Category Archives: Green News
Toyota’s 2012 Commitment to the Environment
Toyota has highlighted its sustainable manufacturing advancements and commitment to environmental leadership as the automaker released its 2012 North America Environmental Report. The report spans Toyota operations in the United States, Canada and Mexico over the fiscal year, including research and development, manufacturing, logistics and sales. Toyota remains the most fuel-efficient full line auto manufacturer in the United States and the industry hybrid leader.
Achievements featured in the 2012 report include:
- New eco-conscious vehicles: two within the Prius family – the Prius c and Prius Plug-in Hybrid – and the highly anticipated, all-electric 2013 RAV4 EV co-developed with Tesla
- Exceeding requirements under the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards for U.S. cars and Canadian Car Company Average Fuel Consumption (CAFC) standards
- Ten Toyota North American plants achieved zero waste to landfill
- Seven percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions per vehicle produced (since 2008)
- More than 600 suppliers and 41 Toyota sites have been internationally-certified environmental management systems
- A 15 percent reduction in energy consumption per vehicle produced (since 2002)
- Vibrant local partnerships, including nearly 900 volunteer events with TogetherGreenTM, Toyota signature environmental philanthropic program with the National Audubon Society
“Toyota believes sustainable operations go hand-in-hand with our core values of quality, innovation and good corporate citizenship,” said Dian Ogilvie, senior vice president and secretary, Toyota Motor North America, Inc. “We are committed to continuous improvement and finding creative ways to address the challenges of climate change and resource scarcity with dedicated leadership and the help of our partners.”
The report also measured Toyota North American operations against one-year goals in compliance, air emissions, energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, waste minimization and water use. Key partnerships, industry trends and insight on consumer preferences also guide Toyota’s efforts in serving both the planet and its people. Continue reading
Have A Green Thanksgiving
For most of us Thanksgiving means big, bountiful feasts and the beginning of an often overblown shopping season. But we can add more meaning when we take the environment into consideration and think outside the realm of typical traditions. Here are some green Thanksgiving tips to help you and your family reduce waste and make it a green holiday.
- Get outdoors and work off that second slice of pumpkin pie. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has a selection of perfect trails to get your heart pumping. Also, this way you can tell your family to “take a hike” without getting in trouble.
- Start a new green Thanksgiving tradition by planting a tree, bush or plant. Autumn is a great time to spruce up your backyard with some fresh plants and in a few years you will be able to look back at your little Thanksgiving “forest” and remember each year represented in each plant.
- When searching for the best beverage selection for your holiday gathering, opt for local and organic beer and wine. This goes for picking out an organic turkey and seasonal produce.
- Make sure to plan ahead for the big meal, not just the menu items but the quantities as well. You can reduce your household waste to not let it go out of control by portioning your food supply based on anticipated number of guests. Write a list, stick to it, buy only what you need, and serve smaller amounts.
- Serve filtered tap water instead of bottled water.
- Collect and wash empty food containers to store leftovers for yourself or to send home with your guests. If you do not have enough reusable containers, ask your guests to bring their own.
- Keep the decorations simple. There is no need to go any further than your own backyard or the farmers market for some festive holiday decor.
- Remember to compost any unwanted leftovers and food scraps and to recycle all food packaging and beverage containers.
- Skip the paper greeting cards.
The Charge-to-Charge Tour
Follow Graham Hill on the Charge-to-Charge Tour through California with the RAV4 EV.
The New RAV4 EV is Here!
The first-generation Toyota RAV4 EV went into production in 1997. Powered by a nickel-metal hydride battery pack, it had a real world driving range of 80-110 miles on a single charge. 1,484 vehicles were sold or leased in the U.S., and more than half of those are still on the road today.
The second-generation RAV4 EV demonstration vehicle represents an important milestone in Toyota’s unique collaboration project with Tesla. A key aspect of the partnership is to establish a new product development model that incorporates Tesla’s streamlined, quick-action approach. Under this new process, Tesla is responsible for supplying the powertrain and related components according to Toyota engineering specifications while Toyota works to seamlessly integrate the powertrain.
In comparison to the RAV4 V6, the RAV4 EV electric powertrain adds 220 pounds, yet the rate of acceleration is nearly equal. Actual real world driving range is approximately 100 miles from a full battery charge. The demonstration vehicle features distinct exterior styling changes, including a new front bumper, grille, head lamps, fog lamps, and 18” alloy wheels. The interior received custom seat trim, multimedia dash displays, push-button shifter and dashboard meters. The RAV4 platform brings a 73-cubic-foot cargo area with rear seats folded down – no cargo space was lost in the conversion to an electric powertrain. The technical features and appearance of the RAV4 EV demonstration vehicle will serve as targets for the fully engineered, market-ready vehicle, expected to launch in 2012.
Toyota Donates $1 Million to Sandy Relief Efforts
Toyota has just announced a $1 million contribution to the American Red Cross and other nonprofit organizations to support relief efforts for victims of Hurricane Sandy in the regions worst-hit by the storm. In addition, Toyota will match employee contributions to the American Red Cross and other non-profits doing relief and recovery work in affected communities. Continue reading
Eco-Friendly Facility Fact #5
The Elements of Toyota of El Cajon
EARTH, ENERGY, WATER and RECYCLING are some of the elements which contributed to Toyota of El Cajon being the first Green Dealership in San Diego County and also the first LEED certified building in El Cajon.
Earth – By reusing the existing building, more than 112,638,450 lbs of potential waste was diverted from the landfill.
Energy – This building saves over 1700 M Btu’s per year – equating to over $58,000 per year – this is over 19% more efficient than a similar building.
Water – Water from the restroom fixtures alone saves over 105,000 gallons of water per year – equating to almost 7 tennis courts filled 1 foot deep with water.
Recycle – From the ceilings to the floors, this facility incorporates recycled products.
Eco-Friendly Facility Fact #3
Exit The Highway
Join Toyota and Audubon in their initiative TogetherGreen this summer to Exit The Highway!
Exit The Highway is a way for you to pledge to get off the freeway and discover the amazing nature around you, while at the same time having the chance of winning a brand new Toyota Prius v.
Along the way you can share your photos and experiences on Exit The Highway’s website where you can check out other pledges adventures, or through your social media account by including #exitthehighway in each post.
For every stop on the way you can download an itinerary that has all the information and directions you will need to make the most out of your wild life exploring.
“If you’re in our area, we recommend visiting the San Diego River Park Foundation’s locations. We’re looking forward to working with our employees to help clean up these beautiful spaces.”
- Greg Kaminsky
For more information about the San Diego Itinerary please click here!
