Opportunities in Sustainability extend from the simple “reduce, reuse, recycle” mantra of recent years to paradigm-shifting, quantum leaps in science and technology breakthroughs. Teams in Northwest Arkansas are working on, or considering, projects that range from reinventing the light bulb (LED style) to cutting-edge medical treatments. The largest firms in the region are leading the way:
Corporate Initiatives in Northwest Arkansas
Walmart Stores, Inc.
In order to become a more sustainable company, Walmart began investing resources—people, time and money—into meeting customers’ needs and expectations to ensure their support for years to come. Walmart is maximizing opportunities to have a positive impact on the environment and the communities they touch throughout their global supply chain. Sustainability is ingrained in the business strategy with specific goals of minimizing waste, increasing efficiency and finding ways to support the communities and suppliers that make their business successful. Associates who are part of the Sustainable Value Networks work to integrate sustainable solutions into every business division, every product category and every corner of operations. By setting sustainability goals specific to each international market, Walmart can address challenges and opportunities throughout its’ business structure. In addition to hosting Global Sustainability Milestone Meetings (details at their corporate site), Walmart provides annual reports on the sustainability goals and accomplishments: Walmart 2011 Global Sustainability Report
Tyson Foods Inc.
In its’ Core Values, Tyson Foods’ affirms the role as steward of the environment, and the Environmental Policy outlines expectations for the Team Members. Efforts in continual improvement, natural farming techniques, water quality, and greenhouse gas emission reductions show Tyson’s commitment to environmental stewardship. The firm strives to produce the high-quality food products that consumers and customers depend upon, while recognizing the responsibility to be good corporate citizens in the communities in which they work, live and play.
Tyson’s commitment to the environment also extends to encouraging the independent contract growers they work with to take care of the land that they depend upon for their livings. The company recognizes the poultry, beef, and pork producers for outstanding stewardship of the environment each year at the annual shareholders’ meeting.
J.B. Hunt Transport, Inc.
J.B. Hunt’s pioneering green initiatives have made it one of the more environmentally friendly carriers on the road today. The company is the industry leader in research and testing of low-viscosity drive-train lubricants, fuel-max tires and idle-reduction technologies, and the fleet is among the more aerodynamic available. The firm decreases empty miles through better route planning and increases fuel economy by governing the top speeds of their trucks.
As North America’s leading intermodal shipper, J.B. Hunt is in the forefront of helping companies convert over-the-road shipments to rail, a move that reduces carbon emissions by more than 50%. Their safety-first culture helps protect both the environment and the motoring public’s well being. These efforts and more have earned them the highest SmartWaysm rating from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and they are a two-time recipient of the SmartWay Transport Partner Award.
Science is Critical to Sustainability
Sustainability Science is a recent development and a critical approach for modern continuous expansion. It is well accepted that our planet cannot continue our historical pattern of “progress” that exhausts resources without considering future needs. We have been living beyond the carrying capacity of the planet for too long and must transition to a sustainable lifestyle. Science is the proven vehicle for that transition.
A “science” has traditionally been viewed as a field of study that has well defined areas of research, a clear methodology for further research and, generally, a dominant paradigm for the theoretical structure. Sustainability science takes a broader view—not just an inter-disciplinary, but instead a trans-disciplinary perspective. Born in the ecological movement, the original focus for sustainability was primarily mitigating the environmental degradation that resulted from the population explosion and the unprecedented economic growth of the second half of the twentieth century. It has been known for decades that overexploitation of the planet’s resource base—wetlands and forests, oceans and water cycles, food and energy production—cannot be sustained indefinitely. It will take the efforts of all scientific approaches to solve the conundrum of continued economic growth within a constrained environment and clashing social values.
Sustainability science is devoted to creating solutions to the real world problems we have collectively, if unconsciously, produced. Breaking down the constructs that divide the natural sciences from the social sciences and developing new paradigms that unite the disciplines will result in the creation of new knowledge and practical answers for sustainable living. Resolving the inherent conflicts requires social learning, generational thinking and enlightened self-interest in the pursuit of scientific inquiry for sustainability.
“People, Planet and Profit” (social, environmental, and economic pillars) is the Triple Bottom Line that is necessary for true sustainability ad infinitum. Science is critical to the transition from the old throw-away economy to the new renewable economy. Technological advances such as nanotechnology will provide products that are more sustainable by orders of magnitude than anything available currently. Social advances such as social networking and mass communications will provide vehicles to overcome historical barriers and release the creativity of individuals and groups who will level the playing field as they create the next image of the planet. Ecological advances such eco-villages and green building will provide options for sustainable habitats where humankind will leave a softer footprint our global abode.
Sustainability Science is an idea whose time has come.