PARSIPPANY, N.J.—Wyndham Green by Wyndham Worldwide announced the sponsorship of The Wyndham Green Paddle 2010 featuring ultra-endurance athlete Tom Jones and his quest to raise public awareness about the great risks to the environment and the world’s oceans from improper and excessive use of plastic. From May 16 to August 12, Tom Jones will attempt to create a new world record by paddling from Key West, Fla., to New York City on a standup paddleboard.
Wyndham Green Paddle 2010 is Wyndham’s sustainability program that focuses on social responsibility and the environment as a part of the company’s overall green strategy. Wyndham Green has partnered with Tom Jones and Plastic Free Ocean, a subsidiary of the Tom Jones Foundation, a federally registered 501(c)3 nonprofit incorporated in California, in order to raise funds and public awareness about the harm plastic has on the environment and the resources needed to rid oceans of these pollutants.
Plastic in the oceans is entirely caused by human action and human inaction. It has as much potential to do harm as the worst climate change scenario and is having greater immediate effects, yet it so far receives comparatively no attention, and very little private or government action or funding.
Plastic is a Killer
Some of the harmful effects of plastic in the oceans affect birds and marine species. About 44 percent of all seabirds die due to eating floating plastic. Reproductive systems of more than 250 marine species are affected by consuming plastics, including bags and bottles. These harmful effects can be mitigated if consumers reduce the use of, reuse and properly recycle plastics.
Wyndham Worldwide and its business units including Wyndham Vacation Ownership and Wyndham Hotel Group will host Tom Jones and representatives from Plastic Free Ocean Organization as they paddle their way up the East Coast. Wyndham properties will provide hospitality and comfort required to recharge the crew for their 1,500-mile oceanic journey. To view the route and landfall events that will occur throughout the trip, visit www.plasticfreeocean.org.
Wyndham Green’s support of Paddle 2010 is just one activity encompassed in the company’s global commitment to corporate social responsibility and the environment. “Wyndham Green is not just a program but a way of living and working based on the vision and values of Wyndham Worldwide,” stated Faith Taylor, vice president of sustainability for Wyndham Worldwide. “We understand that our business activities impact the earth and people’s lives. In an effort to decrease our carbon footprint, we are committed to conserving our natural resources, preserving our habitats and preventing pollution. The foundation of Wyndham Green is education, which grounds us in the realities of what is happening in our environment and inspires us to act on what we know we can do today.”
