Kelly Ripa Teams up with Electrolux and Top Eco Experts to Swap Ideas on Going Green with Proceeds Benefitting Global Green USA

April 13, 2010 – Talk show host and super-mom, Kelly Ripa is used to going live in front of a national audience.  But not like this.  Today, Kelly teamed up with Electrolux, maker of eco-friendly, ENERGY STAR® qualified appliances, to host her first-ever live Webcast in support of Earth Day and Global Green USA.

As part of the exchange, known as the first-ever “Green Idea Swap,” Kelly was joined by three eco lifestyle experts – Josie Maran, creator of her own eco-friendly makeup line; Zem Joaquin, founder and CEO of Ecofabulous; and Anna Getty, green living and holistic lifestyle expert – who took questions on implementing eco-friendliness into everyday life.Eco is so much more than recycling these days,” said Ripa. “These women prove that you don’t have to sacrifice style to go green. From your makeup routine to your laundry room, you can make small changes that can add up to make a big difference.”

The “Green Idea Swap” continues at www.Kelly-Confidential.com. Each time someone swaps an eco idea between 4/13/10 and 4/30/10, Electrolux donates $1 (up to a $25,000 maximum) to Global Green USA, a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering a global value shift toward a sustainable and secure future[1].

"Swapping an eco idea helps people implement green living into their everyday lives, and helps Global Green raise funds to solve pressing environmental challenges," said Global Green President & CEO Matt Petersen.  “We are so pleased to be the beneficiary of this initiative and a significant investment in our efforts to rebuild the Lower Ninth Ward in New Orleans.  And we’re proud to join with a company long dedicated to creating energy-efficient appliances.”

To help spread the word, everyone who swaps an idea will be entered for a chance to win an eco-friendly washer and dryer.  Gentle on the environment and your clothes, Electrolux washers use 56% less water and its wave-touch washers are up to 83% more energy-efficient[2].

 “As an industry leader in energy efficiency, Electrolux shares Global Green’s commitment to fostering sustainability,” said Kevin Scott, Electrolux Major Appliances President and CEO, North America.  “That’s why we are proud to offer appliances that are both stylish and eco-friendly – from induction cooktops and ranges that boost energy efficiency 73% over comparable gas models and 22% over electric models, to dishwashers that use at least 41% less energy and 40% less water than was used just 10 years ago.”

Electrolux is the only major household appliances company included in the most recent Dow Jones Sustainability World Index.  As part of its company-wide “Green Spirit” initiative, Electrolux committed to improving the energy efficiency of its operations by reducing total energy use 15% by the end of 2009[3].  Having achieved that target a year ahead of schedule, the company announced it will cut energy use an additional 15% by 2012.

The entire Electrolux appliance collection is available nationwide through select independent appliance dealers and at Best Buy, Lowe’s and Sears.

About The Electrolux Group
Electrolux has a rich heritage of developing kitchen appliances in Europe, which have been used throughout homes and restaurants for more than 80 years. Among these products is the prestigious Molteni brand, a name chosen by the world's greatest chefs who expect the ultimate in cooking performance. Design centers around the world are focused on understanding consumer needs and developing innovative designs that fit with how consumers live.  For more information, visit www.electroluxappliances.com.

About Global Green USA
Global Green USA - the American affiliate of Green Cross International founded by Mikhail Gorbachev - is a national leader in championing smart solutions to climate change. For over 15 years, Global Green has influenced more than $20 billion dollars in green construction, including green building for affordable housing, schools and communities. Global Green, in conjunction with other Green Cross International affiliates, has co-sponsored numerous expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctic to shine a light on the human impacts of global warming, and highlight the imminent danger caused by these warming trends.

[1] Between 4/13/10 and 4/30/10, Electrolux will donate $1 for the first green idea swapped, per user, per day, for a maximum of $25,000 to Global Green USA.

[2] Water savings based on DOE energy star energy savings calculator. Energy Efficiency based on current DOE Federal minimum standard for washers using the modified energy factor (MEF) calculation. 83% applies to Wave-Touch™ model washers only.

[3] Using 2005 baseline