More than 150 events in 32 countries designed to educate, inspire and mobilize consumers in the fight against climate change

As one man enters the Atlantic coastal waters to start his 1,000-mile eco-swim, 80 volunteers in Thailand create an urban forest through the planting of 1,000 trees – all in the name of Earth Day, in the hopes of stemming the climate crisis and catalyzing an environmental movement of “do-ers” under the banner of Timberland Earthkeepers.

“Earthkeepers launched a year ago as an online campaign to unite people around the idea of protecting our planet and inspiring real-world environmental change,” explains Timberland President and CEO Jeff Swartz. “Since then, it has grown into a much broader movement, encompassing everything from our environmentally-conscious product line to our community greening efforts to providing a global platform for a new generation of environmental heroes. We believe that everyone has the ability to be an Earthkeeper – and no better day to reinforce and celebrate that belief than on Earth Day.”

Timberland has recognized Earth Day with community service events for 11 consecutive years; this year, Timberland-hosted Earth Day events will unite more than 8,000 volunteers at more than 150 events around the world, generating nearly 50,000 service hours.

More important than the numbers, according to Timberland CEO Jeff Swartz, is the opportunity to show people how their individual effort creates a positive impact on our environment and helps in the fight against global warming.

“People are increasingly concerned about climate change and its impact on our world, but it’s an overwhelming issue and it can be difficult to know how or where to begin,” says Swartz. “We can help by better educating consumers on how to be a part of the solution, inspiring them through the stories of others, and engaging them in events to put their own environmental passion into action.”

Here are some ways in which Timberland is working to educate, inspire and engage others this Earth Day:

• Extreme swimmer and eco-activist Christopher Swain has joined the ranks of the “Earthkeeper Heroes” – a select group of environmental change agents who, through a partnership between Timberland and Changents.com, tell their amazing stories from the frontlines in real-time while building a network of fans around the world to help them.