Moreover, the global company promotes sustainability and has led in the establishment of projects, such as sustainable agriculture programs. In terms of ethical reputation, it tops the ranking among global companies as adjudged by Covalence.

Unilever has also become notable in its strong partnerships with environmental organizations and institutions that share its aims, among which is its 16-year partnership with the National Park Foundation (NPF), a chartered independent charitable organization and the official charity of America’s National Parks.

Collaborating with the NPF, Unilever recently awarded grants totaling $288,000 to 12 National Parks across the U.S. during a reception at the Capitol Hill.

Fiona S. Laird, presenter of the grants, summed Unilever’s rationale for the awards, saying, “As a global company, we have a responsibility to address social, economic, and environmental challenges that impact our consumers and society.”

The grant embodies the company’s vitality mission of which sustainable development is a focus area.

Unilever and NPF have been working together to secure a sustainable future for America’s national parks, and has since raised more than $50 million for this objective.

The $288,000 grant includes Recycling at Work Sustainable Grants and Discretionary Grants — Unilever’s financial contributions in support of the preservation and protection of National Parks.

The Recycling at Work Sustainable Grants are open to 391 National Parks and are awarded to parks which need assistance in strengthening infrastructure with sustainable lumber. This year, several National Parks received the Recycling at Work Sustainable Grants from Unilever, including:

• Golden Gate National Recreation Area
• Devils Tower National Monument
• Independence National Historical Park and
• Lassen Volcanic National Park.

Unilever has awarded over $1 million in Discretionary Grants since 1998 to support parks’ sustainability initiatives. This year, four Parks were awarded Discretionary Grants.