This is the rationale for a breakthrough new gift card program launching today from Macerich (NYSE: MAC) in partnership with American Express - the "Give Green" Gift Card.

Something brand new in the shopping center industry, every purchase of a Give Green Gift Card benefits American Forests, the nation's oldest nonprofit citizen conservation organization, which is dedicated to growing a healthier world through healthier forest ecosystems. Macerich is committed to contributing at least $100,000 to the organization via this innovative new program.

"Our shoppers want to be able to make choices that benefit the environment, and our new eco-friendly Gift Card gives them a simple way to give a meaningful gift and also feel good about their purchase," said Tina McCuddin, vice president gift card product development and marketing for Macerich.

Doing more to help the environment is a clear value for female consumers across the country. Kelton Research conducted a national, online survey on behalf of Macerich in late summer among a representative sample of U.S. women ages 25-54, and a whopping 95% agree that more should be done to improve the environment. As well, 63% of those surveyed said they would prefer to receive a gift card that supports a worthwhile environmental cause versus a card with no environmental benefit.

"During this holiday season, when consumers want their gifts to go further and mean more, the new Give Green Gift Card provides multiple benefits -- both for the gift giver and the recipient," said McCuddin.

"American Express, like Macerich, feels a deep sense of responsibility to the world around us, and we strive to be good citizens and neighbors through a number of initiatives that benefit the environment," said Stefan Happ, general manager, American Express Gift Card(R). "We're delighted to join with Macerich to offer a gift card with something extra -- a gift for the nation's forests."

The Macerich Give Green Gift Card can be redeemed at U.S. retailers and restaurants that accept American Express Cards. The Gift Card is available in denominations ranging from $20 to $500 and can be refunded if lost or stolen.*

Shoppers can buy the new Gift Card at Macerich shopping centers across the country at Guest Services locations and find more information at www.givethegiftcard.com. In addition to the Give Green gift card, Macerich also offers a more traditional gift card, known as the Give Style gift card.

Based in Washington, D.C., America's oldest non-profit, American Forests was founded in 1875 by John Aston Warder, a physician and horticulturalist who was concerned about the condition and exploitation of our nation's forests. Today, the organization's work encompasses planting trees, calculating the value of urban forests, fostering environmental education and improving public policy for trees at the national level. American Forests has a goal of 100 million trees planted by 2020.