Cooper plants honored for environmental quality

JACKSON, Miss. — The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) has honored Cooper Tire & Rubber Co.'s two plants in the Magnolia State for their "nurturing conservation and environmental excellence."

The firm's tire plant in Tupelo and rubber mixing/bladders facility in Clarksdale, Miss., were recognized as members of the MDEQ's enhance initiative, a voluntary program consisting of three-year membership terms.

"Cooper is committed to continual environmental improvements at our facilities around the world," Tom Wood, Cooper's environmental affairs director, said.

"We are working hard to remove materials from landfills, reduce our energy usage, decrease our water consumption and promote improved recycling opportunities for our scrap materials.

"Our environmental commitment is aligned with the goals of the enHance initiative, and we appreciate the networking with like-minded companies the program provides."

Cooper said the enHance initiative, which stands for "envision heightened awareness nurturing conservation and environmental excellence," recognizes committed environmental leaders in Mississippi that put in place environmental initiatives beyond those that are required.

The program is designed to encourage the reduction of waste and conservation of resources with four levels of membership: associate, steward, leader, and for non-regulated entities, environmental star.

The Clarksdale plant has been a member for three years and was recognized as a steward-level member for its second three-year term. The Tupelo plant has been a member for six years and for its next thee-year term was recognized as a leader, the highest level possible.