Dell’s ‘Plant a Tree for Me’ Program Goes Retail with Samsclub

Dell customers looking for an environmentally-responsible computing option at samsclub can now help offset the carbon impact of the electricity required to power their laptop or desktop, an extension of Dell’s “Plant a Tree for Me” program.

Customer contributions of $2 for a laptop and $6 for a desktop will go toward the planting of trees that absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Dell partners with The Conservation Fund and the Carbonfund.org, non-profit organizations that plant trees in sustainably managed reforestation projects.

“Our success in addressing climate change, energy depletion and other global challenges ultimately depends on our ability to empower and inspire the ReGeneration, people of all ages who care about the environment,” said Tod Arbogast, director of sustainable business at Dell.

“Programs like ‘Plant a Tree for Me’ provide a simple and tangible way to make a difference.” Dell launched “Plant a Tree for Me” for customers in January 2007. The company recently joined The Conservation Fund, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and other commercial partners in dedicating 158 acres of forestland in East Texas, one of five tree-planting projects funded through the program.

“Climate change and habitat loss are two of the greatest environmental challenges of our time,” said Larry Selzer, president and CEO of The Conservation Fund. “Thanks to industry-leading efforts of Dell and samsclub, and the generosity of their customers, we are making extraordinary strides to restore native forests that will clean the air we breathe, filter the water we drink, enhance habitat for wildlife and create new recreation areas that we can all enjoy.”

Environmental Leadership

Dell is committed to becoming the “greenest” technology company on the planet. Last year, the company announced that it would be the first major computer manufacturer to neutralize the carbon impact of its worldwide operations. The company’s carbon intensity (CO2 emissions/revenue) is among the lowest of the Fortune 50.

In September 2007, Dell announced “Plant a Forest for Me,” a program that enables organizations worldwide to share best practices and, as partners, facilitate the planting of trees in sustainably managed reforestation projects. Partners include AMD, ABN AMRO, Ask, CGI, Staples, Salesforce, Targus and WellPoint.

Dell also offers the industry’s only free recycling program for consumers. In 2006, the company recycled more than 78 million pounds of computer equipment worldwide, a 93 percent increase over 2005. This put Dell ahead of schedule in achieving a goal of recycling 275 million pounds of equipment by 2009.