CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. - Two million trees have been planted across America. That’s a big impact on our environment. Through the IKEA Plant A Tree program, in partnership with American Forests, these trees have directly helped to restore vulnerable ecosystems and endangered habitats. Plus two million trees planted is just a good thing to do. They provide enough oxygen for one million people each year, as well as remove and store the carbon dioxide emissions of 10,000 average cars over each cars’ lifespan.

Since 1998, IKEA has been dedicated to improving the lives of many people through its national in-store ‘Plant A Tree’ program. These contributions, together with money donated by IKEA, have recently resulted in the raising of $2 million to plant 2 million trees across America. And during the month of April, IKEA FAMILY ‘loyalty’ card member usage will also support IKEA in its donations to plant more trees through American Forests.

Trees from the Plant A Tree program have been planted in many forests across America. Designated by American Forests for specific locations, these plantings have included some of the following sites and amounts: 74,000 trees in the McNally Fire restoration in California; 15,000 trees in Arizona for the Warm Fire Restoration project; and over 100,000 trees in the Lower Rio Grande in Texas.

Why ‘Plant a Tree’ program?

Trees and forests are a crucial part of the Earth’s ecosystem. Trees are green machines that clean our air and water by absorbing pollution and stabilizing the soil. The trees donated to American Forests are planted throughout the US in environmental restoration projects.

“Thanks to American Forests and IKEA US customers, we are celebrating the planting of 2 million trees across America. We are pleased to be able to make a difference in helping to restore hundreds of ecosystems, habitats and forests, while having cleaner air, drinking water, and reducing CO2 pollution,” said Mike Ward, President, IKEA US.

“Forests are the most important land-based ecosystems on earth. IKEA’s commitment to planting trees makes a real difference, both for the health of our planet and its inhabitants,” said Scott Steen, CEO of American Forests. “We at American Forests deeply appreciate the partnership of IKEA and its customers in this important work.”

IKEA and Sustainable Practices:

-- IKEA conducts an annual review in all IKEA stores to measure environmental progress, such as energy and waste reduction.

-- In addition to IWAY forestry requirements, the share of FSC-certified wood increased from 15.8 percent to 16.2 percent, an equivalent of 55,000 loaded timber trucks.

-- IKEA flat packs its home furnishing products to not only keep costs low but to also reduce CO2 emission by utilizing efficient transport. The goal is to reduce emissions by 20 percent by the end of FY16.

-- IKEA is committed to sustainability in its everyday practices and through its extensive IWAY Code of Conduct system.

Source: IKEA