General Motors Starts a Green Initiative

General Motors aims to implement a sustainable initiative to encourage other automakers to follow suit and reduce deforestation. GM is committing to buying sustainable natural rubber for the 49 million tires it buys annually. This will help small rubber farmers and protect company profits by ensuring the material's long-term availability.

This new initiative will also advocate for human and labor rights.

“This isn’t just about going green,” said David Tulauskas, GM’s director of sustainability. “It’s about driving real business results.”

GM said it wants to only use rubber that does not contribute to deforestation. This includes tire harvesting in ways that contribute to the economic and social development of an area. Also done in a transparent and traceable manner. Bridgestone, Continental, Goodyear, and Michelin say they can’t fully replace natural rubber, but they can ensure that it’s obtained responsibly.

Automotive News.