Plant a Tree. Clean the Air. Cool the Globe. This thought has been the driver that has inspired IKEA US shoppers. Since June 2006, IKEA US in partnership with American Forests, has had a national in-store ‘Plant A Tree’ program which asks customers to donate $1 to plant one tree. These contributions, together with money donated by IKEA, have resulted in raising $1.5 million dollars to plant 1.5 million trees across America.

IKEA stores across the US will thank customers for their great participation and support for climate change during the second and third weeks of October 16. Activities will include giving away tree seedlings and local tree plantings. The Plant A Tree program has been a partnership between IKEA and American Forests with generous donations from IKEA customers, as well as donations from IKEA to American Forests. Some of the IKEA donations resulted from customer plastic bag purchases during the phase out of IKEA plastic bags in 2008.

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.

«Along with American Forests and our customers, IKEA celebrates the planting of 1.5 million trees. This dedicated program shows a sincere commitment to making a difference towards climate change. We know our quality of life depends on the quality of the environment, and IKEA is dedicated to keeping the environment healthy and green. Each tree makes a difference, so 1.5 million trees will be significant in helping to reduce CO2 pollution and renew America’s forests,» said Mike Ward, President, IKEA US.