GM Turns its Production Expertise Toward… Gardening?

GM is extending a hand to the people of Detroit, and this time, that hand has a green thumb. A plan is underway to turn 100 steel crates used for shipping engines into raised urban gardens in vacant parking lots throughout Detroit. These once desolate spaces are not only producing food for local residents, but acting as a meeting space. This donation builds off an earlier donation of 250 crates to the Cadillac Urban Gardens of Southwest Detroit.

Chevy, a subsidiary of GM, is quickly being recognized as one of the more fuel-efficient brands on the market. Models like the 2014 Chevy Volt, available for Sarasota and Bradenton drivers at Cox Chevy, is an electric car with a back-up gasoline generator, helping drivers to save on fuel in a practical and versatile way.

Giving Back to the Community in a Unique Way

“We enjoy connecting with people making a difference through sustainable means,” said John Bradburn, GM waste-reduction manager. “These urban garden initiatives are proof that many items can have a higher purpose after their original use, whether it’s transforming a once-vacant parking lot or the creative reuse of manufacturing packaging.”

Area residents are free to pick the produce from the gardens, and are also encouraged to take part in the watering and upkeep. With their help, plantings have nearly doubled from last year, yielding 2,400 vegetable and herb plants by the end of this summer.

GM’s support for the gardens continues beyond just supplying the crates, though. Food scraps are collected for compost at GM’s Hamtramck plant, helping to enrich the soil.

Outside of the gardens, Chevy has made a large commitment to making all of its operations greener. 90% of GM’s waste is recycled, and 106 of its facilities are landfill-free.

Learn About Chevy’s Greener Options at Cox Chevy in Bradenton

Smarter fuel consumption is better for all parties involved. If you would like to learn more about all the fuel-efficient vehicles available from Chevy, we encourage you to stop by Cox Chevy in Bradenton. We’re located at 2900 Cortez Road W, just a short drive from many communities around the Suncoast. If you have any questions, feel free to give us a call!