Cox Enterprises to Join Ocean Conservancy's Trash Free Seas Alliance

ATLANTA, June 8, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- In celebration of World Oceans Day, Cox Enterprises announced it will become a member of Ocean Conservancy's Trash Free Seas Alliance, pledging to work toward solutions that will eliminate ocean trash.

"Oceans are a vital source of food, both for animals and for more than 2.6 billion people worldwide who rely on them for protein," said Cox Enterprises Chief Operating Officer Alex Taylor. "This initiative is an example of how Ocean Conservancy guides policy and engages people in protecting our oceans and wildlife for future generations and we are proud to take action."

This support will build upon Cox Enterprises' national environmental partnership with Ocean Conservancy, where the company annually partners with the organization on beach cleanups from coast to coast. In Orange County, California, 282 volunteers from Autotrader, Cox Communications, Kelley Blue Book and Manheim picked up nearly 1,000 pounds of trash – Cox's biggest cleanup to date. Other cleanup locations include Crandon Park in Key Biscayne, Florida; Johnson Beach on Perdido Key, Florida; Pontchartrain Beach in New Orleans and Lincoln Park in Seattle.

"Cox Enterprises has a long track record for environmental stewardship and Ocean Conservancy welcomes their participation in the Trash Free Seas Alliance," said Nicholas Mallos, Director of Ocean Conservancy's Trash Free Seas program. "We are excited that Cox brings their passion, commitment and integrity to the Alliance. Together, we will focus on identifying smart, effective solutions to tackle a crisis that requires nothing less than all of us-- industry leaders like Cox, governments and global citizens—doing our part to stem the tide of plastic in our ocean."

Cox's partnership with Ocean Conservancy is a part of the company's national Cox Conserves sustainability program that is celebrating its 10^th anniversary. Since 2007 – through Cox Conserves – Cox has invested more than $1.5 million and saved 57 million gallons of water through conservation. The company aims to be water neutral by 2044. To learn more about Cox's commitment to driving positive environmental change, visit www.CoxCSRReport.com.