WATERBURY, VT — Green Mountain Coffee Roasters announced July 10 that it will use B-20 biodiesel in all of its Waterbury-based route trucks and facilities vehicles. The company unveiled its new 10,000-gallon biodiesel tank at a press conference in Waterbury, saying the move was part of an effort to reduce its "environmental footprint," according to the Web site, www.timesargus.com

"I am delighted to see our company take another step forward in reducing global warming, and encourage others to join in and make the switch to biodiesel," said Paul Comey, Vice President of Environmental Affairs at Green Mountain Coffee Roasters.

B-20 biodiesel is a blend of 20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent traditional petroleum. By converting to this biofuel, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters will reduce the harmful particulate emissions of diesel fuel combustion by 15 percent, and reduce its overall consumption of fossil fuels by 20 percent, company officials said.

Green Mountain Coffee Roasters employees will also be encouraged to buy diesel from the company's tank.

Members of Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility (VBSR) were on hand to assist in the ribbon cutting of the biodiesel tank, and Ben & Jerry's helped celebrate efforts to "lick global warming" by giving away "One Sweet Whirled" ice cream at the event.

After the ribbon cutting, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters employees who own diesel vehicles were treated to a free fill-up of biodiesel. They will be able to buy discounted biodiesel from the company's tank.