Hanes Plants the Seed for a Greener Earth Day and Arbor Day

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C., April 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Hanes today announced that it will offer consumers the opportunity to help plant trees in areas in need through a partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation.  For every qualifying purchase of three Hanes products with mail-in redemption and proof of purchase from April 1 through May 15, Hanes will send the purchaser a free Hanes Earth Day T-shirt and will donate a dollar to The Arbor Day Foundation.

For every qualifying redemption of Hanes product purchases, the Arbor Day Foundation, which works to replant trees in America's national forests that have been damaged by fire, insect or disease, will plant a tree on behalf of Hanes and its consumers, up to 20,000 trees.  

This consumer promotion and the Arbor Day Foundation alliance come just in time for the 40th anniversary of Earth Day on April 22 and National Arbor Day on April 30. This effort also underscores the brand's ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship.  Consumers are encouraged to visit www.facebook.com/hanes to find out how the brand plans to celebrate the special days throughout the month of April.  

"Our mission at Hanes has always been to provide superior comfort, and we hope that our consumers will take comfort in the fact that we're doing our part for the environment," said Sidney Falken, senior vice president, Hanes brand.  "We can't think of a better way to celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day than with a promotion that gives back to consumers and the Earth."

Trees donated by Hanes will be planted in the Hiawatha National Forest in northern Michigan. These trees will be part of the North Pine River restoration project which will add long-lived conifer species to the area. The trees will be planted throughout more than 60 acres alongside a three-quarter-mile stretch of the coldwater stream.

"For 20 years, the Arbor Day Foundation has worked with members and partners to help replant our nation's forests," said John Rosenow, chief executive and founder of the Arbor Day Foundation.  "The need for more trees in our nation's forests is great, and we are thrilled to be working with Hanes to plant trees in the Hiawatha National Forest. The trees will help clean the water and provide habitat for wildlife. By involving its customers in this important tree-planting initiative, Hanes is a great example of a company that is helping to make a positive impact on the environment by planting trees."

The Hanes Earth Day T-shirts are made with eco-friendly features, including lead-, nickel-, formaldehyde-, and phthalate-free inks and without the use of bleach or dye, which means fewer chemicals and less energy were used in the creation of the shirts.  Hanes also offers select EcoSmart products like fleece and socks made from recycled fibers.  

Hanes has launched new environmental advertising and a consumer Web site.  The humorous "For Future Generations" television ad, which will air during popular prime time shows such as "American Idol," the spring premiere of "Glee," and "Modern Family," features a man wearing eco-friendly Hanes products while shopping.  The viewer quickly learns that he is doing his small part to keep the planet green for future generations. His friend, who is not wearing Hanes products, is the victim of disapproving (yet endearing) glares from children in the mall, as they recognize he is not doing his part to ensure a greener future for them.

Hanes has also introduced a new consumer Web site (www.hanesgreen.com) where visitors can learn more about the brand's environmental responsibility effort and watch the "For Future Generations" ad.  The Hanes green Web site will also offer information and ideas for how consumers can take small steps toward making more responsible environmental decisions.  

About Hanes

Hanes, America's No. 1 apparel brand(1), is a leading brand of intimate apparel, underwear, sleepwear, socks and casual apparel. Hanes products can be found at leading retailers nationwide and online direct to consumers at www.hanes.com. Hanes is a flagship brand of Hanesbrands Inc. (NYSE: HBI) (www.hanesbrands.com).

(1) The NPD Group / Consumer Tracking Service, R12 Oct 09, Unit Share

About The Arbor Day Foundation

The Arbor Day Foundation is a nonprofit conservation organization of more than one million members, with a mission to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. More information on the Foundation and its programs can be found at www.arborday.org.    

SOURCE Hanes