Operation Warm, a national nonprofit that creates brand new, high-quality coats and gifts them to children in need, has developed a new sustainable coat called the Green GuardianTM, as part of its ‘more than a coat’ program, debuting on Earth Day.
For nearly 50 years, Earth Day has been celebrated worldwide to support environmental protection. Upwards of 1 billion people in 192 countriesnow take part in what is the largest civic-focused day of action in the world.
Earth Day: Ending Plastic Pollution
This year, Earth Day is focused on ending plastic pollution, which is a growing epidemic. In 2014 alone, over 30 million tons of plastics were landfilled in the United States. A single plastic bottle can take nearly 500 years to decompose.
Just in time for Earth Day and this year’s mission to end plastic pollution, Operation Warm is thrilled to announce The Green Guardian™, its new eco-friendly coat made of recycled plastic bottles. Operation Warm’s goal is to manufacture and provide 15,000 Green Guardian™ coats to children in need across North America this coming fall.
The Green Guardian™ – Developed to Keep Kids Warm and Help the Planet
“The world is in crisis with this plastic pollution. Our mission is to serve children in need, but if we can help save the environment at the same time, it’s a win-win,” explains Dick Sanford, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Operation Warm.
The Green Guardian™ coat’s shell, fleece, and lining are made from recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) also called #1 plastics, most commonly used to manufacture plastic bottles. “Our eco-friendly coat is stylish and durable. It has been designed to withstand hours of playing outdoors and to protect against harsh winter temperatures. However, The Green Guardian™ also addresses the plastic bottle crisis and gives us an opportunity to further educate children about environmentalism.”
Each Green Guardian™ coat will keep the equivalent of 32 plastic bottles out of landfills and oceans. In 2018 alone, Operation Warm’s Green Guardian™ will save nearly500,000 recycled plastic bottles. “The Green Guardian™ will be our contribution to the crisis that we have in this world; our little drop in the bucket,” Sanford continues. “I personally believe it is everyone’s responsibility to help others, and this is how Operation Warm can support kids and help the planet.”
To learn more about supporting children in need with Green Guardian™ coats, visit operationwarm.org/green.