In 2009, the U.S. economy emitted 6, 576 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MMTCO2e), nearly 6% below the level of emissions for 2008, according to Emissions of Greenhouse Gases in the United States 2009.

FORBES: U.S. Carbon Emissions Plunge

By finding new uses for that waste or selling it to someone who can GM diverted 2.5 million metric tons of waste from landfills in 2011 (the equivalent of 38 million garbage bags).

FORBES: How GM Makes $1 Billion A Year By Recycling Waste

This savings will come through a reduction of 5.2 million kilowatt hours of energy use annually, which is the equivalent of preventing 3, 700 metric tons of carbon emissions.

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If Walmart is able to replicate their efforts on a national level, an 80 percent reduction in waste would be the equivalent of preventing 11.8 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year.

FORBES: Written by Melissa Hincha-Ownby