Honda helps

American Forests, Spring, 2004

More than 1.7 million Honda owners nationwide were invited to support the restoration of wildfire-ravaged forests by having a free, 40-point inspection of their vehicle in April. The promotion was part of the inaugural Honda Car Care Days (HCCD), which coincided with National Car Care Month.

To emphasize the effect a poorly maintained vehicle has on the environment, Honda planted a tree with AMERICAN FORESTS' Wildfire ReLeaf program for every 40-point inspection completed during the month. The U.S. Forest Service will match each tree to double the number of trees ultimately planted through HCCD.

"We're excited to join with Honda--one of the most environmentally sensitive car manufacturers in the world--to help restore and rehabilitate the many forest ecosystems destroyed by fire," says Deborah Gangloff, executive director of AMERICAN FORESTS. AMERICAN FORESTS launched Wildfire ReLeaf in 1999.

"Many people don't realize that when their vehicle is not running optimally, it may be emitting greater amounts of harmful pollutants than a similar, carefully maintained vehicle," says John Petas, vice president of American Honda Parts and Service Division.

"Through Honda Car Care Days, we can help improve the environment not just one tree at a time, but also one Honda at a time," he adds.