This is the sixth in a series of posts about our fourth annual integrated annual report, the 2012 Southwest Airlines One Report™, where we illustrate our triple bottom line approach that takes into account our Performance and productivity, the importance of our People and the Communities we serve, and our commitment to efficiency and the Planet.
Throughout my 33-year career at Southwest Airlines, I’ve had the opportunity to work in a variety of roles in the Company, beginning as a Ramp Agent in Austin and continuing on to my current role as Vice President Cabin Services. In each of the areas that I have served, I have been continually proud of our Employees’ commitment to doing the right thing, our Company’s dedication to eliminating waste, and Southwest Airlines’ recycling efforts throughout our operations. From our co-mingled recycling program, to the Green Ambassadors throughout out System, our Employees work each and every day to reduce our impact on the environment and increase our recycling efforts.
Among the many milestones of 2012, here are some highlights:
In 2012, Southwest recycled nearly 2,900 tons of co-mingled waste, including paper, plastic, aluminum, and cardboard, which is a seven percent increase year-over-year from 2011.
Last year, Southwest recycled approximately 632 tons of industrial waste, including electronics, scrap metal, batteries from equipment, and fluorescent bulbs.
As a Company, we have diverted more than 9,800 tons of material from landfills since August 2008, which is the equivalent weight of 233 Boeing 737-700 aircraft.
The photos below are highlights from the 2012 Southwest Airlines One Report™, and illustrate our dedication to helping out our Planet through our recycling efforts.
Efficiency is the elimination of unnecessary waste. We take that to heart through co-mingled recycling of waste from our aircraft.
To understand our environmental impacts, we voluntarily track the waste generated by our operations and recycle the materials shown above.
We've diverted more than 9,800 tons of material from landfills since 2008. That’s the weight of 233 Boeing 737-700s.
Today, more than four decades after our founding, we remain steadfast in our Purpose of connecting people to what’s important in their lives through friendly, reliable, and low-cost airline travel. We hope you’ll enjoy our upcoming blog posts and follow along on Instagram and Pinterest with photos and fun facts tagged #SWAOneReport as we share how we’re working to be the best in the business. You can check out and download the full report online at www.southwestonereport.com.
... View more
08-03-2010
01:14 PM
3 Loves
Hi Brian-
I am indeed the Vice President of Cabin Services. I’ve been with the Company for 30 years, so I’ve seen my fair share of coupons. This isn’t a change we take lightly, and we gave it careful thought and consideration before deciding to move this direction. When it comes down to it, we’re doing what’s in the best long-term interest of our Customers and our Company. We absolutely want to make sure our best Customers still get the free drink. Rapid Rewards Members will still get drink coupons, as will Business Select Customers. We’re continuing to honor all old Rapid Rewards drink coupons (even those with printed expiration dates) for another year. We are also proud that, unlike most of our industry, we do not charge for snacks or checked bags. You can count on our magnificent Flight Attendants to provide our legendary Customer Service, including refills (carts don’t slow us down).
Mike
... View more
08-01-2010
08:02 AM
185 Loves
For years, Southwest Airlines has accepted all types of drink coupons on our planes – regardless of their expiration dates. Rapid Rewards coupons. Business Select coupons. Old Company Club coupons. Coupons from the 80s, coupons from the 90s. And we’ve done so for all the right reasons. However, in an industry where the competition is always knocking (or banging) on the door and where watching the bottom-line is more important than ever , we owe it to our Employees, Customers, and Shareholders to find ways to operate smarter. We’ve reached a point where being so flexible with drink coupons has put us in a position of having far too many in circulation. To help purge the system of these excess coupons, we will start enforcing expiration dates on coupons over the course of the next year. Beginning today, Southwest Airlines will only accept Business Select drink coupons on the day of travel which allows Customers to use the coupon for the flight it was purchased . This has always been the intent of the coupon, but starting today, August 1, 2010 we’ll begin universally enforcing it. Business Select Customers may use their drink coupon on a connecting flight, as long as it is used on the day of travel printed on the coupon. Also, Rapid Rewards drink coupons earned with an Award will soon have a new look and will include an expiration date that is one year from the date of issue. Rapid Rewards will communicate with Members as the transition approaches. Not to worry, we’re giving Customers a full year to use those tan paper drink coupons without expiration dates. We will continue to accept these drink coupons, whether purchased or earned with a Rapid Rewards Award, until August 31, 2011. We're proud to have some of the lowest prices in the air for liquor, beer, and wine. Customers may still purchase an alcoholic beverage or Monster drink with a credit or debit card. And of course, all other non-alcoholic beverages and snacks are free. And don't forget, when you fly Southwest, bags fly free and we don't charge a change fee.
... View more
