Telecom giant Verizon announced today the introduction of new sustainability commitments, including a goal to plant 20 million trees by 2030, and the unveiling of its most sustainable retail bag ever.

Verizon has been very active this year in advancing its sustainability initiatives. In June, the company announced that it was joining the Climate Pledge, an initiative co-founded by Amazon and climate change organization Global Optimism, calling on signatories to achieve net zero carbon across their businesses by 2040, 10 years ahead of the Paris Agreement target. In July, Verizon introduced its new “Citizen Verizon” corporate responsibility plan, committing to a widespread program of environmental and social initiatives. The company is also a leader in sustainable finance in the US, issuing its second $1 billion green bond in September.

Verizon’s new initiative doubles its tree-planting goal from its original 10 million target. The company announced that it has joined the U.S. Chapter of 1t.org – the Trillion Trees Platform led by the World Economic Forum and American Forests to support the global movement to conserve, restore and grow 1 trillion trees worldwide.

James Gowen, Chief Sustainability Officer and Vice President of Global Supply Chain, Verizon, said:

“Verizon is committed to protecting our planet for future generations. We’re taking broad climate actions including investing in renewable energy, creating solutions that help customers save energy and committing to global reforestation projects. As part of our planet-first focus, we’re doubling down on our tree planting commitment and making an additional 10 million tree pledge through the World Economic Forum’s Trillion Trees Platform.”

Justin Adams, Director of Nature-Based Solutions, World Economic Forum, said:

“As one of the largest telecoms providers in the United States, it’s wonderful to see Verizon’s ambitious commitment to grow 20 million trees by 2030. The U.S. Chapter of 1t.org is thrilled to receive Verizon’s pledge, and hope that it inspires other companies to join the global movement to conserve, restore and grow our forests.”

According to Verizon, the new retail bag will be the company’s most eco-friendly to date, and will launch this holiday season in select Verizon stores across the US. The bag is made from nearly 90% post-consumer waste (PCW) – more than double the PCW of the current shopping bag – and is 100% recyclable and reusable.

Diego Scotti, Chief Marketing Officer, Verizon, said:

“The commitments Verizon has made to protect the environment call for partnerships across the entire company to build solutions that will create impact. The launch of our new, sustainable retail bag and the doubling of our tree planting efforts are great examples of the partnership between marketing and sustainability to create not only the future of the consumer experience but also the future of a healthy planet.”