Subaru of America, Inc. and the Arbor Day Foundation are teaming up for the largest single corporate investment in community tree distribution in the non-profit’s history. The partnership, announced during Climate Week NYC, is aligned with the automotive company’s long-standing Subaru Loves the Earth® initiative, and will result in hundreds of thousands of mature and native trees being distributed in local communities nationwide thanks to Subaru’s strong network of retailers.
American cities lose 36 million trees every year due to disease, age, and extreme weather. This loss threatens not only the beauty of our communities but also the environmental and health benefits trees provide. A single mature tree can remove CO2 from the atmosphere, provide oxygen, and cool urban areas by up to 10 degrees, reducing the impact of heat waves and air pollution.
Alan Bethke, Senior Vice President, Marketing at Subaru of America, Inc.: “Subaru’s commitment to the environment is well-established, and partnering with the Arbor Day Foundation is a natural extension of what we have learned through our previous and ongoing initiatives. We are making an intentional effort to bring our love of nature back to communities on a large scale that will have a significant impact. Whether it is through waste reduction, conserving resources, or preserving and enhancing natural spaces, we are in constant pursuit of opportunities that will help our planet because we know it is the right thing to do.”
The scope of the partnership is unmatched and will help expand the Arbor Day Foundation’s work in communities beginning in spring 2025 and growing over consecutive years. As the Foundation’s largest partner of community tree projects, Subaru will fund hundreds of projects each year, with the Arbor Day Foundation using their expertise to select the native tree species for each region of the country to ensure they are suitable for the local climate.
Dan Lambe, Chief Executive of the Arbor Day Foundation: “From extreme heat to air pollution, our nation is feeling the stress of climate change, but thankfully, science shows that trees can help relieve the pressure. With this commitment, Subaru is stepping up to help unlock the positive power of trees across the country. Their bold leadership will empower the Arbor Day Foundation to infuse communities with the resources needed to scale up urban forestry in a period of great urgency.”
To celebrate the partnership, Subaru and Arbor Day Foundation will be giving away 200 mature and native trees to community members in the automaker’s hometown of Camden, NJ, and volunteering during one of the city’s final “Camden Strong” neighborhood cleanup events for the 2024 season. This hometown volunteer effort will have an immediate positive environmental impact, helping to rebuild tree canopies, raise air quality, conserve water, reduce flooding, and improve community well-being.
To learn more about Subaru Loves the Earth, the automaker’s commitment to protect and conserve the planet so everyone can live in safe and healthy communities visit Subaru.com/earth.