Renewables are important to Nestle | News, Sports, Jobs

The way our pets enjoy nature is inspiring — bounding along the lakefront or stalking through backyard grass. As I think about making a difference in my local community and caring for the planet for my own pets and family, I’m driven to seek out sustainable actions I can take at home and at work.

Creating impactful change is especially top of mind as we approach Climate Week, one of the largest annual climate events taking place this week. During the week, corporate and government leaders from around the globe gather to discuss how they’re moving the needle. In Dunkirk, we are making progress that is creating an impact on the community and the planet.

The Great Lakes system supplies about one-fifth of the world’s fresh water supply. Healthy lakes are vital for our economy and our environment, and with the Purina Dunkirk factory located along Lake Erie’s Historic Chadwick Bay Harbor, we have a constant reminder to be good stewards of our natural resources.

Purina is committed to implementing renewable electricity in our own operations, including here in Dunkirk. Today, 95 percent of the electricity in Purina factories across the US comes from investments in solar and wind power, and this helps us make the food that powers pets. Increasing our investments in and use of renewable electricity is an important part of how we support Nestle’s global commitment to achieve zero net greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Purina’s sustainability priorities focus on areas where we can have the greatest impact, and in addition to reducing water consumption in our factories, looking for — and investing in — renewable electricity sources, Purina also is investing in regenerative farming to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions as well as creating innovative packaging designed for recycling.

We applaud the community for acting alongside us: Earlier this year, the Great Lakes & St. Lawrence Cities Initiative recognized the city of Dunkirk for its work to re-route stormwater to engineered wetlands for Dunkirk beaches on Lake Erie. This important project helped restore a wetland ecosystem and address flooding concerns at Wright Park, and we became one of two cities to win the Wege Small Cities Sustainability Best Practices Award.

Climate change is one of our planet’s greatest challenges, and it requires us all to take significant action to make an impact. We should strive to create a safe environment for our friends, family and even pets, where we can play together for years to come.

At Purina, we believe it is time to take concrete action to help care for the planet and one way we’re doing this is by prioritizing the use of renewable electricity. Driving climate action may seem like a daunting task, but if we all come together and encourage innovative thinking, we can enact real change. I encourage you to think about what you as an individual, organization or company can do to ensure a better future.

For more information about Purina’s renewable electricity initiatives, visit purina.com/about/sustainability/renewable-electricity.

Anthony De La O is the factory manager at the Nestle Purina plant in Dunkirk.