Neutrogena® Naturals Partners with The Nature Conservancy to Create a Sustainable Water Future for the U.S.

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- A typical U.S. household uses an average of 400 to 500 gallons of water per day– the same amount it takes to fill a Jacuzzi – and a vast amount considering there are more than 100 million households in the U.S. Despite the staggering statistics around water consumption, there is low consumer awareness around the severe levels of water depletion in the U.S., and many don't know that two-thirds of America's drinking water comes from rivers and lakes which are suffering from increased withdrawals and decreased precipitation due to climate change.

In an effort to increase awareness around this issue, Neutrogena® Naturals is supporting The Nature Conservancy in two ways – via a video series which helps consumers make important changes to protect this precious resource and through the funding of U.S. water protection efforts, making it possible for five top female Conservancy scientists to lead a diverse collection of American river projects, one of which focuses on the Colorado River.

The Colorado River is the lifeline for the American Southwest. It supplies water to more than 30 million people and puts food on the table and clothes on the backs of millions more around the world.  It's expected that another 25 million people will move to the region in the next 40 years. Yet, this river is already stressed and overtaxed.

To help increase awareness for U.S. water shortages, Neutrogena® Naturals enlisted actress and Neutrogena® Brand Ambassador Kristen Bell and water conservationist Alexandra Cousteau to take part in a video series, "Exploring Natural Beauty," that exposes the Colorado River's water crisis and provides consumers with tips on how to make a difference.

"If our rivers continue to face the same demands, we're going to see severe shortages within a matter of decades," said water conservationist and Neutrogena® Naturals spokeswoman Alexandra Cousteau. "We need to change our relationship with water and recognize how critical it is to preserve this resource for future generations."

Understanding the importance of water conservation, Neutrogena® Naturals was developed on a set of Guiding Principles, including "Do Good" – a commitment to sustainability and to act with the future in mind. The product packaging is made from varying percentages of post-consumer recycled materials and shipping cartons are made from 100 percent recycled paper and are Forest Stewardship Council certified. The use of recycled paper fiber in the cartons saves trees and reduces the environmental impact for water use by 75 percent.

"Seeing how the Colorado River is being affected in our own backyard proves you don't have to go very far to realize that water conservation is an important issue that affects us all," said Kristen Bell. "Together, with Neutrogena® Naturals, Alexandra and I hope to increase awareness and motivate consumers to take action to protect our water resources."

Consumers can learn more about the Neutrogena® Naturals line, "Exploring Natural Beauty" video series and The Nature Conservancy partnership by visiting www.neutrogenanaturals.com.  

About Neutrogena® Naturals

Neutrogena® Naturals is a new approach to natural skincare. The line embraces the brand's rich heritage in dermatology and clinically proven results, upholding the promise of "gentle, effective and clinically-proven" while fulfilling consumer desires for natural products that work. The line includes five skincare essentials - two facial cleansers, a facial scrub, a bar soap and a lip balm.

About The Nature Conservancy

The Nature Conservancy is a leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people. The Conservancy and its more than 1 million members have protected nearly 120 million acres worldwide. Visit The Nature Conservancy on the Web at www.nature.org.

(1) Natural Resources Defense Council. (2010) Climate Change, Water, and Risk: Current Water Demands Are Not Sustainable. Retrieved October 2011, from http://www.nrdc.org/globalWarming/watersustainability/files/WaterRisk.pdf

SOURCE Neutrogena Naturals