Tom’s of Maine River Stories Video Contest Seeks to Inspire Others

Kennebunk, Maine – May 29, 2008

Inspire others to make a difference by entering the Tom’s of Maine River Stories Video Contest. As environmental concerns continue to rise, it becomes increasingly important to maintain the cleanliness of our nation’s rivers. In 2007, Tom’s of Maine pledged $1 million over five years to help support American Rivers and River Network, the two leading river groups in the U.S. With the launch of the River Stories Video Contest, Tom’s of Maine continues to highlight this important issue, promote volunteerism and help clean up rivers big and small.

Last year, over 100,000 volunteers participated in events across the U.S. and removed over 700 tons of trash from our nation’s rivers. These ‘River Heroes’ positively impacted the health, business growth, and recreation opportunities within these communities, and powerfully motivated others to get involved. Inspire us with your story by entering the Tom’s of Maine’s River Stories Video Contest, and illustrate your commitment to protecting, preserving and restoring our nation’s rivers.

Why get involved? Rivers are vitally important to our health and quality of life:

• About 50% of the drinking water in the United States comes from rivers.
• 40% of America's rivers, lakes, and estuaries are unsuitable for such basic uses as fishing and swimming.
• One out of every ten Americans is served by a community water system reporting a health standard violation.
• An overwhelming majority of Americans—218 million—live within 10 miles of a polluted lake, river, stream, or coastal area.
• Our states have identified almost 300,000 miles of rivers and streams that do not meet water quality standards.

About Tom's of Maine
Founded in Kennebunk, Maine, by Tom and Kate Chappell in 1970, Tom's of Maine creates effective personal care products using simple, natural ingredients derived from plants and minerals. Tom's of Maine products—toothpaste, mouthwash, floss, deodorant, and soap—do not contain artificial sweeteners, preservatives, colors, flavors, or animal ingredients; are tested for safety and efficacy without the use of animals; are biodegradable; and are packaged in earth-friendly ways. Our philosophy of "Natural Care" guides us in doing what is right for our customers, employees, communities, and environment. We fulfill our Natural Care mission by donating 10% of our profits to charitable organizations; by encouraging our employees to use 5% of their paid time in volunteer work; by adhering to our standards of natural, sustainable, and responsible; and by not testing on animals.

If you need any additional information about Tom's of Maine, please contact Susan Dewhirst, Media and Public Relations Leader. The best way to reach Susan is by email at sdewhirst@tomsofmaine.com. She can also be reached by phone at 207-467-2406.

For all other questions comments, please contact our Consumer Dialogue Department by email or at 800-367-8667.