In alignment with this year’s Earth Day theme, “Invest In Our Planet,” LyondellBasell focused its Earth Day activities on meaningful action. The company’s aim was to help protect the environment and make progress toward its goal of replanting and distributing 6,000 trees across the greater Houston area by the end of 2022. Together with Trees For Houston and The Astros Foundation, LyondellBasell gave away 2,500 trees, enough to remove approximately 1.1 million pounds of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere over the next 20 years.
“This initiative aligns with our company’s sustainability approach and is a real example of making a difference through collective action,” said Sydney Stobart, LyondellBasell sustainability analyst and co-chair of the company’s Young Professionals Employee Network, a group integral in helping with the tree giveaway. “We know what it means to be a responsible corporate citizen and want to encourage the same passion and goals across our workforce and communities for a more sustainable future.”
Eight different tree types of 3-gallon trees were available for the community to choose from at the giveaway, held at Minute Maid Park on April 23, including American beautyberry, American sycamore, buttonbush, common persimmon, loblolly pine, pecan, sweetgum and white oak.
Houston Astros Pitcher Framber Valdez attended the giveaway and helped distribute trees to area residents. He said the importance of this initiative should not go unnoticed, as trees enhance our communities and quality of life in a multitude of ways. Valdez and the The Astros Foundation recognize the benefits of trees extend far beyond beautification.
“From improving the air we breathe to supporting wildlife, trees are essential to our ecosystem,” said Paula Harris, senior vice president of community and The Astros Foundation executive director. “In addition to beautifying landscapes, trees play a critical role in keeping our communities livable and sustainable.”
To support the ever-growing need for trees due to Texas wildfires, LyondellBasell is planning another tree giveaway for the greater Houston community on Saturday, Sept. 17 – the same day as the company’s 23rd annual Global Care Day. Global Care Day is a company-wide day of service for LyondellBasell employees, contractors, friends and families.
The company and its employees are dedicated to putting real action behind its commitment to Advancing Our Planet. In 2021, LyondellBasell invested more than $5.5M in programs aimed at reducing environmental impacts. LyondellBasell recently published its 5th annual Sustainability Report, “Future Focused.”
For more information about LyondellBasell’s sustainability initiatives, click here.
