Toyota Recommits to Water Conservation, Wylund Foundation; Wants Local Cities to Join Cause

A Wylund painting. You've probably seen lots of his work, whether you know it or not.

Toyota recently announced a continuation of partnership between Toyota and the Wylund Foundation, which focuses on protecting and preserving earth’s oceans and waterways. This announcement comes just before Earth Month (April) and Toyota and the Wylund Foundation want to get local cities and private citizens involved!

Toyota’s commitment to global sustainability and environmental stewardship goes hand in hand with the Wylund Foundation, which is “is dedicated to promoting, protecting, and preserving the world’s ocean, waterways, and marine life. The foundation encourages environmental awareness through education programs, public arts projects, and community events.” The foundation was founded by renowned environmental artist Wylund in an effort to get "children and families around the nation to rediscover the importance of healthy oceans and waterways..."

And, together, Toyota and the Wylund Foundation are trying to make a difference.

The artist Wylund standing with his painting

“This is a cause that should be especially near and dear to the hearts of all residents of the Puget Sound area,” said Ted Klarich, general sales manager of Burien Toyota. “We are blessed to live in a region that has an abundance of water, from the Puget Sound, to all of the rivers, lakes, and streams. In general, we do an ok job of protecting them, but we can do better and I’m so proud that Toyota is joining the cause of protecting and preserving our oceans and waterways.”

Toyota and the WylundFoundation want you to join the cause by signing a pledge to conserve water and other resources. Did we mention prizes will be involved?

According the Toyota press release, “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.”

In fact, whether your city won the challenge or not, by signing the pledge you enter yourself to win a $1,000 Lowe’s shopping spree.

While prizes are nice, here in the Pacific Northwest, we know the real prize is having our beaches, fishing holes, and favorite waterways clean and sustainable so our children can continue to enjoy them. According to the press release, those who participated in the program pledged to reduce their water usage by 4.7 billion gallons.

"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.”

Klarich thinks the residents of Burien, Seattle, Tacoma and all Puget Sound cities can really make a difference.

“We are spoiled here in the Northwest with our beautiful and abundant water sources,” said Klarich. “Wouldn’t it be great if citizens of Burien and the greater Puget Sound area could be leaders in the effort? Even if there’s no big, organized effort, as an individual, you can go to www.mywaterpledge.com and sign the pledge to conserve a little bit. Together, we can make a big difference.”

For more information about how to save water in your daily use and about water-efficient products, go to the EPA Watersense webpage.

For more information about the Wylund Foundation, click HERE.

See the entire Toyota Press Release HERE.

Don't forget to sign the pledge HERE.