Native Plants Helping the Environment & Bottom Line at BBTS

Last summer Bridgestone Bandag Tire Solutions ‘went native’, ripping out 15 acres of lawn at the company’s facility in Muscatine, Iowa and replacing it with native landscapes. The company’s actions caught the attention of the Wildlife Habitat Council, who has recognised the work undertaken with its “Wildlife at Work” certification. Bridgestone Bandag’s Muscatine facilities now have a total of 25 acres of native landscapes.

“The Wildlife at Work certification is truly an honour,” said Dennis Fox, vice president of Manufacturing Design for Bridgestone Bandag Tire Solutions, who served as the project team’s sponsor. “This project is really a win-win as it’s great for the environment and saves the company money. With the native landscapes, we also don’t have large amounts of potentially harmful chemicals flowing into our ponds and streams, as the native plants don’t need pesticides or fertilisers.”

“The Wildlife Habitat Council believes that collaboration among all stakeholder groups is critical to addressing the complex issues facing the sustainability of the planet,” said Wildlife Habitat Council president Robert Johnson. “WHC members take a leading role in connecting community stakeholders through wildlife habitat enhancement, community outreach and conservation education. Congratulations to Bridgestone Americas for its commitment to a healthy natural world and connected communities.”

Bridgestone Bandag replaced turf grass with native plants that do not depend on water, fertilisation or mowing in May 2009. By eliminating the constant maintenance needs of turf grass, the new native landscapes will save the company more than $100,000 annually while creating a habitat for native plant and animal wildlife species. “We’re very proud to have earned this Wildlife at Work certification from such a well respected environmental group like the WHC,” said Paul E. Crosser, environmental services manager, Bridgestone Bandag Tire Solutions. “However, certification isn’t the end of the road. It now means we must pay continuous attention to improving the habitat and educating the community. We aim to conduct wildlife inventories, remove invasive plant species, perform bluebird house monitoring and collaborate with local schools on environmental education programming.”

The BBTS Muscatine Native Landscapes Project is the 10th Bridgestone Americas habitat initiative to receive certification from the Wildlife Habitat Council.