Tyson Foods Prioritizes Sustainability Efforts

Sustainability has been a priority for Tyson Foods Inc. at least since the company’s core values were written back in 2002.

One of the company’s values is to “serve as stewards of the animals, land and environment entrusted to us.”

“It’s certainly been a priority for a number of years, but we’ve done a more efficient job recently of formalizing our sustainability efforts,” said spokesman Gary Mickelson.  

When Tyson constructed two new buildings at its world headquarters in Springdale in 2007, it did so using recycled materials, energy efficient lighting and water conservation devices. Demolition materials from renovations were separated and recycled, instead of being sent to the landfill.

The company started a formal recycling program at its headquarters in May 2008.

Since its inception, the recycling program has diverted 95 tons of cardboard and office waste to recycling, over half of the company’s waste.

Recycling bins are located at each individual workstation as well as coffee bars and other high-traffic areas.

Heather Chilson, director of corporate services for Tyson, said the company’s sustainability goals are carried out by the nearly 1,500 employees that work at the Springdale headquarters.

“Every person, every day, is helping us achieve this,” she said.

About 5 percent of the employees carpool to work.

Tyson installed about 38 reserved parking spaces for employees who carpool, and plans to add more as they’re needed.

There are also bicycle racks in two areas of the parking lot for those who bike to work.

The company set its thermostats at 68 degrees this past winter, reducing its natural gas usage by about 30 percent.

Employees are encouraged to bring their own coffee mugs and drinking glasses to work to reduce waste and the on-site cafeteria encourages employees to stay on campus for lunch, saving gas and reducing emissions.  

Computer monitors are all being replaced with flat screen monitors that are more energy efficient and emit less heat.

Chilson said Tyson’s sustainability efforts are ongoing. As renovations are made to the older buildings, energy efficient lighting is being installed as well as efficient low-flow bathroom faucets and toilets.