Wood, Paper Products Manufacturers Join Clean Power Plan Litigation

Today marks Global Recycling Day, which recognizes the importance recycling plays in protecting the planet and brings the world together to prioritize sustainability. Led by the Global Recycling Foundation, the annual milestone implores the public to see opportunity rather than waste and to be thoughtful about what we throw away. This mission aligns with our own goals and responsibilities as a major manufacturer of metal packaging—a primary product that is infinitely recyclable and supports a sustainable supply chain. Within our Twentyby30 sustainability program, our approach to recycling is twofold: We are working to raise consumer and industry recycling rates in our major markets, and alongside those efforts, are aiming to improve the recycled content averages across our products. These efforts recognize that metal packaging carries tremendous recycling power—a recycled beverage can, for example, returns to a store shelf in as few as 60 days—and contributes to the circular economy. In addition, the lifespan of aluminum beverage cans in particular is considered cyclical because when made with recycled material, their production reduces greenhouse gas emissions by about 90% when compared to cans made from primary materials With the knowledge that recycling 100% of aluminum cans could power four million homes for a full year, the value of this manufacturing efficiency becomes even clearer.

An environmental violation was discovered at a Stora Enso harvesting site on Thursday 15 August, in Kainuu, Finland. The violation is being investigated as a serious nature conservation crime. Hans Sohlström, President and CEO of Stora Enso, says the Company took immediate action as soon as it became aware of the violation: "It is important that the negligence at Hukkajoki river in Kainuu came to light. Even the best rule and the most important principle is worthless if it is not applied in practice. We have already initiated a number of changes to ensure that nothing like this can happen again," says Hans Sohlström. Stora Enso has suspended harvesting in all areas throughout Finland where there are restrictions under the Water Act, the Forest Act or the Nature Conservation Act. Harvesting has been suspended until the operational guidelines, harvesting plans and risks related to these sites have been reassessed. Any non-compliance that may be detected will be assessed in cooperation with the authorities.

At Best Buy, we believe being sustainable is good for business, and we have proof. Contrary to the old adage that it costs more to be “green” – it really can save money. Our recent 20% carbon reduction attainment saved Best Buy more than $50 million. Our leaders get it – they made sustainability a priority even through the Company’s turnaround. It’s also easy to say you’re a “green” company. But we’re walking the talk – cutting down on carbon, recycling more and minimizing waste – and people are starting to notice. Best Buy placed 35th (up from 81st in 2014!) out of the largest 500 publicly-traded companies in the U.S. on the recently released Newsweek Green Rankings list. More significantly, the Company jumped to the second spot among retailers. We can attribute this higher score to increased transparency and continued improvement in areas like carbon reduction.