Panasonic, a long-time leader in green technology, recently unveiled their new Eco Ideas plan for North America in hopes of becoming the number one green innovations company in the electronics industry by 2018 — just in time for its 100th anniversary. As part of the initiative, the company plans to enhance the environmental performance of its manufacturing and marketing operations and expand its green education and community programs.
Panasonic’s plan includes doubling the sales of the company’s environmentally friendly products, expanding its e-waste recycling program from 833 sites to 1600, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions at its headquarters by 45 percent. The company also wants to reach more than 500,000 school children with green education and environmental information through programs for families and schools. For higher education, they’ve founded a scholarship program with The Earth University in Costa Rica, a school at the forefront of environmental stewardship and sustainability science education.
Last June, Panasonic also announced that it exceeded its 2009 targets for reducing CO2 emissions in its European manufacturing operations, so let’s hope they can do the same in North America!
Congratulations to Panasonic!