Toyota and Plants

Written on November 25, 2009 at 6:01 pm , by Justin W. Hancock

I just read in an e-mail newsletter that car maker Toyota (manufacturer, actually, of my own car), has a “biotechnology and afforestation” wing that’s in the “greenification business” (terms from their Web site).

I think that’s pretty cool of them — and smart marketing. And I was blown away that they said they’ve bred a handful of plant varieties (including a couple of types of salvia) that do a better job of absorbing some types of air pollution than non-hybridized counterparts.

And it has me thinking….as a gardener, it’s changed the way I think about the company.

What about you? Would hold a more favorable view of a car company for supporting gardening like that? Or given what automobiles do to the environment, do you feel that this kind of thing is a necessity and not worth bonus points? Or does it seem like just another marketing ploy to you?

3 Responses to “Toyota and Plants”

1. November 26, 2009 at 6:51 pm, by Gil Mason

   Hi Justin
   After reading your note I think you should invest in a high quality bicycle. As for your Toyota, lets just say I am to patriotic to drive any non American car.

2. November 30, 2009 at 9:43 am, by Justin W. Hancock

   Gil,

   Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment! Happily for my green-loving heart, I live close enough to my office that I walk or bicycle most of the time (except for in very bad weather). On extremely cold or rainy days, I usually carpool to reduce my carbon footprint and save money.

3. December 1, 2009 at 12:45 am, by Sarah

   Commenting usually is not my thing, but i have spent almost an hour on the site, so thanks for the info!

   Wish You a Merry Christmas.