Apr 22 2008
IOGEAR continues to build upon its commitment to help preserve the environment through a new partnership with Trees for the Future, a US-based, non-profit organization devoted to supporting the redevelopment of agricultural land in developing countries by planting trees. Beginning immediately, IOGEAR will plant one tree for every product purchased on its Web site, or by members of its GREEN initiative partner program, with a goal of planting one million trees.
Through seed distribution, agroforestry training and country programs, Trees for the Future empowers rural groups to restore tree cover to their lands damaged by deforestation and unsustainable agricultural practices. By partnering with IOGEAR, the organization will be able to further protect the environment and help preserve traditional livelihoods and cultures for generations. The group has planted 50 million trees to-date, in 12,000 villages across 58 countries.
"We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Trees for the Future to further contribute to sustaining the health of the environment," said Sampson Yang, CEO of IOGEAR. "At IOGEAR, we implement and embrace manufacturing, energy and recycling policies that have a positive impact on the Earth. Our decision to plant one million trees is an exciting addition to our commitment to improve the world for generations to come."
"Trees of the Future is pleased to work with an environmentally-conscious company like IOGEAR to continue building on our goal of improving the lives of communities around the world," said Dave Deppner, co-founder and executive director of Trees for the Future. "As a non-profit, we rely on the generous donations of individuals and businesses like IOGEAR that share our passion for protecting the environment."
IOGEAR is strongly committed to empowering consumers to enjoy life through eco-efficient technology, and strives to protect the environment by continuously adopting corporate practices that save energy, preserve natural resources and minimize the amount of waste produced. IOGEAR's core technology, the KVM switch, reduces energy consumption by eliminating the use of multiple computer monitors and peripherals.
IOGEAR focuses on GREEN manufacturing and recycling policies as well. Some key achievements include the constant reduction of the use of hazardous metals and substances in products, including lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, PPB (polybrominated biphenyls) and PBDE (polybrominated diphenyl ethers), with a goal of becoming 100% PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and BFR (brominated flame retardant) free by 2009. The company has also eliminated 22% of paper-produced product manuals included in packaging, and is working to double this number by next year. In addition to planting one million trees, IOGEAR is continuing to transition its product packaging to 100% recyclable and biodegradable materials.