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Reduce your ecological footprint
Green Tags from Bonneville Environmental Foundation are an easy way to reduce your ecological footprint. Green Tags support renewable energy like wind and solar and give the buyer the chance to offset the use of fossil fuels like oil and coal. One Green Tag, available for $20-$35 each, is equal to one Megawatt-hour of renewable energy…the equivalent of not driving an average car for six weeks. BEF is a non-profit Green Tag marketer, reinvesting all profits back into its mission to support renewable energy and a clean environment. For more information and to purchase Green Tags, visit www.GreenTagsUSA.org.
Ski resorts take action
Resorts like Aspen Snowmass give outdoor enthusiasts a simple and effective way to maintain snow pack levels by directly supporting the development of wind and solar energy. The Aspen Global Change Institute recently conducted a study, showing what might happen if nothing is done to curb global warming – no more snow by the end of this century. The longer consumers wait to act, the sooner it might happen. Full survey results are here: www.agci.org/aspenStudy.html. Or you can view a short PDF summary here: www.agci.org/pdf/ACIA_Press_Release07.26.doc.pdf.
Not all Green Tags are Created Equal
Not all Green Tags are created equal. Distinctive in two respects, BEF’s Green Tags are the “Gold Standard” of green energy. First, the organization focuses on supporting new renewable resources such as wind and solar power, because those two technologies can make a significant contribution to a sustainable energy future. Second, BEF conducts an independent environmental review of every project from which it procures Green Tags. This gives customers additional assurance that the renewable energy projects they are supporting avoid adverse impacts on wildlife, are supported by their local community, and are truly environmentally preferred. In addition, Bonneville Environmental Foundation is non-profit Green Tag marketer and reinvests the net revenues from Green Tags and other programs in support of mission-related activities.
Family Vacations
Family vacations can be hard enough to plan without worrying about their detrimental effects on the earth. However, travel trends show more people are concerned about the environment and are trying to reduce global warming. It’s easier than you may think to go green this summer.
- Start out by visiting www.GreenTagsUSA.org to calculate the carbon footprint you’ll be producing on your vacation. Then offset it by purchasing Green Tags from Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF). Every Green Tag purchase supports the substitution of clean, renewable power for climate-altering fossil-fuel power, making the nation’s power grids more sustainable and benefiting generations to come.
- BEF Green Tags can be used to offset airline miles as well, making your entire trip carbon neutral.
- Many rental car companies offer hybrid vehicles. Whether taking a road trip or just needing to get around your destination, a hybrid vehicle will limit the amount of carbon emissions produced.
- Seek out lodging that minimizes its impact on the earth. Many hotels and B&Bs offset the polluting effects of their energy and take steps to conserve, recycle and compost. If you’re willing, go all-out and find one that runs completely “off-the-grid.” The kids are sure to find it unique and educational when they realize hot springs can heat a room.
- Dine at eco-friendly restaurants that boast sustainable practices. A farm-to-table philosophy focused on fresh, seasonal and local ingredients not only benefits the environment, but your body as well. Some even allow guests to hand-pick the fruits, vegetables and herbs used in the meals.
Model Watershed Program
The Bonneville Environmental Foundation’s Model Watershed Program provides 10-year funding and support to help community-based watershed groups implement effective strategies to restore water quality, improve stream habitat, and recover populations of native salmon and trout. BEF’s long-term approach to watershed restoration stands apart from status-quo watershed restoration, where short-term grants promote piecemeal restoration actions and discourage comprehensive, watershed-wide restoration strategies. BEF’s Model Watershed program recognizes that a long-term commitment is necessary to facilitate scientific and accountable watershed restoration, and BEF provides the long-term resources necessary to promote an increasingly effective restoration approach. For more information visit http://b-e-f.org/watersheds/index.shtm.
BEF’s Environmental Commitment to the 21st Century
Climate change and degradation of world freshwater resources are two of the primary threats facing global communities in the 21st century. These are complex and interrelated issues that demand innovative and scientific solutions. The Bonneville Environmental Foundation simultaneously addresses both of these issues with its coordinated watershed and renewable energy programs. BEF recognizes that solutions to energy, climate, and water resource challenges require sustained efforts to reduce reliance on fossil fuel-based energy sources and restore degraded watershed ecosystems. To this end, BEF implements philanthropic programs that aim to simultaneously a) restore watershed ecosystems, b) educate students about renewable energy and conservation, and c) expand the generation of clean renewable energy. By integrating these three program areas, BEF systematically and proactively addresses the fundamental ecological challenges of this century.
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