Skip navigation

Eco Lips Rebuilds Iowa Landscape After Derecho Storm

3 min read

Eco Lips Looks Ahead in Hopes of Rebuilding Iowa Landscape After August’s Derecho Storm

Iowa Brand Contributes to Local Communities Through Trees Forever and the Indian Creek Nature Center

Marion, Iowa (September 9, 2020) - When it comes to getting involved with the local community, Eco Lips (www.ecolips.com), an organic and fair trade beauty and personal care brand, takes their initiatives seriously. Eco Lips has recently partnered with Trees Forever, pledging $5,000 to their Planting Hope Tree Recovery program for the rebuilding of the community after the derecho storm that hit on August 10th, leaving many Midwestern communities devastated. Winds from the storm caused widespread damage to many trees and caused $23.6 million worth damage to public infrastructure in Iowa. Eco Lips is joining forces with Trees Forever to help meet the $500,000 goal of replanting trees in cities, small towns, communities, and farms affected by the storm through landscape quality trees that can be enjoyed in public areas.

“Trees Forever is now more relevant than they ever have been!” States CEO of Eco Lips, Steve Shriver. “They’re a crucial part in rebuilding our community. We need our tree canopy back; we need Trees Forever. We also need to save the bees. After Indian Creek Nature Center (a favorite hiking spot of mine) was devastated by the derecho, I knew we needed to help them recover so they can continue sharing their amazing space and resources with our community.”

In addition, Eco Lips is pledging $2,500 to the Indian Creek Nature Center to assist with their Bee Maintenance program. This crucial program not only benefits the local pollinator population and harvest honey, but also to provides a hands-on learning opportunity for those interested in beekeeping at the hobby level. Their sponsorship also supports the rebuilding of the apiary, which includes materials, maintenance, and operations.

"Like much of our community, the derecho was devastating to Indian Creek Nature Center.” Begins Executive Director of the Indian Creek Nature Center, John Myers. “We lost countless trees and suffered damage to many of our facilities, including our honey bee apiary. Eco Lips' generous donation will allow us to rebuild and enhance our beekeeping programs. Now more than ever, people need to focus on the benefits that nature provides and learning about honey bees and other pollinators is a great way to improve the environment and make a difference."

Eco Lips was created with the goal in mind to make natural, organic, and fair trade ingredients accessible. Eco Lips manufactures the highest quality certified organic, fair trade, and non-GMO lip care products on the planet. The brand is also active in other local philanthropic efforts such as ConnectCR, an ongoing project to bring together two major ventures in Cedar Rapids -- the revitalization of Cedar Lake and the creation of an iconic pedestrian/trail bridge south of downtown.

About Eco Lips

Founded in 2003, Eco Lips is the original organic lip balm. They manufacture the best USDA organic and Fair Trade Certified™ lip care products FOR the world using 100% renewable energy. Eco Lips products are Non-GMO Project Verified, Leaping Bunny Certified, and gluten-free. Eco Lips is a certified B Corporation focused on the triple bottom line - people, planet, and profit. Private Label and Contract Manufacturing is also available. To learn more, visit www.ecolips.com or call 866.326.5477.

About Trees Forever

Trees Forever is dedicated to planting trees, encouraging volunteer involvement and promoting environmental stewardship. With national headquarters in Marion, IA, the staff includes certified arborists, landscape architects, and trained facilitators. Every day, Trees Forever speaks on behalf of trees. They’ve engaged tens of thousands of volunteers in educational workshops, events, and in planting more than 3 million trees, shrubs, andnative plants in their 30-year history. To assist in the goal visit http://www.treesforever.org/PlantingHope.

About Indian Creek Nature Center

The Indian Creek Nature Center is a nature preserve with scenic trails & educational events, plus a sustainable building with exhibits. For decades Indian Creek Nature Center has led the area in sustainable building and operations practices. In 1993, the first net-metered solar panel system in Iowa was installed on the maple sugar house. Relocated to the barn a few years later, these panels have consistently produced 25% of our electricity. For more information visit http://indiancreeknaturecenter.org.


Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.


Also in Education

Organic Beeswax 101

Organic Beeswax 101

2 min read

Beeswax has historical uses, but what exactly is it?
5 Reasons We Love Our Upcycled Cloudberry Oil

5 Reasons We Love Our Upcycled Cloudberry Oil

2 min read

This may be the first time you've heard of the term 'upcycled' or 'circular beauty'. Because consumers demand sustainability from their products, circular beauty is gaining traction.
Introducing Our Plant-Based Facial Care Line

Introducing Our Plant-Based Facial Care Line

2 min read

Introducing our vegan skin care line, Eco Lips + Face. Let's dive into each product, when and how to use it, and its featured hero ingredients.