Bridgestone plans to repurpose one old tire for every Bridgestone tire sold in the U.S.
You’ve seen the pictures and headlines: Tire dumps go up in flames, releasing toxic chemicals into the air while creating an environmental and aesthetic eyesore.
Bridgestone has seen the problem play out again and again, and that’s why they’re in the process of doing something about it. On Earth Day, the tire manufacturer introduced its newest plan to keep tires out of dumps, even after they’ve blown out or worn down.
The “One Team, One Planet” program will put one tired old tire to reuse for every tire purchased in the U.S. Recovered tires will be turned into new tires, shredded for athletic surfaces and roads and used as added fuel for power plants.
But they aren’t only collecting old tires if another was sold. Partnering with Portland-based River Network, an organization dedicated to protecting rivers and watersheds, Bridgestone allows the public to create its own community clean-up events. To organize a free event in one’s community, interested parties can visit the “One Team, One Planet” clean-up page to request Bridgestone’s presence.
The program is the first of several moves by Bridgestone to reduce its environmental impact. The company has made a pledge to reduce its CO2 emissions by 25 percent before 2020 and has contributed to biodiversity protection by taking special care of Bridgestone-owned land. The manufacturer says its environmental mission is “to help ensure a healthy environment for current and future generations.”
Want to learn how to recycle your tires without buying a new one? Visit Earth911′s Recycling Directory to find a tire recycling solution near you.
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