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Tom's of Maine Honored By EPA for Outstanding Environmental Achievements

Posted on: Friday, 5 May 2006, 12:02 CDT

KENNEBUNK, Maine, May 5 /PRNewswire/ -- On Thursday, May 4, 2006 Tom's of Maine was honored by the New England Office of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with an Environmental Merit Award in recognition of its work and commitment to the environment in 2005. The EPA Award is given annually to recognize outstanding environmental advocates who have made significant contributions toward preserving and protecting our natural resources. The Award Ceremony was hosted by EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson at Faneuil Hall in Boston. The event also commemorated the EPA's 35th Anniversary.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060505/NEF007 http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050713/NEW010LOGO )

One of Tom's of Maine's central beliefs is that a company can be financially successful while behaving in a socially responsible and environmentally sensitive manner. Tom's was recognized for its 36 year commitment to sustainable business practices and in particular for its 2005 advancements regarding:

* Converting its entire manufacturing facility to wind energy, thus eliminating 1.5 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions annually. This is equivalent to planting 214 acres of trees each year or removing 138 cars from the road annually. * Sustainable Lighting -- replaced 467,400-watt metal halide fixtures with sensor-controlled fluorescent energy-saving fixtures. Tom's will save 250,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity per year. * Recycling -- The majority of Tom's of Maine packaging is made from recycled materials, and all of it is recyclable. Tom's encourages its consumers to recycle its packaging and in its own facilities, recycles aluminum tubes, cardboard, folding cartons, mixed paper, cans, bottles and even challenging items such as shrink wrap. In 2005, Tom's increased its recycle program to over 200,000 pounds per year. As a result of using recycled cartons, per year Tom's saves 376,396 pounds of solid waste; 97,286 gallons of water; 5,373,000,000 BTUs of electricity and 52 years of electricity as required by the average U.S. home.

Founded in Kennebunk, Maine, by Tom and Kate Chappell in 1970, Tom's of Maine creates effective personal care products using simple, natural ingredients derived from plants and minerals. Tom's of Maine products -- toothpaste, mouthwash, floss, deodorant, and soap -- do not contain artificial sweeteners, preservatives, colors, flavors, or animal ingredients; are tested for safety and efficacy without the use of animals; are biodegradable; and are packaged in earth-friendly ways. The philosophy of "Natural Care" guides Tom's in doing what is right for customers, employees, communities, and environment. Tom's fulfills its Natural Care mission by donating 10% of profits to charitable organizations; by encouraging employees to use 5% of their paid time in volunteer work; by adhering to standards of natural, sustainable, and responsible; and by not testing on animals. Visit http://www.tomsofmaine.com/ for more information.

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060505/NEF007http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050713/NEW010LOGOAP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com

Tom's of Maine

CONTACT: Susan Dewhirst of Tom's of Maine, +1-207-985-2944, ext. 363

Web site: http://www.tomsofmaine.com/

Source: PRNewswire

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