Nebraska City, Neb. (April 24, 2009) – As it looks for ways to make a positive impact on the quality of life for future generations, Mary Kay Inc. this spring will make a significant contribution to the tree canopy at Bitterroot National Forest.
As part of its sustainability initiative, Pink Doing GreenSM, Mary Kay is teaming up with the Arbor Day Foundation to plant 200,000 trees in Bitterroot National Forest. In fact, Mary Kay's contribution fulfills the entire planting need in the Bitterroot for 2009.
"Sustaining the environment for future generations is an active priority for Mary Kay that we take very seriously," said Mary Kay Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Beth Lange. "We also recognize the importance of working with communities at the local level and the power of engaging our global network of Independent Beauty Consultants."
The trees donated by Mary Kay will help reforest an area of recently acquired land in the Bitterroot that the U.S. Forest Service has identified as in need of replanting.
Mary Kay Inc.'s Pink Doing GreenSM effort is helping to provide trees for the future that will be a home to countless species of wildlife, clean the air we breathe, prevent soil erosion and provide many benefits for a healthy environment. Thanks to a national recycling effort by its nationwide Independent Beauty Consultants and their customers, as well as, the Company's employees, Mary Kay Inc. exceeded its collection goal of 200,000 old compacts, succeeding in its pledge to donate one tree up to 200,000 for every compact returned for recycling. The Company is celebrating 20 years of its recycling efforts in 2009.
"The trees planted by Mary Kay will make a difference in Bitterroot National Forest for years to come," said John Rosenow, chief executive and founder of the Arbor Day Foundation. "These trees will help clean the air and water and restore important environmental benefits to the area. The commitment by Mary Kay to plant trees will positively impact future generations of Americans for years to come."
Bitterroot National Forest covers 1.6 million acres of land along the border of Montana and Idaho. The Bitterroot contains the largest expanse of wilderness in the continental United States and large tracts of forest ecosystems.
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About Mary Kay: Mary Kay, one of the largest direct sellers of skin care and color cosmetics, realized another year of record results. In 2008 Mary Kay Inc. and its international subsidiaries achieved $2.6 billion in wholesale sales worldwide. Mary Kay® products are sold in more than 35 markets worldwide, and the global Mary Kay independent sales force exceeds 1.9 million. To learn more about Mary Kay, log on to www.marykay.com or call 1 (800) MARY KAY (1-800-627-9529).
About the Arbor Day Foundation: The Arbor Day Foundation is a nonprofit conservation organization of nearly one million members, with a mission to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. More information on the Foundation and its programs can be found at arborday.org.