Bridgestone's Mexico plant earns WHC certification

MONTERREY, Mexico — The Wildlife Habitat Council (WHC) has awarded Bridgestone Americas' passenger and light truck tire plant in Monterrey two certifications for promoting wildlife habitat and biodiversity.

The Monterrey plant earned the WHC's Corporate Lands for Learning and Wildlife at Work certifications, Bridgestone said, and was a runner-up for the Corporate Lands for Learning 2014 Rookie of the Year award.

Monterrey is the first Bridgestone facility outside of the U.S. to receive such certifications, the company said.

Tim Bent, director of environmental affairs for Bridgestone Americas, congratulated the Monterrey team for its recognition. “Their efforts are another remarkable example of the many environmental efforts underway at Bridgestone facilities around the globe,” he said. “It is only by working together that we can achieve our company's global environmental mission of helping ensure a healthy environment for current and future generations.”

WHC's Corporate Wildlife Habitat Certification/International Accreditation Program recognizes programs that focus on wildlife habitat and biodiversity, Bridgestone said, as well as conservation education.

To achieve these certifications, Bridgestone said its Monterrey facility implemented numerous sustainable initiatives, including:

• Hosting a community open house to educate employees and community members about local biodiversity, etc.;

• Rallying local community members and employees to collect discarded tires from the Salinas River to help restore natural beauty;

• Educating area children about conservation by landscaping surrounding areas with native plants and creating a nursery

• Implementing a zero waste to landfill program to educate the local community about materials that can be recycled; and

• Building a greenhouse to grow seedlings, using reclaimed tires as planters.