On two recent weekends, more than 100 Roots & Shoots members ventured out to almost 60 Sears® stores across the United States to promote Roots & Shoots and educate shoppers about simple actions they can take to conserve energy and water at home. This huge volunteer effort was part of Roots & Shoots' new alliance with Kenmore® Brand, which is tied into Kenmore's launch of a new ENERGY STAR® qualified dishwasher.

"This information exchange opportunity was enlightening to consumers and Sears appliance sales personnel," said group leader, Amy Waite, of Columbus, Georgia who volunteered at a Sears® store.

Roots & Shoots members who stepped up to volunteer received a free Roots & Shoots T-shirt to wear while volunteering, as well as Roots & Shoots materials to hand out to shoppers as they passed by. In addition to talking about conservation in the home, volunteers were encouraged to share their own Roots & Shoots projects and experiences.

"I had one couple with children, who were looking at dishwashers, turn to me and say happily that they both wanted the information," said Tricia Collins, group leader of Cornwall Consolidated School R&S in Connecticut. "Getting major corporations to be involved in this kind of joint venture is such a wonderful idea."

This volunteer effort marked the first time Roots & Shoots-USA has mobilized its entire member network, and we couldn't be more proud of how our members performed. Volunteers did a wonderful job of promoting home water and energy conservation. They also took advantage of this opportunity to reach new audiences with the Roots & Shoots message that each individual has a role to play in protecting the future of our planet.

As a reward for their efforts, volunteers were entered into a drawing to win a Kenmore Elite Dishwasher with the Ultra Wash® HE Wash System. Drum roll please: The brand-new high-efficiency dishwasher goes to Regina Wolff, group leader of Flagstaff Roots & Shoots in Arizona!

"Talking to people about energy efficient appliances and what they can do to protect our environment was really inspiring," said Katie Campbell, a member of Quinnipiac University Roots & Shoots group in Hamden, Connecticut. "Every person can make a big difference, and I know that we all did."

Many thanks to all the fantastic Roots & Shoots members who contributed more than 250 combined volunteer hours to represent Roots & Shoots!


If you couldn't make it out to volunteer, you can still get involved in the action. Answer "10 Simple Questions" and learn "10 Simple Actions" to conserve water and energy right in your own home!