WaMu Celebrates Major Green Initiatives, Announces $1 Million Donation to the Arbor Day Foundation

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Washington Mutual, Inc. (NYSE:WM), one of the nation’s leading banks for consumers and small businesses announced today that in partnership with The National Arbor Day Foundation, it has reached its goal to raise $1 million for the foundation. The donation is a result of the bank’s year-long “Make A Statement, Plant A Tree” campaign, which pledged $1 to the Arbor Day Foundation for statements that were switched from paper to online, e-statements. The Foundation will use that money to plant one million trees in America’s national forests.

“The Make A Statement, Plant A Tree campaign reinforces WaMu’s commitment to earth-friendly initiatives and makes good financial sense for us”

At a ceremony celebrating the milestone, the company also announced that in honor of the company’s stores and employees nationwide, it had donated 2,200 Douglas Fir trees to several environmentally-focused non-profit organizations in the Seattle area including the Cascade Land Conservancy.

“The Make A Statement, Plant A Tree campaign reinforces WaMu’s commitment to earth-friendly initiatives and makes good financial sense for us,” said Steve Rotella, WaMu’s president and chief operating officer. “This campaign was a great opportunity for our customers to join us in reducing paper waste and replenishing our planet’s natural resources.”

“The generosity and commitment of Washington Mutual to replanting our nation's forests will make a significant impact on these treasured ecosystems," said John Rosenow, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. "One million trees will be planted where they are needed most, to bring life back to forests that provide clean air and water, habitat for wildlife, and sanctuaries for recreation. It is a remarkable environmental investment that will be enjoyed for generations to come."

Over the last 12 months, WaMu has made significant progress introducing environmentally friendly practices and products in partnership with its customers and employees. The bank’s headquarters building in Seattle recently was recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency as an Energy Star with a near-perfect score of 99. The company has also undertaken two consecutive carbon footprint analyses and is in the process of establishing carbon reduction goals. Additionally, WaMu Real Reward credit card customers have the option to redeem earned points for green energy credits and certificates through several partners including Renewable Energy Choice and National OurEnergy.

About WaMu

WaMu, through its subsidiaries, is one of the nation's leading consumer and small business banks. At Mar. 31, 2008, WaMu and its subsidiaries had assets of $319.67 billion. The company has a history dating back to 1889 and its subsidiary banks currently operate approximately 2,500 consumer and small business banking stores throughout the nation. WaMu’s press releases are available at http://newsroom.wamu.com.

About The National Arbor Day Foundation

Founded in 1972, the Arbor Day Foundation is a non-profit conservation organization with nearly a million members nationwide, with a mission of inspiring people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. More information about the Foundation and its programs can be found at www.arborday.org.