As the parent of companies that depend on our planet's natural resources, we have set a goal to reduce the environmental impact of our businesses and to promote the sustainability of the natural resources on which we depend.
Our operating companies are actively seeking ways to minimize the impact of their business activities. As new businesses are integrated into the Altria family of companies, they are working to improve their programs and to reduce their environmental impacts in the following areas:
Energy use;
Greenhouse Gas emissions;
Water used;
Solid waste generated;
And to increase waste recycled.
Our Companies' Actions
We believe there is a continuum of corporate responsibility ─ ranging from compliance to sustainability ─ and our companies' environmental efforts fall along the full spectrum.
The following are a few examples of environmental initiatives within our family of companies:
Engineered Wetlands: In July 2008, Philip Morris USA completed construction of an innovative Natural Treatment System to reduce nutrient levels in treated wastewater from tobacco processing.
Environmental Contributions: The Altria companies provide grants to organizations focused on sustainable agriculture, land conservation, and watershed stewardship, along with environmental cleanup initiatives and cigarette litter prevention.
Sustainable Agriculture: To promote sustainability within the supply chain, Altria’s tobacco companies promote Good Agriculture Practices to encourage growers to manage resources, improve efficiency, and reduce negative impacts to land, water, and air.
Given PM USA’s and John Middleton’s overseas purchases of tobacco in developing countries, Altria Group supports Total LandCare and its holistic program to foster sustainable agriculture practices in Malawi.
Ste. Michelle Wine Estates' Snoqualmie winery has the largest certified organic vineyard in Washington. Ste. Michelle Wine Estates has incorporated sustainable vineyard practices into its operations for more than two decades.
Packaging Reconfiguration: Ste. Michelle Wine Estates implemented a new packaging configuration that reduced the environmental footprint of several of its brands. Additional adjustments to the bottling line have added greater efficiency and reduced environmental impact.
Recycling: U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company has focused its efforts on waste reduction and recycling. USSTC uses recycled material for smokeless tobacco cans and lids. Additionally, USSTC has made significant strides toward increasing its use of recycling from its operations, earning the 2009 Tennessee Chamber of Commerce Environmental Award.
As the parent of companies that depend on our planet's natural resources, we have set a goal to reduce the environmental impact of our businesses and to promote the sustainability of the natural resources on which we depend.