Latest news with #GoodNeighbor
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Grupo Bimbo Reports Progress in Its Environmental Sustainability Strategy
The world's leading baking company presented its 2024 Annual Report: 'Actions that Transform,' highlighting progress on its 2030 and 2050 commitments It has more than 4,200 electric delivery vehicles, the largest fleet in Mexico and Latin America 94% of Grupo Bimbo's packaging is now recyclable HORSHAM, Pa., June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In celebration of World Environment Day, Grupo Bimbo, the world's leading baking company, presented its 2024 Annual Report: 'Actions that Transform,' which outlines business progress and advances toward its 2030 and 2050 Sustainability Strategy goals. As part of its sustainability strategy, Grupo Bimbo has established a comprehensive plan to protect and preserve natural systems through its priority. This plan is structured around three key pillars: Net Zero Carbon Emissions, Zero Waste, and Regenerative Agriculture. Through its Net Zero Carbon Emissions pillar, the company is implementing a range of strategies to achieve its goal of becoming a net zero carbon emissions company by 2050. One of these initiatives is sustainable mobility. Today, Grupo Bimbo operates more than 7,757 vehicles powered by alternative fuels. Of these, over 4,200 are electric, solidifying its leadership as the company with the largest electric delivery fleet in Latin America and Mexico. Under its Zero Waste pillar, Grupo Bimbo reported that 94% of its packaging is now recyclable and reaffirmed its goal that by 2025, 100% of its packaging will be recyclable, biodegradable, or compostable. Additionally, in terms of waste management, we have 80 bakeries and production facilities that send zero waste to landfill. Aligned with its Regenerative Agriculture pillar, the company has implemented these practices across nearly 300,000 hectares, with the goal of sourcing all key ingredients from land cultivated using regenerative methods by 2050. Alejandra Vázquez, VP Global Sustainability at Grupo Bimbo, stated: '2024 was a year of great progress and significant efforts to continue generating a positive impact on the planet, in the lives of our associates, and in the communities where we live and work. We are very proud of these achievements within our Sustainability Strategy, as we continue to take firm steps toward our purpose of Nourishing a Better World.' Recently, the bakery also shared progress on its other two priorities in its latest sustainability report. Under the priority, that is focused on offering better nutritional profiles, plant-based diets, and purpose-driven sustainable brands, Grupo Bimbo reported that 99% of its daily consumption products are free from artificial colors and flavors. Under the priority, aimed at strengthening communities and caring for our people, Grupo Bimbo highlighted the implementation of 267 community projects in 28 countries through its 'Good Neighbor' program, benefiting more than 530,000 people. To learn more about the company's progress in sustainability, visit Annual Report 2024. Contact: bbu@
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Junior League of Sioux City announces 11 grant recipients
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) — The Junior League of Sioux City announced 11 nonprofit organizations receiving funds through the League's Mildred Anderson Grant program Wednesday night. The organizations will receive a combined $15,858, with each individual organization receiving up to $1500. The funds are to be used for advancing or continuing specific programs or services at each organization. VFW and American Legion looking to recruit new members To be eligible for the grant program, nonprofits must demonstrate a community need and propose a project to address that need. The project must line up with the goals of the Junior League, and be located within a 30-mile radius of Sioux City. Some past projects include the Hands-On Gallery at the Sioux City Art Center, a bus shelter by the Southern Hills Mall and the Sensory Garden at Camp High Hopes. The grant cycle will open again in the fall of 2025, with applications due by mid-January 2026. The League encourages all nonprofits in good standing to apply. The full list of nonprofits receiving grants this cycle includes: Heartland Counseling Services, for the Life Center's Meals & Nutrition Program Latham Memorial Park, for the Water Fountain Restoration Project Mayflower Congregational UCC, for Project Good Neighbor MidAmerica Museum, for their Aviation Careers Kiosk Radiant Life Community Church, for their Kitchen Growth Upgrades Project The Rosecrance Foundation, for their Women and Children's Program The Sioux City Museum & Historical Association, for the Peirce Mansion Porch Project Somali Community of Siouxland, for Conversational and Cultural Classes St. Thomas Episcopal Church, for the St. Thomas Food Pantry The Miracle League of Sioux City, for the Say Yes Campaign Local organization continues to raise money for Sioux City Honor Flight To learn more about the Junior League of Sioux City, you can visit them online here, or reach out by phone at (712) 255-0072. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Environmental advocates fear EPA air quality rollbacks could particularly harm Mainers' health
As prevailing winds carry pollution from upwind power plants in other states into Maine, state data shows higher than average number of Mainers are diagnosed with asthma. (Photo by) Environmental advocates fear that cutting federal regulations meant to curb pollution and lower carbon emissions could be acutely felt in Maine. 'Bottom line, if the EPA is successful in weakening these critical environmental safeguards at the national level, then Maine would suffer harm from the air pollution and toxic pollution from upwind fossil fuel plants,' said Pete Didisheim, advocacy director at the Natural Resources Council of Maine, in a news release Thursday. Didisheim is referring to the more than 30 proposals from Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin to roll back environmental regulations on coal-fired power plants, water pollution, vehicle emissions and more. Specifically, it includes changes to the 'Good Neighbor' policy meant to address air pollution traveling downwind to other communities that could be particularly helpful to Maine. The changes unveiled Wednesday were framed as part of President Donald Trump's campaign promise to encourage energy production and cut regulations focused on slowing climate change. Despite the EPA's mission to 'protect human health and the environment,' these policy changes would instead prioritize the interests of fossil fuel companies, said Maine Conservation Voters Deputy Director Rani Sheaffer. 'Maine families deserve clean air and water, and corporate profits of the already wealthy shouldn't be prioritized over the health of our communities,' she said. The proposed changes won't go into effect immediately. Most of them will need to undergo a long rulemaking process that includes the opportunity for public input. Because of that, Didisheim said 'now is the time for Maine people to speak up in defense of EPA's mission.' The council fears the changes could not only harm the air, water and other natural resources that are vital to Maine's economy, but also be detrimental to public health in a state already grappling with high respiratory problems. About one in nine Mainers has asthma, which is higher than the national average, according to state data. Prevailing winds carry pollution from upwind power plants in other states into Maine, so the council is concerned that removing pollution-reducing requirements could exacerbate problems for elderly Mainers, children and those with respiratory issues. Given that geographic positioning, Didisheim said Maine could have 'the most to lose if the 'Good Neighbor Rule' is abandoned.' Before the Good Neighbor rule was adopted in 2023, the EPA estimated it could prevent 2,300 hospital and emergency room visits, as well as cut asthma symptoms by 1.3 million cases in 2026 alone by reducing air pollution. The council is also worried about backsliding on pollution standards for power plants, particularly the proposal to overturn the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards for coal-fired power plants. 'These common-sense rules are on track to deliver overwhelmingly positive outcomes for the nation, including preventing premature deaths, reducing hospital visits, and eliminating toxic mercury pollution that threatens public health and pollutes our waters and wildlife,' Didisheim said. The EPA projected the updated standards could have eliminated 1,000 pounds of mercury and 65,000 tons of carbon dioxide — the equivalent of a gas-powered car driving more than 150 million miles — in 2028. Mercury pollution from upwind power plants has been a concern for Maine over the past few decades, the council said. Maine fish, loons and eagles have some of the highest mercury levels in North America, according to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection. The state has recommended pregnant women, women of childbearing age and young children limit their fish consumption since 1994 because of persistently high mercury levels. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Clean Air Act must be amended to end EPA mandates. We pay for Chicago pollution.
Imagine a southeastern Wisconsin with no cars, no buildings, no people and, as a result, no emissions. An environmental utopia? Not according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Unfortunately, air pollutants don't recognize state lines and emissions originating from northern Illinois and Indiana are moving upwind along Lake Michigan. Case in point: Ozone level readings made in Racine show that only 3 percent of the emissions detected there are attributed to activity here in Wisconsin. Wisconsin's air quality is actually better than ever recorded, but now the Clean Air Act's standards call for even greater air quality improvements than the region has realized over the last 30 years. It's causing big issues for our long-term economic outlook. For decades, elevated ozone levels along the lake have prompted the EPA to designate all or parts of seven counties in southeastern Wisconsin – from Kenosha to Sheboygan – as non-attainment zones. This designation forces businesses to pay for costly pollution mitigation or, in some cases, limit operations to avoid triggering federal Clean Air Act requirements despite emissions not originating in Wisconsin. An analogy: Imagine two men on a scale, one man weighs 200 pounds, the other 800 pounds. Essentially the EPA is grabbing the 200-pound man and telling him he needs to lose 500 lbs. for both to be healthy. The Clean Air Act never foresaw this scenario and it's time the issue was addressed. Milwaukee and the area have been on a roll over the past several years. Billions of dollars in capital investment, highlighted by Microsoft's $3 billion-plus data center project in Racine County, have all signs pointing in a positive direction for economic development, job creation and all that goes with it. Opinion: UWM has weathered cuts, delivered research to improve health and commerce But that trajectory is at risk due to these unfair and outdated mandates originating in Washington. If the issue is not corrected, you can certainly bank on our leadership in the manufacturing sector eroding. This means fewer opportunities for this generation and those to follow. Economic development is a competitive sport. Cities and their surrounding regions across the country are fighting tooth and nail for the same expansion, relocation and start-up activity we want to see in our region. It's a game of inches and any competitive disadvantage placed on our region is a disincentive to businesses looking to invest here. These more stringent regulations could mean the difference between a win and a loss. So, what can we do? The Clean Air Act must be amended to hold the Milwaukee region harmless and, at the same time, the EPA and Wisconsin should collaboratively work with relevant parties in northern Illinois and Indiana on reducing their emissions. Opinion: We Energies Kenosha County power plant threatens public health and environment 'Good Neighbor' laws are on the books but fail to have the teeth necessary to put enough pressure on the sources of emissions causing our increased ozone levels. The state of Wisconsin has filed suit arguing these rules aren't sufficiently stringent, but cases like this, and others across the U.S., have stalled. It's time for the Trump administration to hit the pause button on enforcement and for Congress to make better sense of the otherwise critically valued Clean Air Act. As time grows short, MMAC and our coalition partners will fight for our business members and the economic climate in southeastern Wisconsin by advocating for policies to reduce upwind emissions. Our residents deserve to breathe clean air and our employers — and therefore our larger community — should not pay the price for a problem they don't own. Dale Kooyenga is president of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: EPA mandates threaten economic growth in Milwaukee region | Opinion
