Culture

The Wrigley Company has a rich history of 'doing well, by doing right,' a principle that is at the heart of what sustainability is all about.

Sustainability at Wrigley means driving business performance by advancing the well-being of people, and the planet, now and for future generations. For more than a century Wrigley's business results have confirmed that you can do what's right and not only succeed, but also thrive as a business.
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Community

Wrigley will continue to partner with the business, governmental and NGO organizations that will help us address important business issues like gum residue, nutrition labeling regulations, and health and wellness - issues which are important to our customers and consumers - and are important to our business as well.

Whether it is providing disaster relief to the Red Cross in the wake of China's recent earthquake, helping to educate citizens on the importance of proper litter disposal with Keep America Beautiful, or providing developmental opportunities for tomorrow's leaders and innovators through Germany's Youth Goes Future program, Wrigley will also continue to be active in its communities and partner with those organizations that can help Wrigley make a difference.

The Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company Foundation

Established in 1987 to formalize the giving of grants and donations, the Foundation has distributed more than $40 million to non-profit organizations worldwide. The Wrigley Foundation continues to refine its giving by focusing on issues important to us all, today's youth and the environment. Wrigley has recently committed to give $5 million over 5 years to two outstanding organizations: the International Youth Foundation (IYF) and Conservation International. Wrigley has partnered with these groups to develop programs that will make a real difference in our world. For example, Conservation International recently released a PSA about the effects of deforestation and climate change starring Harrison Ford, made possible in part by Wrigley's grant.

In addition to these significant gifts, the Wrigley Foundation has also established strategic partnerships to broaden our international giving and reflect the global nature of our business.

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Team Earth

Wrigley is the original and catalyzing partner of team earth, an initiative with Conservation International that will harness the power of many people making small changes to create a profound difference in the health of our planet. The mission of team earth unites businesses, non-profits, scientists, educators, and individuals to address the most pressing environmental issues facing humanity, specifically these five critical areas: climate change, water, health, waste, and food.

Wrigley associates around the world are signing up with team earth to make a difference in their communities and to better the planet. Imagine what’s possible if we all join team earth! Are you in? Click image on left to see team earth video.

Promoting Responsible Disposal

Wrigley is also partnering with key opinion leaders and non-government organizations (NGOs) to educate consumers about the proper disposal of chewing gum.

At the country and regional levels, Wrigley has affiliations with environmental organizations around the world. When the volunteer environmental organization "Keep America Beautiful" debuted in 1953, Wrigley signed on as a charter member, and today remains actively involved with this national public service organization.

Internationally, Wrigley is affiliated with Britain's EnCams organization, which is responsible for the "Keep Britain Tidy" campaign; with An Taisce, a leading environmental organization in Ireland; and with "Keep Australia Beautiful," a program focusing on environmental education in schools and communities in New South Wales.

In addition, since the 1930's, Wrigley has included anti-litter logos on its products to encourage responsible disposal. In more recent years, this messaging has been reinforced through consumer education campaigns, including those sponsored by Wrigley through the Gum Litter Task Force in Ireland and the Chewing Gum Action Group in the United Kingdom.

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UNITED KINGDOM In the U.K. the Wrigley Company is an industry member of the Chewing Gum Action Group, which was established by a consortium of interested stakeholders including industry, government, trade associations and individual local authorities.

The Group looks at proactive ways of working together to tackle the issue of gum litter in an effective and sustainable manner, and has been responsible for developing and implementing outdoor advertising campaign activities with the objective of raising awareness that incorrectly disposed of gum is litter and educating the minority of consumers responsible for littering to put their used gum in the bin. The campaign also reinforces Government legislation for littering by highlighting that those responsible could be fined up to £80.

Volunteerism

Wrigley associates have a passion for service and are provided opportunities throughout the year to exhibit their generous spirit through the WAVE Program - Wrigley Associate Volunteer Effort.

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Habitat for Humanity

In 2007, Chicago area associates realized the completion of the first Wrigley Habitat for Humanity house, which was the result of over 3,600 hours of their hard work.

Communications

Going forward, the engagement of the entire Wrigley organization in this commitment is more important than ever, because it is vital that we all are aware of the impact we have as individuals and as business leaders in this effort and that we understand how to weave sustainable practices into our everyday decision making.

Internally, education, sharing of best practices and open communication will help make sustainability second nature in our every day lives at Wrigley and ingrain it in Wrigley's business decision making. This communication will also serve as a call to action for Wrigley associates - helping to identify how we can all make a difference, whether that is by making a lifestyle choice or applying sound economic, environmental and socially responsible business practices during our business day.

What's next

We will tap into the expertise and knowledge of Wrigley associates in identifying what we can do differently and benchmark where we are now. The ideas contributed by Wrigley associates will be a part of developing Company-wide programs and fueling education.

In addition, on-going communications that facilitate awareness, education, sharing best practices, and exchanging tips and ideas with one another will be a part of creating a Wrigley culture committed to sustainability and making it a part of our regular dialogue. Externally, Wrigley will continue to play a role in addressing issues important to the confectionery industry and our consumers including wellness, nutrition and proper disposal of consumer packaged goods and our products.

The company will also continue to actively engage in its communities across the globe through the Wrigley Foundation and local volunteer and philanthropic initiatives, including the exciting development of programming with International Youth Foundation and Conservation International.