Outdoor recreation supplier Truma is “cleaning up” in Elkhart, Indiana, where the company recently offered to participate in a trash drive April 16.
In support of Earth Day, company volunteers collected 150 bags of garbage along two county highways. Elkhart has faced challenges keeping the area clean because of COVID-19 restrictions, Truma stated.
“We were shocked at the amount of trash lining the streets,” said Bob Yessa, a Truma volunteer. “We gathered hundreds of plastic and glass bottles, packaging materials, tires, insulation, political signs and a door. It seems like many people throw trash out of their car windows without thinking about it.”
Truma President and CEO Gerhard Hundsberger said he thinks if any Truma employee littered in the past, they would not consider it again. He noted the event was “so well received” by Truma volunteers that the company is considering the initiative as an annual event.
“I believe having our people collect trash opened their eyes to how quickly litter can get out of control,” Hundsberger said.
“When we approached the city with our idea, they were very excited and welcomed our support,” Truma VP of Business Development Mark Howlett said. “It has been a great day helping out and giving back to the community we are a part of.”
The company noted its long-term outlook on sustainability, stating, “camping and a passion for nature belong together.” Truma’s product development and manufacturing process involves recyclable materials and wastewater treatment. The company stated it generates “green” electricity with solar power, using geothermal technology to heat and cool its facility.
“At Truma, our quality standards go much further than just delivering premium systems and providing best-in-class service to our customers,” Hundsberger said. “For us, quality also means acting ecologically and socially. Caring for the environment and natural resources is part of Truma’s DNA.”
The company established its North American headquarters in Elkhart in 2013.
