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