AVEDA & UpS - Earth Partners 2005
We are excited to announce UpS’s inclusion in Aveda’s Earth Month 2005 campaign. Since 1999 Aveda, the country’s leading company in pure plant-based hair care, skin care, body care, aroma and makeup products has raised over $3.5 million for 65 organizations around the world. Each year in April, Aveda joins forces with selected non-profits to protect native plants, animals, forests, oceans, rivers, clean air and watersheds on our planet. Aveda president Dominique Conseil describes this innovative and generous program:
“Our commitment to care for the world we live in is what makes us different. Our commitment to the environment is part of our company’s soul and gives us our deep sense of purpose. It is what makes our salons, spas and Experience Centers different form the competition. It is why we practice Earth Day every day.
During Earth Month 2005, we will focus on the protection of endangered plant species. Plants are very special to us. They provide the air we breathe, the food that sustains us, the clothes that protect us and the medicine that cures us. These “Beings of Light” also provide habitat for wildlife and for humans – processing and storing energy in ways we can use. It is alarming that many species are threatened by suburban sprawl, over-harvesting, pollution, invasive species and global climate change. It is often said that more than 30,000 species of plants are in danger of extinction. Is it not madness to believe that the plants that surround us can vanish without consequence – the tragic possibility of our own demise as a species? It’s up to us to plant our future and the future of generations to come. Let’s get into action and “Save Our Power Plants!”
The month-long, Aveda salon network-wide celebration raises awareness and funds via “Appointments for the Earth”, Rosemary Mint product sales, petition signatures and individual actions. UpS is among 25 Conservation Partners that help preserve biodiversity by protecting endangered and threatened species. Aveda plans to collect 100,000 signatures from individuals who want to help save endangered plant species.
Participating salons, spas and Experience Centers will hold fund-raising events throughout the month. As an Earth Partner, UpS will be working with Fredrics, the Aveda distributor for the four-state area of Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky and Indiana. We will be sending educational information to 600 salons who will feature UpS as their Earth Partner. This is an exciting opportunity to bring our message of At-Risk and To-Watch medicinal plants to a wide audience. Fredrics’ Aveda salons and Education Institute in Cincinnati and soon Indianapolis can conduct over 200 appointments a day !
If there are UpS members, herbalists and plant activists who would like to participate in this program, by visiting participating salons in their area, attending staff trainings or just making appointments dedicated to raise funds for the project, please write me and I’ll keep you apprised of activity in your near-by Aveda salons.
We are energized by the possibility of reaching out to plant-lovers who might not have heard of UpS. Posters, flyers, in-store videos, herb talks by local herbalists are part of how UpS will support the participating salons. Let’s make this Earth Day the biggest, boldest and best ever for UpS and Aveda’s Conservation Partners. What a refreshing concept that small earth-caring non-profits can join hands with mighty but conscious industry partners to stand up to protect our beloved plants!
Lynda LeMole, UpS Ex Director