Bulleit Frontier Whiskey has announced its commitment to improving Tree Equity across the country in continued partnership with American Forests, the oldest national conservation organization in the United States. Bulleit Frontier Whiskey has also partnered with Street Art for Mankind, in support of the United Nations Environment Programme, in a pledge to restore ecosystems and raise awareness for the critical need for Tree Equity as part of the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem restoration.

Bulleit’s commitment to sustainability was born in Shelbyville, Kentucky, at the Bulleit Distilling Co. Since its creation, the BDC has pioneered processes that reduce carbon emissions, conserve water and manage waste during production. The Visitor Experience Center at the BDC was also built with these goals in mind by eliminating single-use plastics and sourcing organic cocktail garnishes from its onsite garden. More recently Bulleit announced that its distillery in Lebanon Kentucky will not consume any fossil fuels for the production of Bulleit. Through these initiatives Bulleit strives to protect and replenish natural resources that are essential to its product and, most importantly, its communities.

In 2018, Bulleit Frontier Whiskey committed to re-growing the population of White Oak trees in the United States in partnership with American Forests. Together they surpassed their ambitious goal of planting one million trees three years ahead of schedule. These million trees are expected to remove 74,000 pounds of pollutants from the air and conserve over 75 million gallons of water in years to come. Bulleit Frontier Whiskey and American Forests have adopted a new goal of supporting and improving Tree Equity in urban communities.

Now the partnership has focused on improving Tree Equity to directly improve areas that need trees most. The first planting is in the community of Cottage Grove in downtown Houston, which was devastated by Hurricane Harvey. Volunteers helped plant 85 trees along TC Jester Boulevard near White Oak Bayou to help mitigate future flood risks, and provide shade for hiking and biking trails that will increase access to greenspace for the neighborhood. In addition, Bulleit Frontier Whiskey is also supporting the planting of trees in the Willow Waterhole Greenway Conservancy, a neighborhood which needs more trees in order for residents to experience the full health, climate and economic benefits trees provide.  Bulleit Frontier Whiskey and American Forests will partner with local organization, Trees for Houston, to activate their mission at the local level.

To help select the areas in need of Tree Equity, American Forests developed a one-of-a-kind Tree Equity Score, a tool that indicates whether a neighborhood has enough tree canopy for people to fully experience the benefits trees provide. The scores are based on tree canopy, surface temperature, income, employment, race, age and health factors. According to the tool, nearly 80% of urban neighborhoods have inadequate tree cover. Bulleit Frontier Whiskey will continue to support American Forests in their goal to achieve full Tree Equity by 2030.

Bulleit Frontier Whiskey has also partnered with Street Art for Mankind, in support of the United Nations Environment Programme, in their rallying call for the protection and revival of ecosystems across the world, as part of the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. Street Art for Mankind created the Ecosystem Restoration Murals project, a global effort led by the United Nations Environment Programme and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. The Ecosystem Restoration Murals project will install 50 murals created by prominent street artists across the world that highlight the crucial need for the protection and revival of ecosystems.

In Houston, Bulleit Frontier Whiskey and Street Art for Mankind unveiled the first United Nations Ecosystem Restoration mural in the United States. The 16-story high mural by globally renowned artist, Martín Ron, depicts a local Houston resident’s hand holding a sapling. The mural represents the importance of amplifying Tree Equity globally, and also acts to inspire change at the community level. The mural will remain present in Downtown Houston for years to come.

“Bulleit has a long history of designing programs and developing partnerships that have a positive impact on people and the planet,” said Johannah Rogers, Global Brand Director at Diageo North America. “As we remain focused on evolving our environmental goals we know we cannot do it alone, which is why we’re excited to collaborate with partners who share our mission. Our work with American Forests and Street Art for Mankind will make a difference by raising national awareness for the critical need for Tree Equity, and will support the communities in which we operate.”

“Bulleit has been a tremendous partner to American Forests, and we’re grateful and inspired by the company’s decision to expand its focus on Tree Equity in such an innovative way,” said Jad Daley, American Forests president and chief executive officer. “Not only are we planting urban trees together, but thanks to Bulleit’s support of Street Art for Mankind and the United Nations Environment Programme, captivating murals will grace the skylines of several major cities to help call attention to Tree Equity. Art moves people in ways words do not, and we need everyone to make Tree Equity a reality.

For more information, visit www.bulleit.com. To learn more about American Forests, visit www.americanforests.org.