Why is a yogurt company partnering with a radio show about cars to talk about SUVs?

“Ok,” you’re thinking, “these people have really lost me this time. Why would a yogurt company care about the type of vehicle I drive?!” The answer is one word: “Health”.
Stonyfield Farm is committed to health. And, because healthy food can only come from a healthy planet, we care about the environment.

Transportation is responsible for over one-half of all U.S. air pollution and over one-third of the gases that cause global warming, affecting not only the planet’s health, but yours too. We can all do our part to reduce the pollution from our transportation. So, we’ve partnered with Car Talk radio hosts Tom and Ray Magliozzi to help people better understand how our car buying decisions can make a difference.

Over one half of new car sales are minivans, light trucks and SUVs. Because of this trend, the average fuel economy of all new passenger vehicles has declined over the past decade to 20.4 miles per gallon in 2001, the lowest since 1980. SUVs and light trucks create 47% more smog-forming pollution and 43% more global warming emissions. Larger passenger vehicles also put car drivers at greater risk in vehicle accidents.

We’re not saying that larger cars like SUVs are bad, nor are the people who drive them. Living in New Hampshire, I frequently depend on my four wheel drive to get around in the winter, and for carting around my three kids! But, we want people to be aware that the use of SUVs has environmental and social burdens. There are alternatives that may be more comfortable, less expensive, more hip-- and by the way, better for the environment. If you do need an SUV, we want you to know about the most fuel efficient ones available, as well as new technologies that can make them significantly more efficient.

So, by all means, live life larger, but perhaps a smaller, smarter, more fuel-efficient vehicle may work for you.