Our journey begins by observing the world around us. Its beauty and splendour, yet also its fragility and current crisis. We then begin to translate our understanding into visionary initiatives that aim to address environmental challenges. Discover some of the actions that are bringing environmental issues to the attention of our employees, our local communities, and the world at large.
What’s so special about June for Toyota?
It's a month in which we ensure that environmental considerations remain second nature to all Toyota employees in everything they do. We call it Green Month and it takes place every year. During this month, we strive to double our environmental efforts. It's not a new initiative; our first Green Month was back in 1973!
Why June?
We chose June in 1973 when we first launched Green Month to coincide with the UN’s World Environment Day (June 5th) and the European Union’s (EU) Green Week (end of May).
What’s involved?
In Green Month we organise events that increase the promotion of our environmental actions both internally and externally. Each June we select a different theme. It could be in line with a theme coming from the EU or an internally inspired topic. Over the years, Green Month has focused on water saving, energy reduction, air quality, the circular economy and biodiversity.
In June 2016 we concentrated on reinforcing the message of our Environmental Challenges 2050. Activities ranged from internal displays that allowed employees to show how their activities are nurturing the environment, to competitions and external presentations. Through Green Month, we ensure that the environment is imprinted in the mindset of employees and that they have the opportunities to convert their concerns into practical projects.
What’s an example of a Green Month initiative?
Beehives were installed in the grounds of Toyota Parts Centre South of France (TPCSF). Bees are vital pollinators of many flowers and crops. For this reason, they are symbolic for the development and maintenance of biodiversity, but at the same time, they flag the fragility of our environment.
A group of volunteers from TPCSF participated in a Green Month project with great enthusiasm. During May 2016 they installed two beehives. A local association of beekeepers (Association Les Papiculteurs) is passing on their valuable knowledge and skills to the Toyota volunteers to ensure the beehives are correctly looked after.
Even the local town hall and neighbours in the surrounding area got involved by avoiding the use of phytosanitary products and delaying their grass cutting so that there would be sufficient wildflowers for the bees to collect nectar from.
Special thanks must be given to members of the association and to the TPCSF volunteers who showed great determination in making the project come to life. Everyone is looking forward to tasting the first honey collection in spring 2017.
