Earth Friendly Products Joins Great Lakes Forever
National promotion offers discounts and donation to protect fresh water

One of the nation's leading manufacturers of non-toxic, biodegradeable household cleaning supplies joined the call for Great Lakes protection and restoration today. In its continuing program of supporting campaigns with a commitment to social and environmental action, Earth Friendly Products announced its support of Great Lakes Forever, a campaign dedicated to protecting and promoting the largest surface freshwater resource - the Great Lakes. Great Lakes Forever, part of a larger public education initiative launched by the Madison, Wisconsin-based non-profit Biodiversity Project, seeks to protect the valuable, but vulnerable natural heritage of this world treasure.

"Our greatest challenge is letting people know that the lakes need our help now," notes Peter Alexander, Executive Director of Biodiversity Project. "People in the Great Lakes states are proud of the lakes and feel a strong personal responsibility to protect them," he continues, "but the lakes are so huge and have played such an important role in defining our region's identity and history, that sometimes it's hard to believe they're vulnerable. The support of corporate leaders, like Earth Friendly Products, demonstrates a growing concern about the future of our Great Lakes."

"Our commitment to preserving the natural purity of water resources is especially fitting to Earth Friendly Products," emphasizes John Vlahakis, President, "because our product development is entirely based on using ingredients that are safe and nurturing - not only for humans, but also for our environment." Vlahakis continues, "Responsible companies that have a stake in consumer safety and environmental protection are especially important in advocating preservation and protection of natural resources. We can help by alerting our customers to environmental needs that they may wish to actively support." To that end, Earth Friendly Products will promote the initiative nationally with in-store brochures and displays, and will donate a portion of the sales of all its products through June 2006 to the Great Lakes Forever campaign.

The Great Lakes contain nearly 20% of our planet's fresh surface water and provide drinking water for more than 42 million Americans and Canadians every day. Sometimes called the "Third Coast," the 11,000 miles of Great Lakes coastline actually exceeds the coastlines of the U.S. east and west. Families, sailing enthusiasts, surfers, hikers and others thrive on the cornucopia of recreational opportunities that the region offers. But humans aren't the only creatures that rely on the lakes. Bald eagles, black bears, lake trout, moose, wolf, and a remarkable diversity of plant and animal life depend on their waters, wetlands, forests and shores every day.

According to Jeffrey Potter, coordinator for the Great Lakes Forever program, the leadership of businesses like Earth Friendly Products is needed now more than ever. "Pollution is closing our beaches and contaminating our fish," Potter says. "Invasive species and irresponsible development are threatening the survival of our native wildlife. And private interests are pushing to actually buy and sell Great Lakes water for a profit. These are scary issues, but it's not too late to make a change for the better."

"When it comes to protecting our local freshwater resources," notes Potter, "we all have a role to play." The You Can Make a Difference section of this Web site offers ways everyone can get involved in your own homes and communities. "Big changes often start with little steps," he continues. "And choosing biodegradable, non-toxic soaps and cleaners, like those made by Earth Friendly Products, supporting local and organic agriculture, and reducing energy consumption at home are easy and meaningful ways to start."

To learn more about Earth Friendly Products visit their website at www.ecos.com.

Click here for information about other Great Lakes Forever program initiatives