SPRINGFIELD, MA - Through a partnership with the Paperboard Packing Council (PPC), the Arbor Day Foundation is offering discounted tree saplings to companies throughout the U.S. and Canada, in honor of Earth Day on April 22. 

Businesses are encouraged to dispense the saplings free of charge to schools and local members of their communities, through the annual TICCIT program (“Trees into Cartons, Cartons into Trees”), an outreach and educational initiative geared towards elementary school children that highlights the renewability and sustainability of paperboard packaging and the enormous value of trees to our environment.

When companies bring this program to local schools, students learn how to plant saplings in paperboard cartons. The children are then instructed how to plant the saplings—and the biodegradable paperboard cartons—in their backyards or neighborhoods.

“Thanks to our collaboration with the Arbor Day Foundation, businesses across the U.S. and Canada can help beautify and educate their local communities,” said Ben Markens, president of PPC. “It’s imperative that young people learn the importance of recycling and the concept of renewability – this program offers them both in a fun atmosphere!”

The Arbor Day Foundation is providing a variety of saplings suitable for different regions of the country for the discounted price of $1 each (50-tree minimum order). Any company interested in participating should place their orders at arborday.org/PPC no later than April 1 for guaranteed delivery by April 15

For ideas on how to implement this unique educational program, anyone is welcome to download a free program guide that includes lesson plans, classroom questions, planting tips, fun facts, and sample forms at www.paperbox.org/TICCIT.