Hickory Springs Kicks Off Nationwide Competition Celebrating Earth-Friendly Projects in Schools and Communities

HICKORY, N.C., Jan. 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Hickory Springs, one of the nation's leading suppliers of components to the furniture industry, understands the importance of a solid foundation for the good of the environment.  Today the company announced a nationwide search for school and community-based teams to compete in "EarthCare Challenge II."  The contest asks America to show how environmental education is inspiring students of all ages to lead green initiatives in communities everywhere.

Following the 2010 EarthCare Challenge which chronicled individual contestants' quests toward a greener lifestyle, this year's competition will bring together communities and school groups in search of the best green projects presented by teams.

To enter, teams must post either a photo or video of their project with information on the EarthCare Challenge Facebook page, www.facebook.com/earthcarechallenge by February 18.

"Through the EarthCare Challenge, Hickory Springs celebrates the people that make grassroots initiatives possible, proving that you're never too young or old to make a difference in your community," said Hickory Springs Executive Vice President Dwayne Welch.  "Schools are a foundation for tomorrow's leaders; the Challenge provides an opportunity for students to be rewarded for inspiring their friends, family and communities to live more sustainably."

The EarthCare Challenge takes place entirely on Facebook and is featured on affiliated sites Twitter, YouTube and EarthCareInside.com.  It promotes the company's EarthCare Inside line of recycled and bio-based components for upholstered furniture, featured in products from manufacturers such as Craftmaster, Alan White Furniture, England and H.M. Richards.

"Over the last several years many home furnishings companies such as Hickory Springs have committed themselves to providing consumers with products that help them lead a greener lifestyle.  We are excited to have an interactive platform that encourages the dialogue and brings more awareness around the efforts made by our furniture industry partners," said Welch.

The call for entries runs now through February 18 on the EarthCare Challenge fan page on Facebook.  On February 21, Hickory Springs will announce the finalist teams selected to compete in The EarthCare Challenge which will take place on the page throughout March.

Through Facebook updates, teams demonstrate the progress of their projects, while the public is encouraged to join the page and vote for their favorite through comments or 'Likes' on contestants' posts. 

Judged by a panel of green experts and Hickory Springs, a winner will be announced on April 4 based on the team that has demonstrated the most dynamic progress.  The grand prize includes $1,000 to the winning team plus a collection of EarthCare furniture to be used to furnish their community space of choice.

The contest is open to U.S. residents over 21 years of age.  Middle and high school students affiliated with schools or after-school programs may participate with a team leader who is over the age of 21.  Official contest details are available at www.earthcareinside.com.

About Hickory Springs

Founded in 1944 as a producer of furniture springs, Hickory Springs Manufacturing Company has grown into one of the nation's most trusted partners to manufacturers and suppliers for the furniture and bedding industries.  The company is headquartered in Hickory, North Carolina, and operates more than 50 facilities in 16 states throughout the U.S. and one in China.  Their EarthCare Inside line of furniture components includes the industry-leading Preserve® bio-based foam, 100% recycled cotton, recycled sinuous steel and coils, among other sustainable options. For more, visit www.hickorysprings.com and www.earthcareinside.com.

SOURCE Hickory Springs