Project Go Zero
Ask The Conservation Fund’s CEO Larry Selzer what makes him tick and you’re likely to hear about Project Go Zero.
Since 2000, America’s foremost environmental nonprofit dedicated to protecting the country’s landscapes and waterways has made it easy and affordable for individuals, corporations and entire communities to measure their carbon dioxide emissions and then offset those emissions by planting trees.
“Climate change has emerged as one of the most powerful and important forces we face today,” says Selzer. “This is not a game where anyone gets to sit out. It’s a new proposition and one that’s literally redefining the entire environmental landscape.”
Dell partners with The Conservation Fund through “Plant a Tree for Me” and “Plant a Forest for Me,” programs that enable its customers to offset the carbon impact of electricity required to power computer equipment. Already, the fund has restored nearly 20,000 acres of forestlands and planted more than 8 million trees through its carbon sequestration programs.
So what’s next for Selzer and the Fund? Getting kids back outside to experience these new forests and wilderness areas.
“There was a time when kids ruled the woods,” said Selzer, “but those days are gone.” Reconnecting children and nature has become one of Selzer’s passions, as the lack of experience this generation has with the woods has become an environmental challenge and health issue. “It’s time to get creative and get our kids outside. If I have my druthers, it won’t be long before our kids will be able to log onto their Go Zero forest on Google Earth, and then scavenge out their own tree using their handheld Garmin GPS unit.”
America Recycles Day
Never underestimate the power of a single event.
Only ten years old this year, America Recycles Day (November 15) continues to focus the efforts of millions of Americans who have pledged to increase their recycling habits at home and work, as well as buy products made with recycled materials.
“Our slogan says is best: ‘It all comes back to you.’ Even a small shift in attitudes and actions, multiplied many times over by others accepting this challenge, can change the world,” said Kate Krebs, executive director of the National Recycling Coalition, the organization that founded and manages the national event. “Prior to the launch of America Recycles Day a decade ago, recycling awareness and actions were often fragmented and uncoordinated, at least on a national scale. Along with countless partners and community members, we’re proud of the focus we’ve helped bring to this issue.”
Why is recycling so important in the new millennium? Put simply, recycling is one the easiest ways to save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions …and all of us can do it every day, not just on November 15th.
“The fact is that an increase in recycling at our homes and offices is a simple solution to the dramatic effects of climate change,” said Krebs. “People don’t need to buy a hybrid car or spend thousands of dollars to make their home energy efficient to help save our planet. All they have to do is place that bottle or newspaper in a recycling bin.”
Banner Bags
When Timbuk2 says they’re “more than a bag company,” they’re not kidding.
The San Francisco-based company prides itself on developing products that remain intact for years, “outliving jobs, personal relationships, even pets.” Now there’s a new idea permeating the halls: protect the environment by keeping vinyl exhibit banners out of the trash.
The company has teamed up with customers and partners to take unwanted banners (many of which contain the chemical Polyvinyl-chloride) and extend their life indefinitely, keeping them out of landfills. Although still in its initial test phase, CEO Perry Klebahn says the response to the reuse program has been nothing short of positive.
“What we’re finding is that customers expect nothing less than creativity and innovation,” says Klebahn. “If a material can be reused and help the planet at the same time, it’s a win-win for us. We want to do our part and so do our customers.”
A great example of using creativity to protect the environment.
