SEVENTH ANNUAL WYLAND NATIONAL MAYOR’S CHALLENGE FOR WATER CONSERVATION

East County News Service

Residents from 4,800 cities expected to participate in nationwide competition for Most Water-Wise Title in April; annual campaign to focus on clean water and watershed health

April 2, 2018 (Plano, Texas) – The annual month-long Wyland National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation has officially kicked off as part of an annual effort to raise awareness about the challenges faced by the nation to ensure a steady, reliable supply of clean water for the future. Presented nationally by the Wyland Foundation and Toyota, the campaign encourages U.S residents, led by mayors across the nation, to spread the word about the benefits of managing water resources.

The annual competition, which takes place each year from April 1-30, rewards residents who heed the call with a chance to win $5,000 toward their home utility bills, home irrigation makeovers, environmentally friendly clean products, and hundreds more eco-friendly prizes. Plus, a deserving charity will receive a 2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid for its organization. Last year, mayors from 36 states encouraged residents to make over 420,000 pledges to promote drought resiliency, protect watersheds, and ultimately reduce stress on aging water infrastructure.

Residents make their pledges online at www.mywaterpledge.com throughout the month of April. Cities with the highest percentage of residents that make pledges in their population categories qualify for over $50,000 in prize drawings. Students and teachers can take part in the pledge, too, by accessing a special section of the website. Once there, teachers can download lesson plans relating to water conservation, make the pledge on behalf of their classes and enter to win classroom supplies and gift cards for their school.

The non-profit campaign is presented in association with EPA WaterSense, The Toro Company, National League of Cities, Conserva Irrigation, and Earth Friendly Products (makers of ECOS). The challenge is designed to bring together all facets of the community together to follow their city’s progress throughout the month and to use that information to encourage neighbors, businesses, and civic groups to spread the word. A national kickoff will take place from 11 am – 1 pm, Tuesday, April 3, from the Plano STEAM Academy, 1701 Alma Dr., Plano, Texas, and will feature an eco-fair, including representatives from area universities, local utilities, and non-profits demonstrating the latest techniques for greening our homes and community. One of the world’s leading eco-friendly vehicles, the new Toyota RAV4 hybrid vehicle will be showcased at the event. Other eco-friendly prizes on display will include Toro Smart Irrigation products and ECOS environmentally friendly cleaning products.

About the Wyland Foundation

Founded in 1993 by environmental artist Wyland (best known for his series of 100 monumental marine life murals), the Wyland Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to promoting, protecting, and preserving the world’s ocean, waterways, and marine life. The foundation encourages environmental awareness through community events, education programs, and public art projects. www.wylandfoundation.org.