Minneapolis, MN (PRWEB via PRWebDirect) April 8, 2008 -- In celebration of Earth Day, more than 3,500 grocery stores in 35 states and 20 organic manufacturers are coming together for Go Organic! for Earth Day, a national campaign to increase consumer awareness of the benefits of organic food and agriculture. The initiative is a project of the Organic Trade Association (OTA), Earth Day Network and MusicMatters.
Back for its fourth year, the Go Organic! for Earth Day campaign includes special Earth Day events, promotions and free money-saving coupons available at participating retailers throughout April. Recipes, contests and a store finder to locate participating retailers, can be found on the campaign's Web site at www.OrganicEarthDay.org.
"Although organic sales are on the rise - increasing about 20 percent each year - many shoppers are still on the fence," said Caren Wilcox, executive director of OTA. "We developed this campaign to encourage the adoption of organic products into people's lives. To make it even easier to try organic, Go Organic! for Earth Day offers coupons, tips and information on organic products."
Organic products, such as foods, dietary supplements, personal care products, clothing and more are made from what is grown on organic farms. Organic farms build healthy soil and take care of the environment without using toxic, persistent, synthetic pesticides or genetically engineered seeds or growth hormones. Organic food and beverage products must all meet or exceed federal regulations for organic production.
To add some flavor to 2008, newly appointed spokesperson Chef Domenica Catelli, author of the 2007 hit cookbook, "Mom-a-licious: fresh, fast, family food for the hot mama in you!" will promote the campaign by providing consumers with organic cooking demonstrations, recipes and pantry makeover tips. Consumers can enter to win a day with Chef Catelli and receive organic groceries, a full pantry, refrigerator and freezer makeover and a cooking lesson.
"Chef Catelli's healthy, easy-going philosophy fully captures the spirit and objective of the campaign," said Michael Martin, Prez of MusicMatters. "Since she is a trusted source of information and inspiration for mothers across the nation, we believe that her creative, simple and delicious creations will encourage people to try organic products and reap their benefits."
In addition to Chef Catelli's makeover contest, the campaign also offers an all-expenses paid Bed and Breakfast Getaway sponsored by Stonyfield Farm at the Stanford Inn by the Sea overlooking the beautiful coast in Mendocino, Calif.
Furthermore, the campaign's coupon books offer more that $18 in savings and can fit easily into a purse or pocket.
"We are hopeful that the campaign creates the same amount of buzz and positive response that it has received in past years and continues to convince consumers to choose organic products," said Sean Miller, Director of Education at Earth Day Network.
Go Organic! for Earth Day is supported by leading organic manufacturers, including CLIF Bar & Co., Lifeway Foods, R.W. Knudsen Family, Santa Cruz Organic, Stonyfield Farm, Van's International Foods and Horizon Organic.
For more information on the 2008 Go Organic! for Earth Day campaign, visit www.OrganicEarthDay.org. To obtain a list of additional participating manufacturers and national grocery stores, see attached file.
MusicMatters is an experiential marketing agency whose mission is to create meaningful and educational interactions that influence individual and community behavior, inspire quantified environmental and social change and increase the awareness and sales for our partners. MusicMatters is headquartered in Minneapolis with an enthusiastic team of Brand Activists™ in every major market. Visit us at www.musicmatters.net.
The Organic Trade Association (OTA) is the membership-based business association for organic agriculture and products in North America. Its 1,600 members include growers, shippers, processors, certifiers, farmers' associations, distributors, importers, exporters, consultants, retailers and others. OTA's mission is to promote and protect the growth of organic trade to benefit the environment, farmers, the public and the economy. OTA offers several sources of information online including www.HowToGoOrganic™.com, which is especially for farms and other businesses interested in offering organic products.
Earth Day Network, www.earthday.net, seeks to grow and diversify the environmental movement worldwide, and to mobilize it as the most effective vehicle for promoting a healthy, sustainable planet. It pursues these goals through education, politics, cultural events, and consumer activism. Earth Day Network has a global reach with a network of more than 17,000 partners and organizations in 174 countries. More than 1 billion people participate in Earth Day activities, making it the largest secular civic event in the world.
Media Contact:
Katie Lloyd
612-573-3111
katie.lloyd @ fleishman.com
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