MARYSVILLE, Ohio, June 07, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, home to the leading brands in lawn and garden care, today announced partnerships with more than a dozen leading water protection organizations across the United States that are focused on water quality and conservation as part of the Company’s nationwide “Water Positive Landscapes” initiative.
The initiative will equip homeowners with educational resources to use water responsibly in their lawn care and gardening activities. The initiative will also focus on product innovation and continued support of independent research on the intersection of these activities and water stewardship.
The first step under the Water Positive Landscapes initiative is the creation of the Water Positive National Partner Network, currently comprised of 13 non-profit organizations that are among America’s leading authorities on water quality and conservation. Collectively, these organizations benefit more than 133 million Americans around the country’s most important waterways.
Creation of the network is believed to mark the first time a major U.S. corporation has worked collaboratively with such a large and diverse group of organizations focused on water protection.
“Gardens can’t grow without water – and as the world’s largest lawn and garden products company, it is our responsibility to help our consumers enjoy the landscapes they want while also protecting the environment,” said Jim Hagedorn, chairman and chief executive officer of ScottsMiracle-Gro. “In order to succeed in this effort, we need the input and support of others. It is in that spirit that our team has worked for months to build partnerships with a network of water protection groups from coast-to-coast and from north-to-south. Our goal is to support their efforts and seek their input, which will be key to making continued progress in our efforts to protect the environment and to empower our consumers do the same.”
In launching its Water Positive Landscapes initiative, the Company also created a dedicated website, www.ScottsMiracleGro.com/WaterPositive.
For years, ScottsMiracle-Gro has worked collaboratively on environmental product innovations such as phosphorus-free lawn fertilizers and educational programming aimed at helping homeowners conserve and protect water resources. The Water Positive Landscapes initiative will engage homeowners across the country in conversations on the creation of outdoor spaces that use less water and also guard against runoff and leaching.
“This strategic partnership with ScottsMiracle-Gro allows us to reach a broader audience and make significant steps forward in our conservation efforts,” said Jeff Benoit, president and chief executive officer at Restore America’s Estuaries, one of the 13 network partners. “Collaborating with experts in the industry under this initiative will streamline efforts in finding long-term solutions to pervasive water conservation and quality issues.”
Each member of the Water Positive National Partner Network is implementing solutions to difficult issues affecting the nation’s most fragile waterways. The organizations in the Water Positive Network include:
Over the next four years, ScottsMiracle-Gro will support the programming of these organizations to protect the Great Lakes, Long Island Sound, Chesapeake Bay, coastal Florida and Gulf of Mexico as well as conserve water in states such as drought-stricken California. Program activities will range from helping landowners manage their properties to benefit local waterways, to supporting water-friendly public policy.
These organizations will also provide ongoing feedback and direction for the Water Positive Landscapes initiative, including helping the Company better understand and respond to evolving water issues through its consumer education, partner relationships and product development.
“Whether it’s a vegetable garden or simple backyard, outdoor spaces are personal expressions for homeowners,” said Mark Slavens, ScottsMiracle-Gro Vice President of Environmental Affairs. “There are simple steps that every homeowner can take to make their own piece of the Earth more Water Positive, from using adapted plants to installing a water containment system to using water-saving lawn care products. Everyone can use water responsibly to maintain lawns and gardens with a purpose.”
“We are proud to support the outstanding work of each of our partners and look forward to building an open dialogue that helps all of us work together to protect and enhance the planet’s most important natural resource.”
For more information, please visit www.ScottsMiracleGro.com/WaterPositive.
About ScottsMiracle-Gro
The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company is passionate about helping people of all ages express themselves on their own piece of the Earth. With approximately $3 billion in sales, the Company is the world's largest marketer of branded consumer products for lawn and garden care. The Company's brands are the most recognized in the industry. In 2016, the Company ranked on Forbes 100 Most Reputable Companies in America for the second year in a row. To learn more about the Company’s commitment to water resources, visit www.ScottsMiracleGro.com/WaterPositive.