General Mills pledges to cut carbon emissions by nearly 30 percent

General Mills is promising to cut carbon emissions 28 percent in the next decade in an effort to combat climate change.

The Golden Valley-based food company says among other things, it'll invest $100 million in clean energy and energy efficiency for its facilities.

"Our biggest greenhouse gas contributing ingredient is dairy, milk," said John Church, the company's executive vice president of global supply chain. "In that supply chain, it's because the cows themselves create methane in their digestive process."

Church said General Mills will also work with its suppliers to cut output of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases — including better management of dairy cattle.

General Mills also hopes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 50 to 70 percent by 2050, Church said. The company's move come as other leading food industry companies are making environmental pledges.

"When you look at the growing population and you look at the real science and the facts around climate change, we think it's important for us to do our part," Church said.

The company's move comes as other leading food industry companies are making environmental pledges.

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