Ride with Purpose

Apr 14, 2017 10:50 AM ET

At a glance, they seem like an odd couple. One is an on-demand ridesharing firm and the other a nonprofit committed to restoring the earth’s essential ecosystems. But connected they are thanks to an ingenious collaboration made possible by VMware. The effort — a win, win, win for all three partners — brings to life VMware’s mission to be a force for good in the world. 

Driven to Offset CO2
Earlier this year, VMware announced a preferred partnership with Lyft, the ridesharing program that operates in more than 300 cities in the U.S. VMware employees appreciate the ease of simply tapping and going, while the company as a whole values the efficiency and savings provided by this new mode of transportation. However, there is more to the story than that.

VMware is fiercely committed to becoming carbon-neutral and to putting back more into the environment than it takes. And now Lyft helps them do exactly that by offsetting the carbon footprint of VMware employees every time they ride.

Creating Connections for Good
Along with its collaboration with Lyft, VMware has an ongoing partnership with Restore the Earth Foundation — a bold, energized group focused on reviving one million acres of degraded land in the lower part of the Mississippi River Basin. 

In late 2016, VMware had the opportunity to share with Lyft its appreciation of the important work being done by Restore the Earth — and asked if it was something Lyft would also be interested in supporting. The answer was a resounding, Yes.

In a shared vision of sustainability, Lyft now donates 1 percent of each business ride taken by VMware employees to Restore the Earth. Each donation goes directly to rehabilitate this precious ecosystem and every $5 goes to remove 1 metric ton of carbon from being released.

Triple Win 
By bringing together Lyft and Restore the Earth in a creative collaboration, VMware expands the impact of its own commitment to sustainability and environmental action. And it does so one ride after another.