EDF and TOMS Partner to Help Save the Monarch Butterfly

(SAN FRANCISCO, CA — Aug. 8, 2019) Environmental Defense Fund, a leading international nonprofit conservation organization, and TOMS, the Original One for One® Company, have launched a limited-edition footwear collection to promote EDF’s work to save the monarch butterfly from extinction.

The collection — which features butterfly prints on the exterior and monarch migration maps on the interior sole — seeks to raise consumer awareness of the monarch, whose populations have plunged by approximately 90% in the past two decades due to habitat loss and climate change.

To celebrate the shoe collection, TOMS donated $50,000 to Biodiversity Works, a local nonprofit that funds habitat restoration projects on Texas ranchlands — critical rest stops along the monarch’s 3,000-mile journey to and from Mexico each fall and spring. EDF does not accept donations from corporate partners.

“TOMS has helped us ramp up vital conservation activities to build more resilient monarch populations so that this majestic and iconic creature can survive and thrive for generations to come,” said David Festa, EDF’s senior vice president for Ecosystems.

“If we’re going to change the trajectory for the monarch and other pollinators, we need to not only address climate change, but also protect, restore and enhance milkweed and wildflower habitat on working lands — which cover three-quarters of the land in the United States and are largely private. Our nation’s farmers and ranchers are eager to provide habitat not only for the monarch, but many species of wildlife.”

EDF has an ambitious plan to keep the monarch from extinction: restore 1.5 million acres of breeding and feeding habitat in the next 10 years through partnerships with farmers and ranchers as well as scientists.

TOMS partnered with EDF as part of the TOMS Animal Initiative, which helps nonprofit conservation organizations raise awareness and support for global animal protection. This is TOMS’ and EDF’s first partnership for the TOMS Animal Initiative.

“We are proud to help support EDF and the incredible work they do to help save the monarch butterfly,” said Heather Mycoskie, founder of TOMS Animal Initiative. “The goal of the TOMS Animal Initiative is to work with EDF to build awareness about these inspiring creatures and help us all understand how we can protect the butterflies and the ecosystems that support them.”

Learn more about the butterfly collection on TOMS.com, in TOMS stores and at select retailers.

Learn more about how you can help butterfly conservation at edf.org/HelpMonarchs.