BENTONVILLE, Ark., March 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Just in time for spring, Wal-Mart announces a program to create rubber garden mulch from recycled tires, a step in the company's ongoing commitments to reaching its zero waste goal and providing access to affordable eco-friendly products. The Majestic(TM) rubber mulch mini nuggets hit Wal-Mart store and Sam's Club shelves this week, joining a variety of eco-friendly products already available for the spring season.
More than 2.5 million tires will be recycled by Wal-Mart in 2008 to manufacture the eco-friendly garden mulch that is ideal for landscaping and covering play grounds, pools and pond areas. The rubber mulch is available in red or black, is non-toxic and latex-free, inhibits weed growth and does not compact or blow away, making it a great alternative to traditional mulch for environmentally conscious gardeners.
"We know consumers want to make the most of their time at home this spring and summer, and we want to provide them with product offerings that help create a safe outdoor family environment at the best value," said Andy Barron, senior vice president and general merchandise manager for Wal-Mart. "Our process of recycling millions of used tires into rubber mulch products is yet another way to help our customers live better while also helping the environment."
As consumers prepare to enjoy more time outdoors, Wal-Mart offers everything families need to create a fun and eco-friendly environment to celebrate spring and summer at home at a great value. From garden supplies to outdoor furniture to organic foods, Wal-Mart is the one-stop shop for consumers to prepare for a "green" spring season.
With planting season quickly approaching, Wal-Mart makes creating an environmentally conscious garden simple with several products. The Majestic rubber mulch joins rubber garden edging and tree rings already available at Wal-Mart and Sam's Club -- all made from 100 percent recycled tire rubber. In addition, gardeners can find environmentally safer pesticides and plants in biodegradable pots.
Families also can create an Earth-friendly outdoor entertaining haven beyond the garden with products like Forest Stewardship Council certified outdoor furniture. Barbeques and backyard picnics also can benefit the environment by incorporating organic fruits and vegetables, and all natural and organic meats available at select Wal-Mart Supercenters.
A variety of eco-friendly outdoor products are available in Wal-Mart stores, Sam's Clubs and at walmart.com at unbeatable values:
-- Majestic rubber mulch mini nuggets ($5.47 for a 20 lb. bag)
-- 8' Rubber edging ($9.87)
-- 24" Rubber tree rings ($9.87)
-- Garden Safe(R) Fungicide 3-in-1 certified organic spray ($5.88)
-- Bonnie Plants(TM) Vegetable 5" Peat Pots reduce waste with
biodegradable pots that can be placed directly in soil ($2.97)
-- Forest Stewardship Council certified Home Trends(R) outdoor furniture
pieces including rocking chairs and a folding chairs and table set
(starting at $19.97)
-- Forest Stewardship Council certified Delahey(R) Six-Piece Outdoor Wood
Dining Set ($368.00)
-- Solar powered outdoor lighting (ranging from $14.84 - $59.97)
About Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Every week, millions of customers visit Wal-Mart Stores, Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets, and Sam's Club locations across America or log on to its online store at http://www.walmart.com/. The company and its Foundation are committed to a philosophy of giving back locally. Wal-Mart is proud to support the causes that are important to customers and associates right in their own neighborhoods, and last year gave more than $296 million to local communities in the United States. To learn more, visit http://www.walmartfacts.com/, http://www.walmartstores.com/, or http://www.walmartfoundation.org/.
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
CONTACT: Tara Raddohl of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., 1-800-331-0085
Web site: http://www.walmartstores.com/ http://www.walmart.com/
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