EA Logistics Delivers Green Show Freight for Wal-Mart Sponsored Sustainable Products Showcase

Red Ball Productions has selected EA Logistics to be the official freight carrier for the Wal-Mart/Quest Sustainable Solutions Showcase on October 7 in Bentonville, Arkansas. The first annual showcase is being held in conjunction with Wal-Mart and Sam's Club's Annual Sustainability Milestone Meeting hosted by their CEO, Lee Scott.

"We saw what EA Logistics was doing to promote environmentally responsible shipping for the trade show and expo industry and thought the Delivered GrEAn® program would be a perfect fit for this show," said Dave Higgins, owner of Red Ball Productions LLC, the general contractor for the showcase. "Given the green focus of the show and the participants, we felt it was important to work with a freight provider who could help reduce and offset the exhibitors' carbon footprint."

According to show organizer Denise Kennedy, "All the showcased products are made from recycled materials, such as tires, plastics, refined oil or organic waste. Wal-Mart is particularly interested in products that can be created in a 'closed loop system' – reclaimed at the end of their lifecycle and turned into other product that can be sold in its stores. A good example is recycling old tires into rubber playground mulch."

Exhibitors include are Wilson Art International, Georgia Pacific, American Rubber Technologies, American Specialty Glass, InterfaceFLOR and Wausau Tile, in addition to Quest Recycling, a Wal-Mart vendor that initiated the showcase concept.

"We are thrilled to be able to support these exhibitors in their efforts to reduce the environmental impact of their show participation while expanding the market for sustainable products," said Mike Ellis, president of EA Logistics. "By helping facilitate their connection with Wal-Mart, a sustainability pioneer, we hope to encourage eco-friendly shipping and related practices throughout the retail environment."

Recognizing that transportation is one of the leading sources of greenhouse gas emissions, EA Logistics launched Delivered GrEAn ® to help its customers reduce the negative impact of shipping on the environment. The program has been particularly well-received in the meetings and events industry, which EA Logistics serves through its dedicated trade show and expo division. Shipping activities can account for as much as 15 – 20% of a show's carbon footprint. Through the Delivered GrEAn® program, EA Logistics computes emissions for each shipment(s) based on distance, weight and mode of transportation, and at no additional cost to customers, purchases carbon credits to offset 100% of these emissions. EA Logistics also helps customers save money and reduce fuel usage by looking for ways to increase efficiencies in their transport program, uses biodiesel in their company trucks, and pursues a variety of eco-friendly practices in the business.

In an effort to promote a "zero waste goal" event, the organizers are taking a number of other steps, as well. For instance, Red Ball Productions will be implementing a comprehensive on-site recycling program, which includes using recycled cardboard trash containers and soy-based liners, as well as biodegradable tablecloths.

Because of its commitment to sustainability and its innovative program, EA Logistics recently has been tapped for several other "green" trade shows, including West Coast Green, September 25 – 27 in San Jose, California. Ellis has been active in efforts to promote eco-friendly exhibiting and is a member of the EDPA's green committee. He is also co-chair of the transportation subcommittee for the APEX-sponsored effort to establish sustainability standards for the meeting and events industry as a whole.

Founded in 1977, EA Logistics is a domestic and international freight forwarder providing service 24 / 7 / 365 via ground, air and ocean modes. With a reputation for exceptional service, follow-through and attention to detail, EA Logistics is a pioneer in the development of environmentally sensitive shipping. For more information, visit
www.DeliveredGrEAn.com or contact: DeliveredGrEAn@ealogistics.com or call 800.863.5948.