Toyota And Wyland Foundation To Launch Second Annual National Water Conservation Challenge

U.S. Cities Compete to be the Most Water-Wise during Earth Month

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Feb 12, 2013, 09:00 ET

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
[email protected]

Wyland Foundation Contact:
Steve Creech
(949) 436-2489
[email protected]

SOURCE Toyota