Climate Action

Earth Day Network Partners with Southwest Airlines on Dallas Tree Planting Initiative

Earth Day Network (EDN) is pleased to announce a community tree planting initiative today in Dallas, with its partner, Southwest Airlines. Working with the Texas Trees Foundation, EDN staff and Southwest employees are joining together to plant trees at Maple Lawn Elementary School and educate the students about urban reforestation. This project is part of EDN’s flagship Green Schools Campaign. Kathleen Rogers, President of EDN, remarked, “We are excited to work with our longstanding partners at Southwest Airlines to engage students in hands-on learning about the environment and help raise awareness in the Dallas community about the environmental and health benefits of urban reforestation.” According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), north Texas suffers some of the worst air quality in the nation, with many “orange level” ozone days in which residents are recommended to stay inside and limit exercise. Tree planting in the Dallas area aims to significantly improve air quality in the region and grow the urban canopy. Maple Lawn Elementary School in northwest Dallas serves 600 preschool through grade 5 students, many of whom are economically disadvantaged. It has been recognized as one of the top schools in the state for student academic growth. “At Southwest Airlines, we are committed to making environmentally-responsible decisions and meaningful contributions to our communities,” added Linda Rutherford, Vice President Communication & Outreach. “We’re pleased to support this green effort to help local students understand how they can get involved in environmental initiatives and improve the quality of life in their own community.” About Earth Day Network’s Green Schools Campaign In 2007, Earth Day Network, along with the Clinton Foundation, U.S. Green Building Council and several major school districts, made a commitment to “green America’s schools within a generation.” In the years since, Earth Day Network has led a national green schools movement and has worked extensively with the U.S Department of Agriculture, the Department of Education, and other federal agencies on child nutrition and healthy school food. Among its many accomplishments, Earth Day Network’s education program was instrumental in the creation, passage and current success of one of the most progressive pieces of healthy schools legislation ever passed by a municipality: the D.C. Healthy Schools Act, which is serving as a model for many school districts across the country. Earth Day Network was also instrumental in the creation of the U.S. Department of Education’s Green Ribbon Schools Program. Earth Day Network takes a comprehensive five-pronged approach to school greenings, focusing on facilities, curriculum, recreation, transportation and food. For more information, go to http://edu.earthday.org. About Southwest Airlines In its 44th year of service, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) continues to differentiate itself from other air carriers with exemplary Customer Service delivered by nearly 46,000 Employees to more than 100 million Customers annually. Southwest and wholly owned subsidiary AirTran Airways operate nearly 3,600 flights a day, serving 93 destinations across the United States and five additional countries. Service to San Jose, Costa Rica, begins in March 2015, subject to government approvals. Based on the U.S. Department of Transportation’s most recent data, Southwest Airlines is the nation’s largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded. The Company operates the largest fleet of Boeing aircraft in the world, a majority of which are equipped with satellite-based WiFi connectivity while over the United States that enables video-on-demand and a free, live TV offering of 13 channels compliments of DISH. Bags Fly Free® at Southwest Airlines (first and second checked pieces of luggage, size and weight limits apply), and there are never change fees, although fare differences might apply. In September 2014, the airline proudly unveiled Heart, a new aircraft livery, airport experience, and logo, showcasing the dedication of Southwest Employees to connect Customers with what’s important in their lives. From its first flights on June 18, 1971, Southwest Airlines launched an era of unprecedented affordability in air travel described by the U.S. Department of Transportation as “The Southwest Effect,” a lowering of fares and increase in passenger traffic wherever the carrier serves. With 41 consecutive years of profitability, Southwest is one of the most honored airlines in the world, known for a triple bottom line approach that contributes to the carrier’s performance and productivity, the importance of its People and the communities they serve, and an overall commitment to efficiency and the planet. The 2013 Southwest Airlines One Report™ can be found at Southwest.com/citizenship. Book Southwest Airlines’ low fares online at Southwest.com or by phone at 800-I-FLY-SWA. Media Contacts: Multi-Media Assets and other Company news at swamedia.com Media Relations Team: 214-792-4847, option 1

#

Tags: