The way our pets enjoy nature is inspiring — bounding around local parks or stalking through backyard grass. As I think about making a difference in my local community and caring for the planet for my own pets and family, I’m driven to seek out sustainable actions I can take at home and at work.

Creating impactful change is especially top of mind as we conclude Climate Week, one of the largest annual climate events taking place Sept. 22-29. During the week, corporate and government leaders from around the globe gather to discuss how they’re moving the needle. In Fort Dodge, we are making progress that is creating an impact on the community and the planet.

As of 2022, nearly two-thirds of Iowa’s total net electricity generation came from renewable resources, including wind. Iowa’s open prairie and many days of sunshine throughout the year provide our state with significant wind energy resources.

Purina is committed to implementing renewable electricity in our own operations, including here in Fort Dodge. Today, 95 percent of the electricity in Purina factories across the U.S. comes from investments in solar and wind power, and this helps us make the food that powers pets. Increasing our investments in and use of renewable electricity is an important part of how we support Nestle’s global commitment to achieve zero net greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

At Purina Fort Dodge, we are proud to be leading the way. We have already achieved 100 percent of our goal by sourcing renewable electricity from our local utility provider.

Purina’s sustainability priorities focus on areas where we can have the greatest impact, and in addition to looking for — and investing in — renewable electricity sources, Purina also is working to reduce water consumption in our factories and investing in regenerative farming to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions as well as creating innovative packaging designed for recycling.

Climate change is one of our planet’s greatest challenges, and it requires us all to take significant action to make an impact. We should strive to create a safe environment for our friends, family, and even pets, where we can play together for years to come.

At Purina, we believe it is time to take concrete action to help care for the planet, and one way we’re doing this is by prioritizing the use of renewable electricity. Driving climate action may seem like a daunting task, but if we all come together and encourage innovative thinking, we can enact real change. I encourage you to think about what you as an individual, organization or company can do to ensure a better future.

For more information about Purina’s renewable electricity initiatives, visit purina.com/about/sustainability/renewable-electricity.

Justin Wolfe is a senior staff environmental engineer at Purina in Fort Dodge.