Remember those warm days? Feet in the sand, sunglasses on, refreshing milkshake or smoothie in hand? Summer is such a wonderful time! The sun is shining and everyone wants to soak up the rays. The only problem is it doesn’t last all year.

If absence makes the heart grow fonder, we could say that the blistering winds and subfreezing temperatures of Winter make us appreciate the Summer months more… But we’re ready to put away our Eskimo gear and break out the bathing suits!

We all have different ways to help us get through the Winter. Maybe you put on some Bob Marley, sit back and picture yourself with your feet deep in the sand, staring into clear blue water. Maybe you ignore the ice warnings and go for a drive with the windows down (bundled up in a stadium jacket, scarf, and gloves!). Just imagine, you’re on a tropical island, the hot sun and the cool water. You reach for a cool drink as the palm trees sway in the background… Then open your eyes to 2 feet of snow outside, your pipes are frozen, and you haven’t been able to feel your toes since October.

Yeah, we’ve all been there. Tell us how you survive the cold Winter months?

2012 is the year of the Green Cow. No, not because of Chinese Astrology! It’s because here at Hershey’s^® we’re always thinking about you. We’re proud to be an American family-owned company, and we know that our employees are our greatest asset. So we focus on working with other American companies which help generate new U.S. jobs as well as stimulate local economies (which is bound to bring a few real smiles)!

We want to build a better environment for tomorrow, filled with opportunities and delicious ice cream! That’s why we’ve been paving the way for the “green” movement for years. We’re not jumping on the bandwagon, we’ve been helping to drive it.

Long before it was the “in thing” to reduce, reuse, and recycle, we implemented methods of recycling used materials and selling reusable goods to local businesses. We have also taken steps to minimize our carbon footprint, and are constantly researching and applying new ideas. Investing in our own pre-treatment system purifies waste from our plant before it enters the city septic line, and owning and operating our own fleet of delivery trucks reduces emissions in many ways . These are just a few of the many energy saving tools we utilize every day!

So next time you think about the future, remember that it’s bright because we care! The year of the Green Cow is here, and your favorite ice cream company is always working for you and your world.

Have you ever wondered how deliciously rich and creamy Hershey’s^® Ice Cream is made? Take a look at our video to learn more about the ice cream production process (like how our different flavors of ice cream, and novelties are made).

Want to learn more? Check back here for future Did You Know? posts, or if you have any questions just ask (either via our Contact page, or in the comments section below). We’d be happy to hear from you!