Europe
August 12, 2016
In 2015, Monsanto’s crop protection operations in Germany reduced their greenhouse gas emissions by 179,841 kilograms, or 180 tonnes, as a result of an eco-friendly packaging initiative. This is equivalent to 12,962 trees absorbing greenhouse emissions in Europe. The achievement was validated by the Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental Safety and Energy Technology (Fraunhofer Umsicht) in Germany.
A certificate given to Monsanto in Germany by the Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental Safety and Energy Technology for achieving a large reduction in carbon dioxide emissions.
This carbon footprint calculation is a direct result of Monsanto’s efforts in recycling agricultural packaging. We did not achieve this feat all alone: we worked in partnership with the PAMIRA® programme, also based in Germany. The PAMIRA’s initiative collects and recycles used and cleaned pesticide containers. The goal is to recycle agricultural pesticide packaging in a sustainable way, thereby reducing our environmental impact.
According to PAMIRA’s website, around 3,000 tonnes of agricultural pesticide packaging builds up every year. Once recycled, it can be processed further into new plastic products, such plastic coverings for pipes.
This is just one of the many ways Monsanto is working with staff and external stakeholders to make our entire operations carbon neutral by 2021, in Europe and the rest of the world.
We are also working to call attention to agriculture’s impact on the environment. For example, did you know that agriculture’s carbon footprint is about six billion tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions each year, making up 13% of global emissions? In fact, after the energy sector, agriculture is the world’s second-highest emitter.
With the launch of a new online campaign we’re promoting stories and simple techniques to help farmers reduce their carbon footprint so both the environment and society benefit. In particular, we’re advocating for techniques such as minimal or no-till farming. This is where a farm’s topsoil is left undisturbed. Untilled soil builds up nutrients, preserves biodiversity, locks-up carbon dioxide in the soil, and reduces fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
You can follow, share and like our content with the Twitter hashtag #CO2MUCH.
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