museums&MORE Winter 2021

Buy One. Plant One. By Debbie Eisele

Retailers and shoppers seek products that offer a charitable giving opportunity. And Woodchuck USA is one of the manufacturers that offers a way to give-back with each purchase of its Zippo Lighters.

WOODCHUCK USA specializes in manufacturing wood products and customization. The business was founded with a single mission of “putting nature back into people’s lives. We are meant to have a deep connection with the Earth.”

Benjamin VandenWymelenberg, founder and CEO of Woodchuck USA shared details on the mission of this initiative and how retailers can become involved and share details with customers.

What is your mission?

Benjamin VandenWymelenberg: Putting nature back into peoples’ lives, bringing jobs back to America and bringing quality back to products.

How do your products serve the mission?

BV: Woodchuck USA, in collaboration with Zippo Lighters, is planting millions of trees to help reforest the planet. We plant a tree for every product sold through our “Buy One. Plant One.” program and aim to inspire others to connect with nature.

Over the past couple of years, we have partnered with Zippo to help in our efforts. Last year we partnered to plant trees in Madagascar and this year we turned inwards to the U.S., specifically we are planting trees a few hours north of the iconic Yosemite Park as well as in Oregon.

What are the plans for the future?

BV: We hope to continue to build on our incredible ability to connect people with nature through our products, and ensure our world’s nature spaces are preserved and in some cases restored for everyone to enjoy.

How can retailers get involved?

BV: Retailers can purchase and display Woodchuck products and help us reforest the planet. Every product sold plants a tree and they are able to give the “Buy One. Plant One.” certificate to the individual that has purchased the item, they can then go look up that tree on our site. For more information on partners and products, visit https://go.woodchuckusa.com/buy-one-plant-one.

Is there any additional information retailers should know?

BV: Amy (amy@woodchuckusa.com) is the best person to get in touch with! There is also a YouTube video available to watch and share. For more information, visit www.woodchuckusa.com.

Debbie Eisele

Debbie Eisele is the former managing editor for Gift Shop Plus, Stationery Trends and a variety of special issue publications, including: The Guide, Holiday Shop, Celebrations & Occasions and Waterfront Living.