Cadillac's Environmentally Sound Principles

Cadillac also focuses on the development of environmentally sound principles in the manufacturing process. Specifically, responsible use and protection of our water supply, and other natural resources, has become an integral part of Cadillac's manufacturing process.

The luxurious Nuance leathers used in many Cadillac interiors are tanned and finished using water that is carefully treated and returned to the environment as clean and fresh as when it was drawn for use. Water also helps to reduce the environmental concerns in Cadillac's paint system. Cadillacs are painted with waterborne paints that help minimize the release of solid and gaseous wastes into our atmosphere.

Cadillac's original-equipment Delco battery is manufactured in a system that is designed to recover and recycle lead from the plant's waste water. It is so effective that approximately 125,000 pounds are reclaimed each year.

Cadillac also strives to conserve natural resources such as trees. Handcrafted Zebrano wood with its unusual light and dark grain pattern establishes a distinctive and luxurious character to the interior trim of the Cadillac line. Zebrano trees are located on the periphery of the rain forests in the Cameroon region of West Africa. Zebrano tree harvesting and reseeding is carefully managed for protection of this unique variety of hardwood. Cadillac uses only four trees per year for all of its interior wood pane applications. The Zebrano wood is then sliced so carefully that no more is needed for an entire model year.

Finally, although 75 percent (by weight) of every Cadillac built today can be easily recycled, Cadillac continues to look for additional recyclable materials. Headliner substrates, which are made from recycled plastic beverage bottles, and all of Cadillac's aluminum, magnesium, steel and iron engine components are recyclable.

How You Can Support the Nature Conservancy

As a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization, The Nature Conservancy depends on individual membership dues, corporate contributions, foundation grants, and membership dues to continue its important mission of protecting biological diversity. For more information, or to join online, visit The Nature Conservancy website at www.tnc.org. You can also contact The Nature Conservancy's Membership Department at
1815 N. Lynn Street, Arlington, VA 22209, or call
1-800-628-6860.