US Embassy goes green

Wednesday, 6 October 2010 23:28 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Ambassador’s BMW shipped to manufacturer for recycling

The official car once used by the U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka was recently shipped to its manufacturer BMW for recycling.

Formerly, the Embassy disposed of Ambassadors’ cars by sinking them off the coast of Sri Lanka in an area assigned by the Marine Pollution Prevention Authority. Before sea burial, all oils (engine/brake/gear) were collected and recycled locally at the Embassy premises, the A/C gas recaptured, and the plastic and rubber components discarded. The Embassy welcomed the recent BMW decision to recycle vehicles because it further helps reduce the impact on the environment. The Colombo Embassy’s decision supports the U.S. State Department’s Green Diplomacy Initiative, launched by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Earth Day, 22 April, 2009. The State Department’s new commitment encourages US embassies around the world to make their facilities and operations more environmentally friendly.