Send us your green ideas Each month Michigan Retailer will feature one idea that shows retailers being environmentally responsible. Call MRA's laura Adkins at 800.366.3699 or e-mail mra@retailers.com to submit your ideas.

Art Van to Plant Trees

Warren-based Art Van Furniture is a leader in environmentally friendly retail. Among the numerous innovative programs and practices the family-owned retailer pursues is its “Caring For Our World” tree donation initiative each Arbor Day.

For 2008’s Arbor Day, Art Van will donate 4,600 trees, to be planted in communities throughout Michigan where Art Van stores are located. It will also partner with non-profit educational group The Greening of Detroit to use 100 trees in an educational program with area students.

Trees combat global warming by absorbing CO2, help cool nearby buildings for energy savings and improve water quality by slowing soil erosion and chemical runoff into streams.

Current GreenTailers: contact MRA if you would like to use the GreenTailer logo in your marketing materials or on your website.