KEEN Wins 3rd Rock/Creek Environmental Award

THURSDAY, 30 APRIL 2009
Submitted By: Sherwin Mapanoo

Rock/Creek, a Chattanooga-based independent outdoor retailer, created the award to celebrate Earth Day and recognize one vendor's efforts to reduce environmental impact. Broad criteria for selection include: manufacturing and design innovations, waste reduction, elimination of hazardous chemicals, recycling, and reducing energy consumption.

KEEN joins previous award winners Patagonia and Chaco in being recognized as environmental leaders by Rock/Creek.

Rock/Creek Marketing Director Mark McKnight describes the process: "KEEN's bold action to reduce their environmental footprint as well as the transparency with which they have analyzed their own operations through their sustainability 'Report Card' is worthy of notice. In the end, their focus on creating community and focusing on the customer as the reason behind their sustainability efforts made them the best choice for the 3rd Annual Rock/Creek Environmental Stewardship Award."

"It is rare to have a company so motivated to get involved with local retailers and support local community. KEEN has really become a user-friendly company in regards to fundraising and campaigning their cause," explains Rock/Creek co-owner, Marvin Webb. "In addition to their global environmental efforts, KEEN has supported the Rock/Creek Trail Series, which helps us build trails and secure access here in Chattanooga."

Jeff Weathersbee, the Sales Representative accepting the award on behalf of KEEN, shares his enthusiasm: "This is awesome! We (KEEN) really appreciate the recognition and we are excited to be a part of such a great relationship with Rock/Creek. KEEN has been a proud partner with Rock/Creek for many community programs."

Rock/Creek carries KEEN's Harvest Mary Jane shoe as well as the Pettygrove Hand Bag, both made from recycled rice paper found on the floors of Asian factories. Rock/Creek also has KEEN shoes and bags made from recycled aluminum, recycled polyester, as well as a special leather called Low Impact to the Environment Leather (LITE), created by Keen with German-owned leather tannery located in China. KEEN also has aggressive goals for replacing diesel and coal-fired electric power with hydroelectric power.

For more information on sustainable materials, low-impact gear and clothing, as well as Rock/Creek's own environmental initiatives, visit http://www.rockcreek.com/earth-day/

Source: www.outdoorindustry.org