Fuel The Cause To Transform Green Spaces: Bridgestone Americas Launches Consumer Contest

NASHVILLE, Tenn., March 1, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Green spaces are good for the earth and good for people, offering a wealth of benefits such as stress reduction, peace, a place for recreational activity and enjoyment. Bridgestone Americas understands the health and environmental benefits of green spaces, such as community gardens, walking trails, playgrounds, etc. To help consumers embrace sustainability and become Everyday Performers of green acts, Bridgestone is hosting the Fuel the Cause Contest, which will create a green space in one U.S. community compliments of a $25,000 gift from Bridgestone.

"At Bridgestone, we are committed to developing quality-driven products that deliver high performance and also meet customer value-added demands, including sustainability," says Erik Seidel, Vice President, Brand Management, Bridgestone Americas. "The Fuel the Cause Contest allows our teammates and our company to work with consumers to incorporate sustainable acts into our everyday lives, and give back to our communities."

The Fuel the Cause Contest is a new addition to Bridgestone's annual Rethink Green campaign and promotion in April. Rethink Green highlights Bridgestone's Ecopia line of tires, as well as the company's Eco-Products. Ecopia is Bridgestone's most fuel-efficient line of tires that is engineered to save consumers money every time they drive. The Eco-Product designation is used to identify other Bridgestone products that feature environmentally-conscious materials, such as low-aromatic oil and recycled materials, and also are designed to help improve vehicle fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. All of Bridgestone's sustainability initiatives, including reducing waste to landfills in the company's manufacturing processes, are aligned under the company's One Team, One Planet sustainability platform.

Beginning March 1^st at 12:00 a.m. EST through March 15, 2014 at 11:59 p.m. EST, consumers can nominate a green space project – be it a park, school, playground, community garden or other neighborhood space to receive a $25,000 transformation, courtesy of Bridgestone. To enter the Fuel the Cause Contest, participants will be asked to share in 500 words or less a description of the space they nominate and how it would benefit from the transformation. Consumers also are encouraged to upload up to three photos with their entry. The entry with the highest number of votes will be the grand-prize winner. For contest details, to view entries, or cast a vote visit, www.bridgestonetire.com/rethinkgreen/fuelthecause.

Visit http://www.bridgestonetire.com/rethinkgreen to learn more about Bridgestone's ongoing environmental programs and initiatives.

For additional information about Bridgestone Americas' "One Team, One Planet" environmental activities, or Bridgestone's environmental mission, "to help ensure a healthy environment for current and future generations" with a focus on the company's three major objectives: Being in harmony with nature, valuing natural resources and reducing CO₂ emissions, visit OneTeamOnePlanet.com.

About Bridgestone Americas, Inc.:
Nashville, Tenn.-based Bridgestone Americas, Inc. (BSAM) is the U.S. subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation, the world's largest tire and rubber company. BSAM and its subsidiaries develop, manufacture and market a wide range of Bridgestone, Firestone and associate brand tires to address the needs of a broad range of customers, including consumers, automotive and commercial vehicle original equipment manufacturers, and those in the agricultural, forestry and mining industries. The companies are also engaged in retreading operations throughout the Western Hemisphere and produce air springs, roofing materials, and industrial fibers and textiles. The BSAM family of companies also operates the world's largest chain of automotive tire and service centers. Guided by its One Team, One Planet message, the company is dedicated to achieving a positive environmental impact in all of the communities it calls home.

SOURCE Bridgestone Americas, Inc