Club rivalries will be set aside when the NRL’s North Queensland Cowboys and Cronulla Sharks team up to get their hands dirty in support of Toyota’s involvement in Planet Ark’s National Tree Day (NTD) on Sunday, August 1 and Schools Tree Day on Friday, July 30 2010.
“It is the simple things that can help make a difference to the environment such as turning off lights around the home, recycling and shorter showers. National Tree Day, supported by Toyota, is another simple and easy way you can make a difference,” said coach of the Cronulla Sharks, Ricky Stuart.
“Get together with your friends from your school or sporting club and plant a tree to do your bit this National Tree Day,” added Captain of the North Queensland Cowboys, Johnathan Thurston.
“We are delighted to have such strong support from the NRL community. Spending so much time outdoors, playing and training makes these sporting stars aware of the importance of looking after our environment,” said, spokeswoman for Planet Ark, Rebecca Gilling.
As Australia’s biggest community tree planting event, National Tree Day and Schools Tree Day are responsible for the planting of more than 15 million native trees and shrubs by around two million volunteers over the years.
“Native trees help sustain the local environment; by planting trees we are helping to combat climate change and creating a cleaner and healthier environment for the next generation,” said Toyota senior executive for sales and marketing, David Buttner.
“Toyota has sponsored National Tree Day for the past 11 years because we genuinely care about the environment and want to reduce the impact of greenhouse gas emissions. Toyota continues to mobilise its entire network of dealers, staff and brand ambassadors to support, participate and contribute to National Tree Day,” David added.
Toyota has demonstrated its genuine global commitment to sustainability minimising its impact on our environment through the creation of the Toyota Prius, the world’s first mass produced car to function on a combination of power from a petrol and electric engine and to reduce fuel consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants.
Following the Prius, the Hybrid Camry became the first locally produced Hybrid vehicle when it rolled off the production line in Altona in February 2010.
To find out more about National Tree Day please visit http://treeday.planetark.org or visit your local participating Toyota Dealership.