EAT ME!
Oxfam International spoke and General Mills listened. Now General Mills, one of the largest global food corporations, makers of Taco Bell, Pillsbury, Cheerios and yes, Wheaties, has made a huge commitment to the greening of all its operations including the sourcing of its mega appetite for global food products. General Mills is the first and largest food corporation to commit to greening its products based on the scientific evidence of global warming. James West writing at
Grist bring us us the good news.
Policy statement from General Mills:
As a global food company, General Mills recognizes the risks that climate change presents to humanity, our environment and our livelihoods. Changes in climate not only affect global food security but also impact General Mills’ raw material supply which, in turn, affects our ability to deliver quality, finished product to our consumers and ultimately, value to our shareholders.
So yes, its about their bottom line but this is the type of decision that will turn our climate crisis around and bring other mega corporations on board.
Key Points From the Announcement:
- By August 2015, the company has promised to account for emissions across its entire operation and to set clear reduction targets.
- The company promises to reduce emissions with the goal of keeping the global temperature rise to less than 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
- The company also aims to achieve “zero net deforestation” in “high-risk supply chains” by 2020. (This doesn’t necessarily mean “zero deforestation,” but rather that destroyed forests are replaced). General Mills says these high-risk supply chains include land that provides palm oil, packaging fiber, beef, soy, and sugarcane.
- The company will also now disclose its top three suppliers of palm oil and sugarcane.
In addition, General Mills strengthens its commitment by joining
Business for Innovative Climate and Energy Policy group, which is run by the non-profit Ceres, to lobby for sustainable government policy on renewable energy, green transportation and reduction of emissions from coal power plants.