TORRANCE, Calif., Feb. 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Toyota is
continuing its partnership with Wyland Foundation to promote
resource conservation and the importance of sustainability leading
up to and throughout Earth Month in April.
Founded by renowned marine artist Wyland, the Wyland Foundation
brings attention to the importance of healthy oceans and waterways,
aligning with Toyota's commitment to global sustainability and
environmental stewardship. The Wyland Foundation, in association
with Toyota, will hold The National Mayor's Challenge for Water
Conservation throughout April and ask U.S. residents to sign an
online pledge at www.mywaterpledge.com to conserve water and
resources. Cities with the highest percentage of residents who make
the commitment are entered to win hundreds of environmentally
friendly prizes, including a Toyota Prius c, water-saving
fixtures and gift certificates. The challenge is also supported by
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National League of
Cities, CH2M Hill's WaterMatch, Rain Bird Corporation, Lowe's Home
Improvement stores and the U.S. Forest Service.
New to the challenge this year is the Wyland Clean Water Mobile
Learning Experience, a 1,000-square foot interactive exhibit which
demonstrates the ways water shapes human lives. The traveling
exhibit features interactive models – from an onboard running river
to a 40-person theater with computer-controlled special effects –
to explore the nation's complex relationship with its water
resources. Kicking off at the beginning of March, the tour
will travel across the U.S., visiting schools and community
events.
"Toyota recognizes that global sustainability depends on
partnerships with organizations like the Wyland Foundation to help
share information in innovative ways," said Michael Rouse, vice president of diversity,
philanthropy and community affairs for Toyota Motor Sales,
U.S.A. "We hope both the national pledge and the interactive
exhibits build awareness around the value of environmental
stewardship and the impact individuals can make."
For the first time, mayors and elected officials who participate
in the National Mayor's Challenge for Water Conservation can earn
additional prizes for their residents if their cities win. A second
prize drawing for a $1,000 Lowe's
shopping spree will be held among all participants, regardless if a
city is among the six winning cities. Last year, residents who
participated in the challenge pledged to reduce their water use by
4.7 billion gallons.
"The additional support from Toyota and the cross-country
educational tour will allow us to share the value of water
conservation with even more residents this year," said artist
Wyland. "There is no city that managing water resources won't touch
in the future. These personal commitments and educational efforts
are one piece of an important effort to save our waterways."
To learn more about the Wyland Clean Water Mobile Learning
Experience and National Mayor's Challenge, visit
www.mywaterpledge.com. For tips on how to save water every day and
to learn about water-efficient products for the home, visit
www.epa.gov/watersense.
About Toyota
Toyota established operations in
the United States in 1957 and
currently operates 10 manufacturing plants and has a network of
nearly 1,500 dealerships. Toyota directly employs over 30,000
in the U.S. and its investment here is currently valued at more
than $18 billion. Toyota is committed
to being a good corporate citizen and believes in supporting
programs with long-term sustainable results – focusing on
education, the environment and safety. Since 1991, Toyota has
contributed more than $600 million
dollars to philanthropic programs in the U.S.
www.toyotainaction.com/community or
http://www.toyota.com/about/philanthropy.
About the Wyland Foundation
Founded in 1993 by
environmental artist Wyland (best known for his series of 100
monumental marine life murals), the Wyland Foundation, a 501c3
non-profit organization, is actively engaged in teaching millions
of students around the county about our ocean, rivers, lakes
streams, and wetlands. The foundation's latest project, FOCUS
(Forests, Oceans, Climate – and us) brings together the U.S. Forest
Service, NOAA, and numerous non-profits to teach young people about
the future of our water supplies, climate, and global health.
www.wylandfoundation.org
Media Contact:
Rebecca Lee
GolinHarris for Toyota
(213) 438-8827
rlee@golinharris.com
Wyland Foundation Contact:
Steve Creech
(949) 436-2489
steve.creech@wylandfoundation.org
SOURCE Toyota