Leading US Businesses, Cities and Non-Profits Unite in Unprecedented Effort to Help Consumers Fight Climate Change
[PRESS RELEASE ISSUED BY THE CLIMATE GROUP]
New York, June 05, 2008
Leading businesses, US cities nationwide and respected non-profit organizations today joined with California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to launch "Together" (www.together.com [http://www.together.com]) -- the largest-ever consumer engagement campaign on climate change.
Together unites brands, cities and non-profits to make it easier for every American to fight climate change. Together partners are committed to delivering and promoting simple, practical solutions that will help people save energy, save money and save the planet.
New research* released today shows that while Americans are more willing than ever to change their behavior to do something about climate change, the majority still do not know exactly what to do. Together delivers clear and simple steps people can take to help reduce their impact on the planet.
"Protecting our environment is a job that belongs to each one of us. It means more than companies changing their practices or governments changing their policies. It means each person finding ways to change the little things in our lives that will in turn have a huge positive impact on the world around us. Together will help make this possible," said California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. "By making it easier and more affordable for Americans to fight climate change, we are taking a giant step towards a brighter and cleaner future. I extend my best wishes for every success in saying 'Hasta la Vista' to climate change."
Together is an initiative of The Climate Group, a global, independent non-profit organization dedicated to building public-private partnerships to find solutions to climate change. Together first launched in the UK in 2007 with the help of then Prime Minister Tony Blair. To date, Together solutions in the UK have helped consumers save 522,000 tonnes of CO2 and over $200 million on household energy bills.
"Climate change is a global issue that requires a global response," said Dr. Steve Howard, CEO of The Climate Group. "Following a successful first year in the UK, we're proud to announce the US launch of Together. With plans for an international rollout to Australia, China and India, Together is poised to engage citizens of the biggest greenhouse gas-emitting nations in the world."
Companies including Chase, the campaign's founding corporate partner, as well as Dell, Lenovo, MySpace, Nestle Waters, RecycleBank, smart USA, Target and Timberland, seven cities across the country and non-profit organizations including ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability, The American Red Cross in Greater New York, Climate Counts, Global Footprint Network, Mercy Corps, National Wildlife Federation and The Center for a New American Dream have joined Together, with dozens of additional partners set to join in the coming months. MTV, News Corporation and Time Warner have joined the campaign as media partners.
Together will promote simple products, services and initiatives that yield measurable energy-saving results, and the campaign will clearly show how, together, these small actions make a big difference. The "Togetherizer," an online aggregator at www.together.com [http://www.together.com], will tally the combined efforts of everyone who adopts a Together solution, demonstrating the real savings -- both in CO2 and in dollars -- that the campaign delivers directly to consumers. Environmental Resources Management (ERM), an independent, third-party validator, will verify CO2 savings for every Together solution.
"Chase is pleased to be the founding sponsor of the Together campaign in championing opportunities that partner governments, companies and consumers in efforts that will help protect the environment," said William Daley, JPMorgan Chase Midwest Vice Chairman and Head of the Office of Corporate Responsibility. "In serving our clients, customers, shareholders, employees and communities, we are using our intellectual capital to invest in environmentally sustainable solutions. Working together, we can help consumers reduce their impact on the planet."
Through Together's alliance with the City of New York, the campaign's founding city partner, as well as Boston, Chicago, Miami, Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Seattle, participating mayors are committing to collaborate with brands and non-profits to create custom programs that enable city residents to help fight climate change.
"The philosophy of 'Together' is a perfect fit with New York City's own approach to dramatically shrinking our carbon footprint -- the goal that is at the heart of our 'PlaNYC' sustainability agenda," said Mayor Bloomberg. "New Yorkers are deeply concerned about climate change. They want to do all they can in their own homes and communities to make a difference and we're committed to providing them the opportunities to do just that."
Target became one of the first corporate partners to roll out Together solutions by making reusable shopping bags and energy-efficient light bulbs available at all of its stores. While these solutions will help Target guests reduce their impact on the planet, it is only the beginning. The retailer also announced that it will offer more than a dozen Together solutions and demonstrated its commitment to fighting climate change by giving away 15,000 reusable bags and coupons worth $2 off the price of energy-efficient bulbs at the campaign launch.
"At Target, we're passionate about the importance of public/private partnerships as each party brings unique capabilities and knowledge to the table to strengthen our communities," said Nate Garvis, Vice President for Government Affairs, Target. "Our partnership with The Climate Group and support of the Together campaign are natural extensions of this philosophy and we look forward to collaborating to amplify our guests' support of the environment."
MySpace and smart USA are collaborating with Together to deliver an online initiative to raise awareness and accelerate action around the fight against climate change. The companies will launch a competition on July 4, 2008 to give away a smart fortwo car to the MySpace user who refers the most friends to www.myspace.com/jointogether [http://www.myspace.com/jointogether].
MTV is partnering with Together to broaden consumer awareness on how to end climate change through its "Break The Addiction" pro-social initiative. The network's thinkMTV 12-step campaign launched on Earth Day 2006, and aims to educate and empower young people to make daily choices that improve their lives and simultaneously curb the impact of global warming and preserve our environment.
Together has also joined forces with a diverse group of non-profit organizations to extend the reach of the campaign. Together's founding non-profit partner, ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability, has committed to continually enlist and engage new city partners.
"Mayors and local government leaders have informed and inspired this country's response to global climate change, but this challenge requires the collective effort of entire communities," said Michelle Wyman, Executive Director, ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability. "ICLEI is thrilled to serve as the founding non-profit partner for Together and engage individuals in their communities' climate protection efforts."
"Climate change is the biggest social, environmental and economic challenge of our lifetime," said environmental expert and press conference moderator Simran Sethi. "It's essential that we act now -- and imperative that we all participate -- in order to achieve lasting results. The Together campaign unites the key drivers of change in our society, enabling each of us to be a part of the solution."
For more information about partner solutions and to join the campaign, visit www.together.com [http://www.together.com].
* New consumer research released today by The Climate Group and Lippincott
-- The number of people agreeing with the statement 'I am prepared to make changes to my lifestyle to help reduce climate change' rose by 44% over the past year -- up from 25% of people in 2007 to 36% in 2008.
-- The number of people agreeing with the statement 'It is clear to mE what I can personally do to reduce climate change' rose by less than 10% over the past year -- from 41% of people in 2007 to 45% in 2008.
May 2008 figures are based on consumer research conducted with 1,000 people over the age of 16 in the US, commissioned by The Climate Group, and conducted by Lippincott. The comparable 2007 research was commissioned by The Climate Group, funded by BSkyB and Lippincott, and conducted by Lippincott.
ABOUT THE CLIMATE GROUP
The Climate Group is an independent, nonprofit organization that works with government and business leaders to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy. Its coalition of leaders in government, business and other nonprofit organizations has demonstrated that the emissions reductions needed to slow climate change can be achieved while boosting profitability and competitiveness. Companies, states, regions and cities around the world are realizing there are significant economic as well as environmental advantages of taking decisive action now. The Climate Group was founded in 2004 and now has offices in the UK, the US, China, India and Australia. For more information, please visit www.theclimategroup.org [http://www.theclimategroup.org].
About Chase
JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM) is a leading global financial services firm with assets of $1.6 trillion and operations in more than 60 countries. The firm is a leader in investment banking, financial services for consumers, small business and commercial banking, financial transaction processing, asset management, and private equity. A component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, JPMorgan Chase serves millions of consumers in the United States and many of the world's most prominent corporate, institutional and government clients under its JPMorgan and Chase brands. JPMorgan Chase is committed to investing in education, economic opportunity, development and environmental programs that enable people and communities to thrive. Information about the firm and its environmental policy is available at www.jpmorganchase.com [http://www.jpmorganchase.com].
About Dell
Dell Inc. (NASDAQ: DELL) listens to customers and delivers innovative technology and services they trust and value. Uniquely enabled by its direct business model, Dell is a leading global systems and services company and No. 34 on the Fortune 500. For more information, visit www.dell.com [http://www.dell.com], or to communicate directly with Dell via a variety of online channels, go to www.dell.com/conversations [http://www.dell.com/conversations]. To get Dell news direct, visit www.dell.com/RSS [http://www.dell.com/RSS].
About Lenovo
Lenovo (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) develops, manufactures and markets high-quality, secure and easy-to-use technology products and services worldwide and is dedicated to building the world's best-engineered personal computers. Formed by Lenovo Group's acquisition of the former IBM Personal Computing Division, Lenovo's heritage in both emerging and developed markets has resulted in a New World Company business model where ideas, operations and resources are borderless and mobile. With four operational hubs in Beijing, Raleigh, Singapore and Paris, Lenovo has major research centers in Yamato, Japan; Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen, China; and Raleigh, North Carolina, as well as a marketing center in Bangalore, India. For more information, see www.lenovo.com [http://www.lenovo.com].
About MySpace
MySpace, a unit of Fox Interactive Media Inc., is the premier lifestyle portal for connecting with friends, discovering popular culture, and making a positive impact on the world. MySpace has created a connected global community by integrating web profiles, blogs, instant messaging, e-mail, music streaming, music videos, photo galleries, classified listings, events, groups, college communities, and member forums. MySpace's international network includes more than 20 localized community sites in the United States, Brazil, Canada, Latin America, Mexico, Austria, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Australia, India, Japan, and New Zealand. Fox Interactive Media is a division of News Corp. (NYSE: NWS - News, NWS.A - News; ASX: NWS - News, NWSLV - News).
About News Corporation
News Corporation (NYSE: NWS, NWS.A; ASX: NWS, NWSLV) had total assets as of December 31, 2007 of approximately US$69 billion and total annual revenues of approximately US$31 billion. News Corporation is a diversified entertainment company with operations in eight industry segments: filmed entertainment; television; cable network programming; direct broadcast satellite television; magazines and inserts; newspapers and information services; book publishing; and other. The activities of News Corporation are conducted principally in the United States, Continental Europe, the United Kingdom, Australia, Asia and the Pacific Basin. In May 2007, News Corporation announced its company-wide commitment to helping solve the climate problem by reducing its own emissions and engaging its employees, business partners, and audiences on energy and climate change issues. More information is available at www.newscorp.com/energy [http://www.newscorp.com/energy].
About Nestle Waters North America
Nestle Waters North America Inc. is the number one bottled water company in the U.S. Its family of 15 well-known brands includes Poland Spring(R) Brand Natural Spring Water, the leading spring water brand in America. Consumers around the U.S. enjoy other popular regional brands such as Arrowhead(R), Deer Park(R), Ice Mountain(R), Ozarka(R) and Zephyrhills(R). Nestle Waters North America also imports globally recognized bottled water brands such as Perrier(R) and S. Pellegrino(R). The company is related to Nestle Waters, based in Paris, the bottled water division of the Swiss company, Nestle, S.A. About Nestle Waters North America Sustainability Commitment: Nestle Waters North America spring water brands come from carefully selected spring sources that are honored for their great-tasting water. These brands have a long history of sustainability. They are dedicated to creating beverages that are good for consumers, and they are committed to moving toward a lighter environmental footprint, from source to bottle.
About RecycleBank
RecycleBank is a rewards program that motivates people to recycle. It does this by quickly and easily measuring the amount of material each home recycles and then converting that activity into RecycleBank Reward Points that can be used at hundreds of local and national rewards partners. RecycleBank is simple to implement, market-driven and proven to work, saving municipalities' money and rewarding citizens for their environmental stewardship. Kleiner, Perkins, Caulfield and Byers, RRE Ventures, The Westly Group and Sigma Partners are institutional shareholders and Ron Gonen, the co-founder and CEO is the largest individual shareholder. RecycleBank is headquartered in New York City and also maintains an office in Philadelphia. Visit www.recyclebank.com [http://www.recyclebank.com] for more information.
About smart USA
smart USA Distributor LLC, headquartered in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, is the exclusive distributor of the smart fortwo in the United States and Puerto Rico and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Penske Automotive Group, Inc. The smart fortwo is a brand of and is manufactured by Daimler AG. This technologically advanced vehicle achieves 41 mpg on the highway and is an ultra-low emissions vehicle, as certified by the State of California Air Resources Board. The vehicle is 8.8 feet long, 5.1 feet tall and 5.1 feet wide and comes equipped with many functional and safety features found in many luxury models. smart is currently sold in 36 other countries, and more than 900,000 smart fortwos have been sold since 1998. The 2008 smart fortwo is available in three trim levels ranging in price from $11,590 to $16,590*. For more information visit the smart USA website -- www.smartusa.com [http://www.smartusa.com]. smart is a registered trademark of Daimler AG. *For 2008 models. Excludes tax, title, registration, destination charge, options and other dealer fees.
About Target
Minneapolis-based Target serves guests at 1,613 stores in 47 states nationwide by delivering today's best retail trends at affordable prices. Target is committed to providing guests with great design through innovative products, in-store experiences and community partnerships. Whether visiting a Target store or shopping online at Target.com, guests enjoy a fun and convenient shopping experience with access to thousands of unique and highly differentiated items. Target (NYSE: TGT) gives more than $3 million a week to its local communities through grants and special programs. Since opening its first store in 1962, Target has partnered with nonprofit organizations, guests and team members to help meet community needs. For more information, please visit www.target.com [http://www.target.com].
About ThinkMTV
ThinkMTV is the umbrella for MTV's on-air, off-air and online pro-social campaigns that engage, educate and encourage young people to take action on some of the biggest challenges facing their generation. The backbone for MTV's pro-social efforts is Think.MTV.com, an online community where young people, their friends and some of the biggest names in pop culture come together to effect positive social change. The Think Community is dynamic, multimedia-driven and enables youth to easily learn more about the issues that matter to them most, share their opinions -- via uploaded online videos, podcasts and blogs -- and connect with others to make a difference. The site is one of the only to reward members for positive actions taken online or off, serving up chances to hang out with socially conscious celebs, access to exclusive MTV events, exposure on MTV and other national media outlets, as well as grants, scholarships and more. Think.MTV.com was founded in partnership with the Case Foundation, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Goldhirsh Foundation and MCJ Amelior Foundation. For more information or to build a profile and become involved, visit Think.MTV.com.
About Timberland
Timberland (NYSE: TBL) is a global leader in the design, engineering and marketing of premium-quality footwear, apparel and accessories for consumers who value the outdoors and their time in it. Timberland markets products under the Timberland(R), Timberland PRO(R), SmartWool(R), Timberland Boot Company(TM), Howies(R) and IPATH(R) brands, all of which offer quality workmanship and detailing and are built to withstand the elements of nature. The company's products can be found in leading department and specialty stores as well as Timberland(R) retail stores throughout North America, Europe, Asia, Latin America, South Africa and the Middle East. Timberland's dedication to making quality products is matched by the company's commitment to "doing well and doing good" -- forging powerful partnerships among employees, consumers and service partners to transform the communities in which they live and work. To learn more about Timberland, please visit www.timberland.com [http://www.timberland.com].
About Time Warner
Time Warner is a leading media and entertainment company whose businesses include interactive services, cable systems, filmed entertainment, television networks and publishing.
About ICLEI -- Local Governments for Sustainability
ICLEI -- Local Governments for Sustainability is a membership association of local governments committed to advancing climate protection and sustainable development. Since its inception in 1990, ICLEI has grown to include nearly 1,000 cities in the world, more than 400 of which are in the United States. At ICLEI our mission is to build, serve, and drive a movement of local governments to advance deep reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and achieve tangible improvements in local sustainability. For more information, please visit www.icleiusa.org [http://www.icleiusa.org].
About The American Red Cross in Greater New York
The American Red Cross in Greater New York is a key humanitarian partner and a vital participant in New York's plans and programs to help the 9 million people in New York City and Orange, Putnam, Rockland and Sullivan counties prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. The Chapter provides immediate aid to more than 100,000 people affected by 3,000 emergencies a year, including fires, floods, building collapses and power outages. Given the uncertainties of today's world, the Chapter is accelerating its collaboration with partner agencies to develop and implement readiness plans to respond to major natural and human-caused disasters. The Chapter also helps New York residents and businesses prepare for emergencies by offering hundreds of courses in first aid, CPR and aquatics and free emergency preparedness training programs and resources. For more information, call 1-877 REDCROSS (1-877-733-2767), or visit www.nyredcross.org [http://www.nyredcross.org].
About The Center for a New American Dream
The Center for a New American Dream helps Americans consume responsibly to protect the environment, enhance quality of life, and promote social justice. We work with individuals, institutions, communities, and businesses to conserve natural resources, counter the commercialization of our culture, and promote positive changes in the way goods are produced and consumed. Visit us at www.newdream.org [http://www.newdream.org].
About Climate Counts
Climate Counts is a non-profit campaign that scores companies annually on the basis of their voluntary action to reverse climate change. The Climate Counts Company Scorecard -- launched in June 2007 -- helps people vote with their dollars by making climate-conscious purchasing and investing choices that put pressure on the world's most well-known companies to take the issue of climate change seriously. Launched by organics pioneer Stonyfield Farm, Climate Counts believes everyday consumers can be the most important activists in the fight against global warming. Updated Climate Counts company scores were released on May 7, 2008. For more information, please visit www.climatecounts.org [http://www.climatecounts.org].
About Global Footprint Network
Global Footprint Network is committed to fostering a world where all people have the opportunity to live satisfying lives within the means of one planet. Established in 2003, Global Footprint Network's mission is to advance the use of the Ecological Footprint, a science-based sustainability tool that measures how much of the Earth's resources we use, how much we have and who uses what. The organization maintains National Ecological Footprint accounts that work like bank statements, documenting whether we are living within our ecological budget or consuming nature's resources faster than the planet can renew them. Together with hundreds of individuals, 200 cities, 23 nations, leading business, scientists, NGOs, academics, and 90 plus global Partners, Global Footprint Network is advancing the science of Footprinting, applying it to practical projects, sparking a global dialogue about a one-planet future, and facilitating positive change.
About Mercy Corps
Mercy Corps works amid disasters, conflicts, chronic poverty and instability to unleash the potential of people who can win against nearly impossible odds. Since 1979, Mercy Corps has provided more than $1.5 billion in assistance to people in 106 nations. Supported by headquarters in North America and Europe, the agency's global programs employ 3,500 staff worldwide and reach more than 16.4 million people in more than 35 countries. Over the past five years, more than 89 percent of the agency's resources have been allocated directly to programs that help people in need. In the fall of 2008, Mercy Corps will open the-first-of-its-kind Action Center to End World Hunger in New York City. This represents Mercy Corps' commitment to radically alter the way people think about the world and their role within it. For more information, visit www.mercycorps.org [http://www.mercycorps.org].
About National Wildlife Federation
National Wildlife Federation(R) (NWF) is America's largest conservation organization, inspiring Americans to protect wildlife for our children's future. NWF unites individuals from diverse backgrounds through a grassroots network of 4 million members and supporters, and is joined by 47 affiliated state wildlife organizations. National Wildlife Federation's programs educate and inspire people from all walks of life to protect wildlife and wildlife habitat. NWF focuses its conservation work in three major areas to have the biggest impact on the future of America's wildlife: confront global warming, restore wildlife and wildlife habitat and connect people with nature. For more information, please visit www.nwf.org [http://www.nwf.org].
ABOUT LIPPINCOTT
Lippincott is a leading brand strategy and design consultancy. The firm was founded in 1943 as Lippincott & Margulies and pioneered the discipline of corporate identity. Lippincott operates globally from its offices in the United States, Europe and Asia. Recent clients include American Express, Aviva, Citigroup, ExxonMobil, Goldman Sachs, IBM, McDonald’s, Nissan, Samsung and Sprint. For more information, visit www.lippincott.com.
Contact:
Kathleen Hatfield, Lippincott,
212-521-0052, kathleen.hatfield@lippincott.com