Toyota is proving that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand. The company is about to become the world's largest auto manufacturer while also drastically reducing its carbon footprint.

Toyota's profits and stock price have reached an all-time high through selling many vehicle models that are the most fuel-efficient in their class. During the last five years of unparalleled success, Toyota cut emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by 56%, cut its energy use by 30 percent, and has eliminated 95 percent of the waste that was going to landfills in 1999.

By scrutinizing the manufacturing process to find ways to reduce the environmental impact, companies can identify and eliminate wasteful processes that also waste money. Many of the alternative materials are not only more sustainable, they also cost less.

For the next five years, Toyota will focus on reducing the total energy used per vehicle produced by 27 percent from 2002 levels, recycle 90 percent of all materials at vehicle distribution centers, and cut the non-hazardous waste that goes to landfills by another 33 percent.

Toyota proves that when done will, being sustainable will make consumers and stock holders happy.