The message is plain and simple. Improve your Life. Plant a Tree. Why? Because planting trees will help to clean the air and cool the globe.

Since 1998, IKEA US, in partnership with American Forests, has been dedicated to improving the lives of many people through its national in-store “Plant A Tree” program, a campaign that asks customers to donate $1 to plant one tree. These contributions, together with money donated by IKEA, have resulted in the raising of over $2 million dollars to plant over 2 million trees across America. 

Additionally, back on October 1, 2011, as part of the recently launched Life Improvement Project (www.thelifeimprovementproject.com), IKEA gave away free seedlings at “surprise locations” in local communities. This was the first of several “Random Acts of Life Improvement” giveaway initiatives.  

Why “Plant a Tree” program?

Trees and forests are a crucial part of the Earth’s ecosystem. Trees are green machines that clean our air and water by absorbing pollution and stabilizing the soil. The trees donated to American Forests are planted throughout the US in environmental restoration projects.

“Thanks to American Forests and IKEA US customers, we are celebrating the planting of two million trees across America. IKEA US continues to showcase its deep commitment to climate change and our quality of life by keeping the environment clean and green. Each tree makes a difference and two million trees planted will help to reduce CO₂ pollution, while renewing America’s forests,” said Mike Ward, President, IKEA US. “This closely aligns with our current Life Improvement Project, a national program to inspire consumers and provide them with tools to create a better everyday life at home and in their communities,” added Ward.

“American Forests and IKEA have partnered for more than a decade to help restore and protect forests across the country and throughout the world,” said Scott Steen, American Forests CEO. “Through IKEA and its customers’ commitment to this important work, we have been able to undertake hundreds of ecosystem restoration projects and plant millions of trees. As a result, communities across America now have cleaner air and water, better wildlife habitats and less CO₂ in the atmosphere. We look forward to continuing this work with IKEA in the years to come to support a greener, healthier planet,” added Steen.