We set goals for reducing the impact of our business on the environment in key areas using 2004 data as a baseline. Several years later, we can report significant progress against key performance targets.
At Philip Morris USA, water is essential to tobacco processing and cigarette manufacturing. We try to responsibly manage water resources and conserve water where we can. Between 2004 and 2008, we have reduced the amount of water used in our operations by almost 30 percent.
Beyond those operations under our control, PM USA encourages tobacco farmers and employees to employ sustainable practices by:
- working with Tobacco Leaders Program (TLP) growers to implement agriculture practices that help produce quality tobacco and reduce the negative impact of stormwater runoff into streams and rivers
- encouraging growers to apply lime and fertilizer based on soil testing and crop needs to limit nutrient runoff; also encouraging growers to use no-till planting techniques, when they can, to reduce sediment in stormwater runoff to nearby waterways
- publishing and distributing brochures with information to help employees protect their local water supplies
- encouraging employees to participate in neighborhood stream and river clean-up efforts in communities nationwide
