With years of mountain-climbing experience, Greg Mortenson felt he was capable of conquering the Himalayan giant known as K2. Although Mount Everest is higher, the "savage peak" is widely considered a more difficult climb.
That's exactly why the former U.S. Army medic chose it to pay tribute to his deceased sister, Christa, whose necklace he planned to place on its icy peak. He made his attempt in 1993, but the "mountain of mountains" denied him his victory.
The Minnesota-born climber had nearly reached the top of the 28,267 foot-high mountain when clouds moved in and forced him to turn back. Of the more than 50 climbers who have perished on K2, nearly half the deaths have occurred on the way down.
Exhausted and disoriented by a deep sense of failure and the dizzying effect of the thin atmosphere, Mortenson started his descent. Without realizing it he became separated from his climbing partners and soon was lost.
What happened next became the grist for the 2006 best-selling book "Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace? One School at a Time." Written by Mortenson and David Oliver Relin, it relates how getting lost in the extremely roughed terrain of Pakistan's Karakoram ultimately led to the building of many schools in rural areas of Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Mortenson will be participating in the 14th annual Virginia Festival of the Book, which opens Wednesday and runs through March 30. In addition to visiting local schools, he will take the stage at the University of Virginia's Culbreth Theatre at 6 p.m. Thursday to talk about his work building schools.
"I think people are really hungry for examples of how individuals can make changes for the better in the world," said Nancy Damon, program director of the festival, which is produced by the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities.
"I think that's one of the reasons why 'Three Cups of Tea' affects people so strongly. It really shows the positive power a book can have.
"And we're having a panel talking about a book people felt has done a lot of damage. The book is the 1926 publication 'Mongrel Virginians,' which was a disparaging treatise on the Monacan Indians in Amherst County.
"We also have an incredible lineup this year of popular fiction writers, such as Homer Hickam, Adriana Trigiani and Walter Mosley. We have a lot of Virginia history books this year as well, which we're very pleased about."
In addition to the Culbreth Theatre event, Mortenson will be talking about his mountain-climbing experiences at Blue Ridge Mountain Sports on Friday at 4 p.m. He has climbed some of the most challenging mountains in the world, but K2 likely came the closest to taking his life.
After becoming separated from the other climbers, Mortenson wandered for days through the rocky terrain. When he stumbled into the small village of Korphe, he was near collapse from starvation and exhaustion.
Although the people in the village were extremely poor, they took the disheveled foreigner in and nursed him back to health. While recuperating, Mortenson had the opportunity to see how children in the village received their rudimentary education.
Because the villagers couldn't afford to pay a teacher the going rate of a dollar a day, they shared one three times a week with another village. There was no school building in Korphe so the students, nearly 100 of them, sat or knelt on the often frozen ground to learn their lessons.
Math problems were scratched into the ground with sticks or marked onto slate boards with improvised ink made from mud and water. Perhaps what touched Mortenson the most was the determination he saw in the children to learn. Before leaving the people who had saved his life, Mortenson made them a promise. "I will build a school," he told them, and he gave the villagers his word on it.
After returning home to Berkeley, Calif., Mortenson started working to fulfill his promise. He got a job as a nurse in an emergency room, and to save money for the future school he lived out of an aging Buick he called La Bamba.
Mortenson calculated he would need $12,000 to build a five-room schoolhouse. He mailed 580 letters to politicians and celebrities asking for their financial help in his endeavor. The letter-writing campaign generated one check for a $100 from television news anchor Tom Brokaw. Mortenson had trouble convincing adults about the worth of his effort, but young people understood immediately.
Mortenson's mother was the principal of Westside Elementary School in River Falls, Wis. Soon after her son returned to the States, she invited him to the school to talk to the students about what he was trying to do to help students on the other side of the world.
After the talk the Westside students took it upon themselves to start a "Pennies for Pakistan" fundraiser. In a matter of weeks they filled two 40-gallon trashcans with 62,345 pennies. When students at the Village School in Charlottesville heard that Mortenson was going to be attending the book festival, they started a penny drive of their own. Like many people who have read the best-selling book, they were inspired to help.
"My daughter gave me the book 'Three Cups of Tea' for Father's Day last June," said Proal Heartwell, cofounder of the private school for girls in fifth through eighth grades. "As an educator I was very taken with his story.
"When we heard Mr. Mortenson was coming here we initiated this 'Pennies for Peace' campaign. During his visit we're going to give him a nice check on behalf of the kids, their families and the broader community."
At last count the students had collected an estimated 110,000 pennies in the jars they have distributed in businesses around town. The goal is to raise $5,000, which will pay to operate one school in Pakistan for a year.
The students at Westside Elementary School have inspired many other schools to get involved in the Pennies for Peace program. Since it started in 1994 more than 8 million pennies have been collected. More can be learned about this program at www. penniesforpeace.org.
When Mortenson received a check for $623.45 from the kids at Westside, his spirits lifted. Then he received a check for $12,000 to cover the entire cost of constructing the school from wealthy physicist Jean Hoerni.
Today a yellow schoolhouse with red trim stands in Korphe, but it was just the beginning. With Hoerni's help, Mortenson founded the Central Asia Institute, which has the stated mission of promoting and providing "community-based education and literacy programs, especially for girls, in remote mountain regions of Central Asia."
In addition to building more than 60 schools so far, the nonprofit organization fully or partially supports more than 560 teachers. Much of the support CAI continues to receive can be directly attributed to the book.
"I think 'Three Cups of Tea' really speaks to how powerful literacy is," said Heartwell, who teaches English at Village School. "Our eighth-graders have been reading the book, and to be honest when we started it they were a bit skeptical about Mortenson's efforts, and they couldn't really understand what was motivating him.
"But as they read along in the book they became really quite taken with his experience and commitment. I think they've really been able to see that one person can make a huge difference.
"And through the book they're learning about a culture and region they know very little about. I think it has also heightened their awareness of extremism, and how promoting literacy and education is a way to combat extremism, and is a blow against terrorism."
Books have also been used to promote extreme agendas or beliefs. "Mongrel Virginians" by Arthur H. Estabrook and Ivan E. McDougle is a disturbing example of this.
What makes the book all the more chilling is that the two men weren't fringe fanatics, but respected scholars. This gave the book a certain amount of legitimacy.
The program, "One Bad Book: The Disturbing Legacy of 'Mongrel Virginians,' " will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday in the City Council Chambers at 605 E. Main St.
Karenne Wood, director of the Virginia Indian Heritage Program, will join Tribal Council members Sharon Bryant and Diane Johns Shields to discuss the book.
"The book was kind of an underpinning of the eugenics movement to promote the idea that racial purity was a good thing," Wood said. "I think the authors absolutely believed in what they were writing.
"In general the book said, 'These people aren't as good as us, and here's the proof.' There was a lot of discrimination against the Monacan Indian community in Amherst County as it was, and this book provided more fodder.
"What the book did was split the community. Those who had cooperated in trust with these researchers were labeled by the others as 'sellouts.' "
Wood said the authors of the book used codes with the intention of preserving the anonymity of the people in the study. But the community wasn't large, and residents easily deciphered the codes. The book wasn't designed with the general reading public in mind, but it became well known within certain circles. Some readers were like Virginia physician Dr. Walter Plecker, an avowed white supremacist and advocate of eugenics, who used the book to promote his views. There were plenty of others who were outraged by the book, and spoke out against it.
"When 'Mongrel Virginians' first came out, the well-known anthropologist Frank Speck reviewed it, and trashed it," Wood said. "But the book still did a lot of damage, and one of the things we're going to be talking about is how books like this can be used as weapons.
"I'm against censorship in general, because it can be detrimental to the freedom of ideas we all cherish. But I also believe researchers have a certain responsibility to their subjects.
"I'm hoping this program will draw attention to aspects of American Indian history in Virginia that are less well known. And we also want to talk about how Virginia has changed.
"The whole American Indian experience is now considered a positive aspect of our history, and people are proud of it."
A full schedule of events for the 14th annual Virginia Festival of the Book, March 26-30, is at www. vabook.org. Those wishing to attend Mortenson's talk at Culbreth Theatre at 6 p.m. Thursday can pick up free tickets at the venue one hour beforehand. No reserved or pre-ordered tickets are available.
March 27, 2008
March 22, 2008
Girls Education International to do Fund Raiser in Boulder April 12
Spring Masquerave Dance Party!!!
April 12th @ Cafe Babu
1335 Broadway in BOULDER
on the corner of University and Broadway, next to the Boulder Mountaineering shop!
10pm-6am! Yep all night! So bring your comfy dancing shoes!
Suggested donation $20
Music by:
Jantsen= myspace.com/jantsenmusic
Spindler
Future Simple Project= myspace.com/futuresimpleproject
Alala One= myspace.com/alalaone
Jayce
and special guests!!!!
DU meets with Congressional leadership and Administration officials to discuss conservation
WASHINGTON – February 13, 2008 – Ducks Unlimited Executive Vice President Don Young was joined by other wildlife conservation organizations today to deliver a strong message on behalf of sportsmen and habitat: protect and expand habitat conservation and opportunities for sportsmen.
Young and DU conservation leader Dr. Tina Yerkes met with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (Nev.), Senators Debbie Stabenow (Mich.), Tom Harkin (Iowa), Blanche Lincoln (Ark.), Russ Feingold (Wis.) and 11 other Senators to discuss issues relating to hunters and anglers.
In two subsequent meetings, Young and DU Washington staff met with senior White House, Department of Agriculture, and Interior Department leaders to discuss conservation priorities, as well as House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson (Minn.) to discuss the state of conservation in the Farm Bill.
“Issues that face hunters and sportsmen affect the entire American population,” Young said. “We exchanged information on wetlands protection, agricultural conservation programs, biofuels and the climate’s effect on waterfowl. It was gratifying to see the interest and knowledge of Congress and the agency leaders about our priorities.”
Young also talked about the importance of protecting geographically isolated wetlands in terms of promoting clean water and protecting waterfowl habitat.
“Geographically isolated wetlands provide numerous benefits for people and wildlife, but the protections for them have been eroded. The Ducks Unlimited-supported Clean Water Restoration Act would restore those protections. Water quality and waterfowl habitat are threatened by loss of Clean Water Act protection,” said Young.
The Clean Water Restoration Act has been introduced in both the House by Rep. Jim Oberstar (Minn.), chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and in the Senate by Sen. Russ Feingold (Wis.). The legislation would codify protections for geographically isolated wetlands lost in actions resulting from two Supreme Court cases.
“Energy independence and addressing climate change are important goals,” said Young. “Cellulosic ethanol and carbon sequestration using land conservation are important tools towards mitigating climate change. They also have value in the potential to protect habitat. Ducks Unlimited is working in partnership with private landowners and industry to achieve the dual goals of sequestering greenhouse gases and conserving waterfowl and wildlife habitat.”
In a meeting with USDA Under Secretary Mark Rey, Young was joined DU Board member John Tomke to discuss working with the administration to support strong conservation provisions in the Farm Bill. Farm Bill conservation programs are critical to breeding grounds in the Prairie Pothole Region. Seeing these conservation programs secured is one of Ducks Unlimited’s top organizational priorities. More than 2 million ducks are produced annually on Conservation Reserve Program land alone.
Later in the day, Young and DU staff spoke with House Agriculture Chairman Collin Peterson about the status of popular conservation programs like the Wetlands Reserve Program and the Conservation Reserve Program. Peterson cautioned that the Farm Bill will revert to the original law from 1949, if differences between the Congress and the Bush administration’s requests for the bill are not resolved, which does not include conservation provisions.
“With the Farm Bill being put into its final form right now, it is critical that we maintain open communications with Congress and the administration to ensure strong conservation outcomes,” said Young. “Chairman Harkin, Chairman Peterson, and administration leaders will be instrumental in determining the future of programs like the Wetlands Reserve Program and the Grasslands Reserve Program.”
With more than a million supporters, Ducks Unlimited is the world’s largest and most effective wetland and waterfowl conservation organization with more than 12 million acres conserved. The United States alone has lost more than half of its original wetlands - nature’s most productive ecosystem - and continues to lose more than 80,000 wetland acres each year.
Contact: Neil Shader – (202) 347-1530, nshader@ducks.org
For more information, please see www.ducks.org/cwra and www.ducks.org/farmbill
Young and DU conservation leader Dr. Tina Yerkes met with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (Nev.), Senators Debbie Stabenow (Mich.), Tom Harkin (Iowa), Blanche Lincoln (Ark.), Russ Feingold (Wis.) and 11 other Senators to discuss issues relating to hunters and anglers.
In two subsequent meetings, Young and DU Washington staff met with senior White House, Department of Agriculture, and Interior Department leaders to discuss conservation priorities, as well as House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson (Minn.) to discuss the state of conservation in the Farm Bill.
“Issues that face hunters and sportsmen affect the entire American population,” Young said. “We exchanged information on wetlands protection, agricultural conservation programs, biofuels and the climate’s effect on waterfowl. It was gratifying to see the interest and knowledge of Congress and the agency leaders about our priorities.”
Young also talked about the importance of protecting geographically isolated wetlands in terms of promoting clean water and protecting waterfowl habitat.
“Geographically isolated wetlands provide numerous benefits for people and wildlife, but the protections for them have been eroded. The Ducks Unlimited-supported Clean Water Restoration Act would restore those protections. Water quality and waterfowl habitat are threatened by loss of Clean Water Act protection,” said Young.
The Clean Water Restoration Act has been introduced in both the House by Rep. Jim Oberstar (Minn.), chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and in the Senate by Sen. Russ Feingold (Wis.). The legislation would codify protections for geographically isolated wetlands lost in actions resulting from two Supreme Court cases.
“Energy independence and addressing climate change are important goals,” said Young. “Cellulosic ethanol and carbon sequestration using land conservation are important tools towards mitigating climate change. They also have value in the potential to protect habitat. Ducks Unlimited is working in partnership with private landowners and industry to achieve the dual goals of sequestering greenhouse gases and conserving waterfowl and wildlife habitat.”
In a meeting with USDA Under Secretary Mark Rey, Young was joined DU Board member John Tomke to discuss working with the administration to support strong conservation provisions in the Farm Bill. Farm Bill conservation programs are critical to breeding grounds in the Prairie Pothole Region. Seeing these conservation programs secured is one of Ducks Unlimited’s top organizational priorities. More than 2 million ducks are produced annually on Conservation Reserve Program land alone.
Later in the day, Young and DU staff spoke with House Agriculture Chairman Collin Peterson about the status of popular conservation programs like the Wetlands Reserve Program and the Conservation Reserve Program. Peterson cautioned that the Farm Bill will revert to the original law from 1949, if differences between the Congress and the Bush administration’s requests for the bill are not resolved, which does not include conservation provisions.
“With the Farm Bill being put into its final form right now, it is critical that we maintain open communications with Congress and the administration to ensure strong conservation outcomes,” said Young. “Chairman Harkin, Chairman Peterson, and administration leaders will be instrumental in determining the future of programs like the Wetlands Reserve Program and the Grasslands Reserve Program.”
With more than a million supporters, Ducks Unlimited is the world’s largest and most effective wetland and waterfowl conservation organization with more than 12 million acres conserved. The United States alone has lost more than half of its original wetlands - nature’s most productive ecosystem - and continues to lose more than 80,000 wetland acres each year.
Contact: Neil Shader – (202) 347-1530, nshader@ducks.org
For more information, please see www.ducks.org/cwra and www.ducks.org/farmbill
March 20, 2008
Adventure Cycling Inspires Adults to Get Kids Psyched on Bikes
Missoula, Montana, March 20th, 2008 — Adventure Cycling Association announces a fantastic new educational offering, the Pedal Pioneers Training Course (PPTC). Designed to get kids off the couch and onto a bicycle saddle, this is a leadership course for adults who want to take groups of kids on overnight bicycle adventures. The PPTC distills Adventure Cycling's decades' worth of experience in organizing and leading bicycle tours, and wraps it into a three-day package that will impart a wealth of knowledge and know-how on and off the bike. Continuing education credits are available.
"Our goal is to give adult leaders the tools they will need to take a group of kids on the adventure of a lifetime - whether it is an overnight outing or a month-long tour," says Becky Douglas, Adventure Cycling's outreach and education coordinator. "Three days of demonstrations, role-playing, lectures, and riding will hone participants' leadership skills, and point them down the road to leading successful youth bicycle adventures."
Craig Johnston, a teacher from California, led a weeklong bicycle trip with five kids along the Lewis and Clark Bicycle Trail. "We had a great multi-day bicycle trip! The kids learned so much, and found out what they could accomplish anything if they put their minds to it," said Johnston. "This trip changed the lives of these five students, and of me. We literally could not have done it without [Adventure Cycling's] support."
Douglas adds, "Overnight bike trips provide an great opportunity for youth to combine physical and mental challenges, hone social skills, learn about different regions of the world, gain confidence, and build a sense of self-sufficiency through experiential learning."
Kids are less active today then they were thirty years ago. As a result, youth obesity rates are at an all-time high and many lifestyle-related illnesses such as childhood diabetes are on the rise. The shift to an indoor childhood has accelerated in the past decade, with huge declines in spontaneous outdoor activities such as bike riding, swimming, and touch football, according to separate studies by the National Sporting Goods Association, a trade group, and American Sports Data, a research firm. Bike riding alone is down 31% since 1995.
For more information about Adventure Cycling's Pedal Pioneers Training Course, or to sign up, visit http://www.adventurecycling.org/tours/2008pedalpioneer.cfm.
Adventure Cycling Association is the premier bicycle travel organization in North America with more than 43,000 members. A nonprofit organization, our mission is to inspire people of all ages to travel by bicycle. We produce routes and maps for cycling in North America, organize more than 40 tours annually, and publish the best bicycle travel information anywhere, including Adventure Cyclist magazine and The Cyclists' Yellow Pages. With 37,210 meticulously mapped miles in our route network, Adventure Cycling gives cyclists the tools and confidence to create their own bike travel adventures. Contact us at (800) 755-BIKE (2453), info@adventurecycling.org, or visit http://www.adventurecycling.org.
"Our goal is to give adult leaders the tools they will need to take a group of kids on the adventure of a lifetime - whether it is an overnight outing or a month-long tour," says Becky Douglas, Adventure Cycling's outreach and education coordinator. "Three days of demonstrations, role-playing, lectures, and riding will hone participants' leadership skills, and point them down the road to leading successful youth bicycle adventures."
Craig Johnston, a teacher from California, led a weeklong bicycle trip with five kids along the Lewis and Clark Bicycle Trail. "We had a great multi-day bicycle trip! The kids learned so much, and found out what they could accomplish anything if they put their minds to it," said Johnston. "This trip changed the lives of these five students, and of me. We literally could not have done it without [Adventure Cycling's] support."
Douglas adds, "Overnight bike trips provide an great opportunity for youth to combine physical and mental challenges, hone social skills, learn about different regions of the world, gain confidence, and build a sense of self-sufficiency through experiential learning."
Kids are less active today then they were thirty years ago. As a result, youth obesity rates are at an all-time high and many lifestyle-related illnesses such as childhood diabetes are on the rise. The shift to an indoor childhood has accelerated in the past decade, with huge declines in spontaneous outdoor activities such as bike riding, swimming, and touch football, according to separate studies by the National Sporting Goods Association, a trade group, and American Sports Data, a research firm. Bike riding alone is down 31% since 1995.
For more information about Adventure Cycling's Pedal Pioneers Training Course, or to sign up, visit http://www.adventurecycling.org/tours/2008pedalpioneer.cfm.
Adventure Cycling Association is the premier bicycle travel organization in North America with more than 43,000 members. A nonprofit organization, our mission is to inspire people of all ages to travel by bicycle. We produce routes and maps for cycling in North America, organize more than 40 tours annually, and publish the best bicycle travel information anywhere, including Adventure Cyclist magazine and The Cyclists' Yellow Pages. With 37,210 meticulously mapped miles in our route network, Adventure Cycling gives cyclists the tools and confidence to create their own bike travel adventures. Contact us at (800) 755-BIKE (2453), info@adventurecycling.org, or visit http://www.adventurecycling.org.
March 19, 2008
New Program Aims to Educate 10,000 Women in Poor Countries
By Sam Kean
The investment firm Goldman Sachs and 16 universities around the world have announced a plan to spend $100-million providing business education to 10,000 women in developing countries.
The program, called 10,000 Women, hopes to spread good business practices throughout poor regions in Africa and Asia, to help those regions improve local economies. Goldman Sachs says that it views women in developing countries as an underdeveloped resource because very few of them receive any sort of education.
Most women in the program will earn management certificates in courses that range from a little over a month to six months. According to Goldman Sachs, the women will study topics such as “drafting a business plan, accounting, public speaking, marketing, management, and accessing capital” to support larger projects. The program also hopes to establish business networks and mentor programs for women.
In addition, a few women will receive scholarships to travel to universities and study for a bachelor’s degree in business or a master of business administration degree (MBA). Universities in Afghanistan, Egypt, India, Nigeria, Tanzania, and other countries are partners in the program. U.S. business schools at places such as Columbia and Harvard Universities will also participate.
Goldman Sachs has pledged $100-million over five years to the program. The money will expand certificate programs that some universities already run, improve teacher training, and help to hire more teachers. Goldman Sachs employees will also consult for the program and contribute time and financial expertise.
The investment firm Goldman Sachs and 16 universities around the world have announced a plan to spend $100-million providing business education to 10,000 women in developing countries.
The program, called 10,000 Women, hopes to spread good business practices throughout poor regions in Africa and Asia, to help those regions improve local economies. Goldman Sachs says that it views women in developing countries as an underdeveloped resource because very few of them receive any sort of education.
Most women in the program will earn management certificates in courses that range from a little over a month to six months. According to Goldman Sachs, the women will study topics such as “drafting a business plan, accounting, public speaking, marketing, management, and accessing capital” to support larger projects. The program also hopes to establish business networks and mentor programs for women.
In addition, a few women will receive scholarships to travel to universities and study for a bachelor’s degree in business or a master of business administration degree (MBA). Universities in Afghanistan, Egypt, India, Nigeria, Tanzania, and other countries are partners in the program. U.S. business schools at places such as Columbia and Harvard Universities will also participate.
Goldman Sachs has pledged $100-million over five years to the program. The money will expand certificate programs that some universities already run, improve teacher training, and help to hire more teachers. Goldman Sachs employees will also consult for the program and contribute time and financial expertise.
Thanks to a Nonprofit Group of Guides, Visually Impaired Skiers Don't Have to Forgo Flights Down the Mountain
Jourdan Peters, 14, is a seasoned skier. She likes the speed she can get on intermediate trails, and she's experienced enough to note the differences between her favorite haunts at Breckenridge and Monarch.
Elsa Bailey, 94, is a veteran skier who's been drawn to the mountains for decades. Like Peters, she favors intermediate trails, and if she had her choice, she'd spend all her time at Arapahoe Basin, where on a perfect day she starts "at the top."
Eight decades separate Peters and Bailey, but they share a love of skiing and something else - both are visually impaired.
"You would think that people with problems seeing wouldn't be out on the mountain skiing. You would be wrong," Bailey says.
Bailey and Peters are members of VIBeS (Visually Impaired and Blind Skiers of the Colorado Springs Community), an organization made up of visually impaired people, volunteers and guides.
The nonprofit group was founded in 1974 by the late Hugh Nevins, a legendary Coloradan who's in the Colorado Ski Hall of Fame and was the most decorated glider pilot during World War II. Originally called the Colorado Ski School for the Blind, it was based in Vail. In 1990, a group from the original school trained a group of volunteer guides in Colorado Springs, and VIBeS was born.
For the past two decades, VIBeS has brought together sighted and visually impaired people who love to ski. It's an inclusive group with no membership fees. Its dedicated volunteers help make its trips happen, and support from organizations makes skiing possible for its members. Monarch Ski Area offers free lift tickets, and the SnoJets, a longtime Colorado Springs ski club, sponsors a benefit dual-slalom ski race for the group every winter at Monarch.
At this year's race earlier this month, blizzard conditions made it impossible for anyone to see, but 42 racers gave it a shot anyway. Peters didn't race, but she skied at Monarch that weekend. It was a turning point for her, she says. "I skied both days that weekend and didn't fall once. That was the first time ever."
Peters has a disorder called septo-optic dysplasia. She says she can see objects that are close to her but can't see distances, a valuable skill on a mountain crowded with people and edged with trees. "That's why we have guides," she says, giggling. "Otherwise, we would be careening all over the mountain!"
Peters says her guide's presence doesn't lessen the best things about skiing. "I like the thrill of skiing. I can hear the wind as I move down the mountain and feel whether the snow is powder or packed underneath my skis."
The sensory elements of skiing - the cold air, the bite of the snow kicked up by the wind in your face, the warmth of the sun - are a part of any skier's day on the mountain, whether they're sighted or visually impaired. But visually impaired skier and VIBeS member Marcia Barber says she thinks the joy of flying down the mountain on skis "is even more valuable to me."
"I value it because I haven't had to give it up. We give up a lot of things as we go along. We don't drive. We are dependent on canes and dogs and people's elbows. When you are skiing, a lot of those barriers just go away."
Barber, 52, of Colorado Springs, has a degenerative eye disease that's taking her sight and has been a member of VIBeS since 1993. She and her five siblings learned to ski when they were children and her sight was much better. "Thanks to my parents, we went even though it was cumbersome, with the leather boots with shoelaces and wooden skis with cable bindings. You didn't see a lot of families of eight doing that in the 1960s."
But Barber gave up skiing when she moved to California after college.
As her sight worsened, she thought she'd never ski again. "I felt like a pinball, bouncing off bumps I couldn't see. It wasn't any fun. But then I moved back to Colorado in 1993 and discovered VIBeS," she says.
Barber's condition robs her of her peripheral vision, an important quality for skiers, but having a guide gives her the freedom she craves. "It's nice to just float a little."
Allowing the skier to "float a little" is one of the best parts of guiding, says Leo Bush, 56, a VIBeS guide who lives in Colorado Springs. Bush has been guiding and instructing skiers for VIBeS since the group moved to Colorado Springs in 1990. He had worked as a ski instructor at Monarch, where he realized that teaching visually impaired skiers wouldn't be much different from teaching sighted skiers, he says.
"Skiing is something that is much more body memory and muscle memory, not cognitive memory," he says. "Your body learns to do it. A visually impaired skier's muscles can learn skiing just as easily as a sighted person. . . .
"When we are teaching, we will often ski in front, backward. When we are guiding, we will ski either in front of the visually impaired skier or behind and shout commands - 'left,' 'right' - to guide them down the mountain."
Bush has stayed in VIBeS "simply because I enjoy doing it," he says. "People often say, 'Oh, that's so good of you, helping someone.' But I really do it because I enjoy being outdoors and sharing something I can do with someone else."
The relationship between guide and skier "is one of mutual respect," says Elsa Bailey. "I love the feeling of skiing, of my whole body moving beautifully from turn to turn. But I can't ski by myself anymore. It's just a wonderful thing having a guide."
Programs for the visually impaired and blind
* Adaptive Sports Association; asadurango.org. Sports and recreation programs for people with disabilities. Winter sports include adaptive skiing, blind skiing, cognitive skiing, snowboarding and ski biking.
* Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center; boec.org. Adaptive skiing and snowboarding, wilderness courses, professional challenge courses and an internship program. Upcoming events: Alcon Winter Ski and Snowboard Trip for youths 13 to 17 who have visual impairments or are blind. April 10. For information, call Claire DiCola, 1-800-383-2632.
* Challenge Aspen; challengeaspen.com. Recreational and cultural experiences for people with mental or physical challenges. Programs include adaptive skiing and snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, hiking and dog sledding. Also offers recreational veterans programs.
Upcoming events: The 22nd annual National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic, March 30 to April 4. 1-970-923-0578, http://miracles.dav.org
* National Sports Center for the Disabled; nscd.org. One of the largest outdoor therapeutic recreation agencies in the world, based in Winter Park. Winter activities include therapeutic horseback riding, skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, Nordic hut trips, snowshoeing and ski racing. 1-970-726-1540
* Foresight Ski Guides; foresightski guides.org. Guided instruction for visually impaired and blind skiers at Vail Resorts. 1-866-860-0972
* VIBeS; coloradovibes.org. Visually Impaired and Blind Skiers of the Colorado Springs Community, an organization that presents recreational activities for visually impaired and blind people. Winter activities include downhill and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. 1-719-593-1982
Marcia Barber VIBeS member, 56
* Profession: Elementary-school secretary
* Loves skiing because: "It's something I did as a kid and I can still do it. I love the motion and the speed and being outdoors and being with people I like."
Leo Bush VIBeS guide, 52
* Profession: Software engineer for Federal Express
* Loves skiing because: "I guess it's the thrill of motion that keeps me skiing. I learned when I was 16 and I've never stopped."
To become a VIBeS member
* Visually impaired skiers: If you think it's unsafe for you to ski alone because of your vision, you can participate.
* Guides: You should be an intermediate skier with strong skills and "the volunteer spirit," says longtime guide Leo Bush.
* Volunteers: You can help with VIBeS events, and even if you aren't a skier, you can participate in and help with programs in hiking, skiing and other outdoor recreational activities year-round.
* Information: 1-719-593-1982 or coloradovibes.org
Elsa Bailey, 94, is a veteran skier who's been drawn to the mountains for decades. Like Peters, she favors intermediate trails, and if she had her choice, she'd spend all her time at Arapahoe Basin, where on a perfect day she starts "at the top."
Eight decades separate Peters and Bailey, but they share a love of skiing and something else - both are visually impaired.
"You would think that people with problems seeing wouldn't be out on the mountain skiing. You would be wrong," Bailey says.
Bailey and Peters are members of VIBeS (Visually Impaired and Blind Skiers of the Colorado Springs Community), an organization made up of visually impaired people, volunteers and guides.
The nonprofit group was founded in 1974 by the late Hugh Nevins, a legendary Coloradan who's in the Colorado Ski Hall of Fame and was the most decorated glider pilot during World War II. Originally called the Colorado Ski School for the Blind, it was based in Vail. In 1990, a group from the original school trained a group of volunteer guides in Colorado Springs, and VIBeS was born.
For the past two decades, VIBeS has brought together sighted and visually impaired people who love to ski. It's an inclusive group with no membership fees. Its dedicated volunteers help make its trips happen, and support from organizations makes skiing possible for its members. Monarch Ski Area offers free lift tickets, and the SnoJets, a longtime Colorado Springs ski club, sponsors a benefit dual-slalom ski race for the group every winter at Monarch.
At this year's race earlier this month, blizzard conditions made it impossible for anyone to see, but 42 racers gave it a shot anyway. Peters didn't race, but she skied at Monarch that weekend. It was a turning point for her, she says. "I skied both days that weekend and didn't fall once. That was the first time ever."
Peters has a disorder called septo-optic dysplasia. She says she can see objects that are close to her but can't see distances, a valuable skill on a mountain crowded with people and edged with trees. "That's why we have guides," she says, giggling. "Otherwise, we would be careening all over the mountain!"
Peters says her guide's presence doesn't lessen the best things about skiing. "I like the thrill of skiing. I can hear the wind as I move down the mountain and feel whether the snow is powder or packed underneath my skis."
The sensory elements of skiing - the cold air, the bite of the snow kicked up by the wind in your face, the warmth of the sun - are a part of any skier's day on the mountain, whether they're sighted or visually impaired. But visually impaired skier and VIBeS member Marcia Barber says she thinks the joy of flying down the mountain on skis "is even more valuable to me."
"I value it because I haven't had to give it up. We give up a lot of things as we go along. We don't drive. We are dependent on canes and dogs and people's elbows. When you are skiing, a lot of those barriers just go away."
Barber, 52, of Colorado Springs, has a degenerative eye disease that's taking her sight and has been a member of VIBeS since 1993. She and her five siblings learned to ski when they were children and her sight was much better. "Thanks to my parents, we went even though it was cumbersome, with the leather boots with shoelaces and wooden skis with cable bindings. You didn't see a lot of families of eight doing that in the 1960s."
But Barber gave up skiing when she moved to California after college.
As her sight worsened, she thought she'd never ski again. "I felt like a pinball, bouncing off bumps I couldn't see. It wasn't any fun. But then I moved back to Colorado in 1993 and discovered VIBeS," she says.
Barber's condition robs her of her peripheral vision, an important quality for skiers, but having a guide gives her the freedom she craves. "It's nice to just float a little."
Allowing the skier to "float a little" is one of the best parts of guiding, says Leo Bush, 56, a VIBeS guide who lives in Colorado Springs. Bush has been guiding and instructing skiers for VIBeS since the group moved to Colorado Springs in 1990. He had worked as a ski instructor at Monarch, where he realized that teaching visually impaired skiers wouldn't be much different from teaching sighted skiers, he says.
"Skiing is something that is much more body memory and muscle memory, not cognitive memory," he says. "Your body learns to do it. A visually impaired skier's muscles can learn skiing just as easily as a sighted person. . . .
"When we are teaching, we will often ski in front, backward. When we are guiding, we will ski either in front of the visually impaired skier or behind and shout commands - 'left,' 'right' - to guide them down the mountain."
Bush has stayed in VIBeS "simply because I enjoy doing it," he says. "People often say, 'Oh, that's so good of you, helping someone.' But I really do it because I enjoy being outdoors and sharing something I can do with someone else."
The relationship between guide and skier "is one of mutual respect," says Elsa Bailey. "I love the feeling of skiing, of my whole body moving beautifully from turn to turn. But I can't ski by myself anymore. It's just a wonderful thing having a guide."
Programs for the visually impaired and blind
* Adaptive Sports Association; asadurango.org. Sports and recreation programs for people with disabilities. Winter sports include adaptive skiing, blind skiing, cognitive skiing, snowboarding and ski biking.
* Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center; boec.org. Adaptive skiing and snowboarding, wilderness courses, professional challenge courses and an internship program. Upcoming events: Alcon Winter Ski and Snowboard Trip for youths 13 to 17 who have visual impairments or are blind. April 10. For information, call Claire DiCola, 1-800-383-2632.
* Challenge Aspen; challengeaspen.com. Recreational and cultural experiences for people with mental or physical challenges. Programs include adaptive skiing and snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, hiking and dog sledding. Also offers recreational veterans programs.
Upcoming events: The 22nd annual National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic, March 30 to April 4. 1-970-923-0578, http://miracles.dav.org
* National Sports Center for the Disabled; nscd.org. One of the largest outdoor therapeutic recreation agencies in the world, based in Winter Park. Winter activities include therapeutic horseback riding, skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, Nordic hut trips, snowshoeing and ski racing. 1-970-726-1540
* Foresight Ski Guides; foresightski guides.org. Guided instruction for visually impaired and blind skiers at Vail Resorts. 1-866-860-0972
* VIBeS; coloradovibes.org. Visually Impaired and Blind Skiers of the Colorado Springs Community, an organization that presents recreational activities for visually impaired and blind people. Winter activities include downhill and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. 1-719-593-1982
Marcia Barber VIBeS member, 56
* Profession: Elementary-school secretary
* Loves skiing because: "It's something I did as a kid and I can still do it. I love the motion and the speed and being outdoors and being with people I like."
Leo Bush VIBeS guide, 52
* Profession: Software engineer for Federal Express
* Loves skiing because: "I guess it's the thrill of motion that keeps me skiing. I learned when I was 16 and I've never stopped."
To become a VIBeS member
* Visually impaired skiers: If you think it's unsafe for you to ski alone because of your vision, you can participate.
* Guides: You should be an intermediate skier with strong skills and "the volunteer spirit," says longtime guide Leo Bush.
* Volunteers: You can help with VIBeS events, and even if you aren't a skier, you can participate in and help with programs in hiking, skiing and other outdoor recreational activities year-round.
* Information: 1-719-593-1982 or coloradovibes.org
March 17, 2008
Environmental awareness fuels support
By Todd Cohen, March 10, 2008
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Nature Conservancy in 2007 received $75,000 from Duke Energy and $500,000 from Bank of America that represented savings resulting from requests by investors and customers for electronic versions of the companies' reports and billing statements.
"Corporations are recognizing that their customers are indeed concerned about global environmental issues," says Mike Horak, associate director of philanthropy for The Nature Conservancy.
Buoyed by growing public awareness of issues like global warming and urban sprawl, and their impact on land, air and water, local environmental groups are seeing more interest and support...
To read the complete article, please visit PhilanthropyJournal.org.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Nature Conservancy in 2007 received $75,000 from Duke Energy and $500,000 from Bank of America that represented savings resulting from requests by investors and customers for electronic versions of the companies' reports and billing statements.
"Corporations are recognizing that their customers are indeed concerned about global environmental issues," says Mike Horak, associate director of philanthropy for The Nature Conservancy.
Buoyed by growing public awareness of issues like global warming and urban sprawl, and their impact on land, air and water, local environmental groups are seeing more interest and support...
To read the complete article, please visit PhilanthropyJournal.org.
Bainbridge Island outdoor learning center seeks to raise $8 million
When IslandWood School began eight years ago, its founders hoped to create generations of environmental stewards. Those hopes are being realized with each class of fourth- or fifth-graders who complete the four-day stay at the nonprofit educational center, say educators. To read the full article, visit the Seattle Times website.
March 13, 2008
Osprey’s “ReSources In Jeopardy” Party Helps Six Non-Profits
Cortez, Colo., March 13th, 2008 — Osprey Packs, and independent pack company located in the high desert and mountains of Southwestern Colorado, was founded over 30 years ago with an unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship.
In 2007, Osprey bridged that commitment into its product line with the ReSource series of packs, made from at least 70-percent recycled materials. The ReSource collection was the result of many years of sourcing research, and was a strong product introduction for the brand. Staying true to its goal of creating positive change through the company and its products, Osprey not only expanded the ReSource line for fall 2008, but also launched it with a successful fundraiser at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market, 2008, in Salt Lake City. The Resources in Jeopardy party was based on the fall 2008 ReSource pack colors, which are named after species or ecosystems in jeopardy.
“Contestants had a chance to demonstrate their knowledge of the ReSource endangered species and ecosystems and the fabulous organizations dedicated to saving them,” says Osprey marketing director Gareth Martins. “Thanks to their participation, and our dedication to donating portions of the ReSource series sales to these organizations, we can continue to support and preserve these delicate ecosystems.”
The Resources in Jeopardy party at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market raised $1,200 for six non-profits in just an hour and a half. The donations were split between the six organizations based on the donors’ preferences, and the entire dollar amount raised went to the six charities.
The six outstanding charities associated with the ReSource series color names that Osprey packs supports are:
Glacier (blue): Save Our Snow Foundation
Rainforest (green): Wildlife at Risk
Redwood (orange-red): Save the Redwoods League
Panda (black): Pandas International
Cheetah (yellow): Cheetah Conservation Fund
Wild Salmon (crimson): Save Our Wild Salmon
The expanded ReSource collection now comprises 13 styles of active, everyday packs built from at least 70-precent recycled materials by content. The exact amount of recycled materials for each pack is featured on the pack strap of each respective model. The ReSource collection embodies the Osprey design credo of comfort, adjustability, and durability in a line of versatile urban packs. For more information on the ReSource series of pack, visit:http://ospreypacks.com/Packs/ReSourceSeries/
The expanded ReSource collection is yet another indication of Osprey’s continued dedication to the environment and to the company’s ever-expanding corporate social responsibility platform. You can read more about their efforts by visiting .
About Osprey Packs
From its humble beginnings building custom backpacks and sleeping bags in Santa Cruz California, to its current recognition as an industry leader, Osprey has always flown its own course. Their mission is to create innovative high performance gear that reflects a love of adventure and a devotion to the outdoors and the environment. Osprey defines success when it meets the demanding expectation of its most discerning customers. Based in Cortez, Colorado, Osprey has over thirty-two years of pack-making experience.
In 2007, Osprey bridged that commitment into its product line with the ReSource series of packs, made from at least 70-percent recycled materials. The ReSource collection was the result of many years of sourcing research, and was a strong product introduction for the brand. Staying true to its goal of creating positive change through the company and its products, Osprey not only expanded the ReSource line for fall 2008, but also launched it with a successful fundraiser at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market, 2008, in Salt Lake City. The Resources in Jeopardy party was based on the fall 2008 ReSource pack colors, which are named after species or ecosystems in jeopardy.
“Contestants had a chance to demonstrate their knowledge of the ReSource endangered species and ecosystems and the fabulous organizations dedicated to saving them,” says Osprey marketing director Gareth Martins. “Thanks to their participation, and our dedication to donating portions of the ReSource series sales to these organizations, we can continue to support and preserve these delicate ecosystems.”
The Resources in Jeopardy party at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market raised $1,200 for six non-profits in just an hour and a half. The donations were split between the six organizations based on the donors’ preferences, and the entire dollar amount raised went to the six charities.
The six outstanding charities associated with the ReSource series color names that Osprey packs supports are:
Glacier (blue): Save Our Snow Foundation
Rainforest (green): Wildlife at Risk
Redwood (orange-red): Save the Redwoods League
Panda (black): Pandas International
Cheetah (yellow): Cheetah Conservation Fund
Wild Salmon (crimson): Save Our Wild Salmon
The expanded ReSource collection now comprises 13 styles of active, everyday packs built from at least 70-precent recycled materials by content. The exact amount of recycled materials for each pack is featured on the pack strap of each respective model. The ReSource collection embodies the Osprey design credo of comfort, adjustability, and durability in a line of versatile urban packs. For more information on the ReSource series of pack, visit:http://ospreypacks.com/Packs/ReSourceSeries/
The expanded ReSource collection is yet another indication of Osprey’s continued dedication to the environment and to the company’s ever-expanding corporate social responsibility platform. You can read more about their efforts by visiting .
About Osprey Packs
From its humble beginnings building custom backpacks and sleeping bags in Santa Cruz California, to its current recognition as an industry leader, Osprey has always flown its own course. Their mission is to create innovative high performance gear that reflects a love of adventure and a devotion to the outdoors and the environment. Osprey defines success when it meets the demanding expectation of its most discerning customers. Based in Cortez, Colorado, Osprey has over thirty-two years of pack-making experience.
March 12, 2008
HERA Ovarian Cancer Climb for Life Washington DC
February 29th - March 29th, 2008
Looking for a Challenge?
Rock climb and make a difference in the world!
Register Online
REI, Black Diamond & Metro DC’s great climbing gyms, Earth Treks & Sportrock, have teamed up to fight ovarian cancer with our 3rd annual climbing festival, HERA Ovarian Cancer Climb For Life, Metro DC. The organizers are honored to be working with HERA (Health, Empowerment, Research and Advocacy), a leading non-profit foundation empowering women, the medical industry & communities in their fight against ovarian cancer.
The low-down: For your $30 registration fee, we're going to give you a month of climbing, a few grand parties, a friendly competition, free goodies, raffles, friends, laughter, clinics, and the chance to hang out and learn from some top climbing pros. Yeah, it's a lot for only $30 but we're on a mission. We want to spread awareness of ovarian cancer and help find a cure. Climb4Life is an easy and fun way to help women and their families who are battling this disease. Ovarian cancer is often called a silent killer. It's not. It has symptoms and it's our mission to let everyone - women, girls and the men that love them – know what's at stake.
Want to do More?. You can help save lives by talking to friends, colleagues, and anyone you know about ovarian cancer. We'll arm you with information and useful symptom cards to distribute when you register, and you can find more detailed information and research on this website. Want to do more? You can raise additional funds by asking friends, family, co-workers and neighbors to sponsor you. It's easy. We promise. And for those of you that go the extra mile to bring in donations, we've got a few nice things to thank you with.
Contact: Customer Service REI Fairfax
571-522-6568
Looking for a Challenge?
Rock climb and make a difference in the world!
Register Online
REI, Black Diamond & Metro DC’s great climbing gyms, Earth Treks & Sportrock, have teamed up to fight ovarian cancer with our 3rd annual climbing festival, HERA Ovarian Cancer Climb For Life, Metro DC. The organizers are honored to be working with HERA (Health, Empowerment, Research and Advocacy), a leading non-profit foundation empowering women, the medical industry & communities in their fight against ovarian cancer.
The low-down: For your $30 registration fee, we're going to give you a month of climbing, a few grand parties, a friendly competition, free goodies, raffles, friends, laughter, clinics, and the chance to hang out and learn from some top climbing pros. Yeah, it's a lot for only $30 but we're on a mission. We want to spread awareness of ovarian cancer and help find a cure. Climb4Life is an easy and fun way to help women and their families who are battling this disease. Ovarian cancer is often called a silent killer. It's not. It has symptoms and it's our mission to let everyone - women, girls and the men that love them – know what's at stake.
Want to do More?. You can help save lives by talking to friends, colleagues, and anyone you know about ovarian cancer. We'll arm you with information and useful symptom cards to distribute when you register, and you can find more detailed information and research on this website. Want to do more? You can raise additional funds by asking friends, family, co-workers and neighbors to sponsor you. It's easy. We promise. And for those of you that go the extra mile to bring in donations, we've got a few nice things to thank you with.
Contact: Customer Service REI Fairfax
571-522-6568
March 08, 2008
La Sportiva Refines Environmental and Social Responsibility Platform
Boulder, Colo. March 7, 2008, March 7th, 2008 — An appreciation and love for the mountain environment has been a part of La Sportiva’s business from the time the company was building rugged footwear for farmers and mountain guides in the Italian Dolomites 80 years ago. In 2006, La Sportiva launched their first Corporate Sustainability Platform. Today, that same feeling of stewardship is prompting La Sportiva to integrate more responsible practices and production processes that respect the environment into each part of their business.
La Sportiva will couple these environmental initiatives with new efforts at transparency so that stakeholders can see where the company is making tangible improvements and where improvements can still be made.
“Our Corporate Sustainability Platform is designed to cover all aspects of our business, from employee welfare to waste reduction. We are taking this holistic approach because we feel strongly that creating a green product is meaningless if it uses unfair labor practices. Likewise, the best fair labor platform is meaningless if the production process pollutes the local ground water,” said Jonathan Lantz, president of La Sportiva North America.
La Sportiva’s new efforts can be broken down into four main areas of focus, reducing their carbon footprint, waste reduction, fair labor, and social philanthropy. In 2007, the company’s approach to furthering their Corporate Sustainability Platform netted several tangible improvements.
La Sportiva helped offset a portion of its emissions with renewable energy credits (RECs). The company’s total commitment to clean energy, they estimate, was equivalent to not burning 22,665 pounds of coal, not driving 53,568 miles or also planting 202 trees. Additionally, La Sportiva’s Italian factory experienced retrofits that reduce that company’s combined energy use. These efforts helped the company to reduce its overall ecological footprint and helped promote cleaner, renewable energy.
La Sportiva is a community partner with Eco-Cycle Zero Waste of Boulder County, a program that networks and enables communities to reduce waste. The program allows La Sportiva to increase recycling capabilities and further reduce waste by working with community partners. As a further waste-reduction measure, La Sportiva launched a shoe recycling initiative that improves their product’s end-of-life cycle by diverting them from landfills as waste. The program involves participation from customers by accepting shoes, depending on condition, for either recycling or reuse.
In addressing the human element of the manufacturing process, La Sportiva has adopted OIA’s Fair Labor Toolkit. This toolkit presents a code of conduct and a variety of strategies that was developed by pooling the best practices of several outdoor industry companies. It provides a comprehensive system for monitoring labor standards compliance in order to understand if and where there are labor compliance violations in La Sportiva’s supply chain so the company can work to eliminate them. La Sportiva has implemented this in its Italian factory and at its contract factories in the Far East.
La Sportiva is also committed to social causes and improving community relations and development. This commitment is achieved mainly through partnerships with awareness, education and conservation-based organizations. In 2007, La Sportiva partnered with Sierra Magazine to help promote the brand and their company’s commitment to sustainability. In 2008, La Sportiva has signed a deal to expand their partnership with Sierra to include support for Sierra Club’s Inner City Outing (ICO) program. The ICO program is a community outreach initiative that provides low-income, inner-city youth the opportunity for wilderness experiences that may otherwise be unavailable.
In La Sportiva’s efforts to be more transparent to the public, the company has taken several steps, including clearly labeling its products’ country of origin. This year, La Sportiva will partner with the Green Living Project™. Beginning in March of 2008, the project will attempt to document sustainability in an effort to increase exposure for “green living” projects from partner organizations, like La Sportiva.
La Sportiva will be continuing their efforts to improve every aspect of their business through this Corporate Sustainability Platform. The company has plans to continue to support its environmental stewardship programs and improve working conditions throughout its supply chain. For more information on La Sportiva’s efforts in these areas, Download La Sportiva’s Corporate Social Responsibility Report.
ABOUT LA SPORTIVA
Celebrating their 80th anniversary, La Sportiva brings a strong alpine mountaineering and climbing heritage to their line of performance mountain footwear. This core experience enables La Sportiva to offer the most versatile technical climbing, mountaineering, Mountain Running® and hiking shoes on the market. For more information on La Sportiva visit www.sportiva.com.
La Sportiva will couple these environmental initiatives with new efforts at transparency so that stakeholders can see where the company is making tangible improvements and where improvements can still be made.
“Our Corporate Sustainability Platform is designed to cover all aspects of our business, from employee welfare to waste reduction. We are taking this holistic approach because we feel strongly that creating a green product is meaningless if it uses unfair labor practices. Likewise, the best fair labor platform is meaningless if the production process pollutes the local ground water,” said Jonathan Lantz, president of La Sportiva North America.
La Sportiva’s new efforts can be broken down into four main areas of focus, reducing their carbon footprint, waste reduction, fair labor, and social philanthropy. In 2007, the company’s approach to furthering their Corporate Sustainability Platform netted several tangible improvements.
La Sportiva helped offset a portion of its emissions with renewable energy credits (RECs). The company’s total commitment to clean energy, they estimate, was equivalent to not burning 22,665 pounds of coal, not driving 53,568 miles or also planting 202 trees. Additionally, La Sportiva’s Italian factory experienced retrofits that reduce that company’s combined energy use. These efforts helped the company to reduce its overall ecological footprint and helped promote cleaner, renewable energy.
La Sportiva is a community partner with Eco-Cycle Zero Waste of Boulder County, a program that networks and enables communities to reduce waste. The program allows La Sportiva to increase recycling capabilities and further reduce waste by working with community partners. As a further waste-reduction measure, La Sportiva launched a shoe recycling initiative that improves their product’s end-of-life cycle by diverting them from landfills as waste. The program involves participation from customers by accepting shoes, depending on condition, for either recycling or reuse.
In addressing the human element of the manufacturing process, La Sportiva has adopted OIA’s Fair Labor Toolkit. This toolkit presents a code of conduct and a variety of strategies that was developed by pooling the best practices of several outdoor industry companies. It provides a comprehensive system for monitoring labor standards compliance in order to understand if and where there are labor compliance violations in La Sportiva’s supply chain so the company can work to eliminate them. La Sportiva has implemented this in its Italian factory and at its contract factories in the Far East.
La Sportiva is also committed to social causes and improving community relations and development. This commitment is achieved mainly through partnerships with awareness, education and conservation-based organizations. In 2007, La Sportiva partnered with Sierra Magazine to help promote the brand and their company’s commitment to sustainability. In 2008, La Sportiva has signed a deal to expand their partnership with Sierra to include support for Sierra Club’s Inner City Outing (ICO) program. The ICO program is a community outreach initiative that provides low-income, inner-city youth the opportunity for wilderness experiences that may otherwise be unavailable.
In La Sportiva’s efforts to be more transparent to the public, the company has taken several steps, including clearly labeling its products’ country of origin. This year, La Sportiva will partner with the Green Living Project™. Beginning in March of 2008, the project will attempt to document sustainability in an effort to increase exposure for “green living” projects from partner organizations, like La Sportiva.
La Sportiva will be continuing their efforts to improve every aspect of their business through this Corporate Sustainability Platform. The company has plans to continue to support its environmental stewardship programs and improve working conditions throughout its supply chain. For more information on La Sportiva’s efforts in these areas, Download La Sportiva’s Corporate Social Responsibility Report.
ABOUT LA SPORTIVA
Celebrating their 80th anniversary, La Sportiva brings a strong alpine mountaineering and climbing heritage to their line of performance mountain footwear. This core experience enables La Sportiva to offer the most versatile technical climbing, mountaineering, Mountain Running® and hiking shoes on the market. For more information on La Sportiva visit www.sportiva.com.
Kelty sponsors Daren Wendell and his walk around the world
Boulder, Colo., March 7th, 2008 — Kelty, cornerstone brand for the outdoor world, will be an official gear sponsor for Daren Wendell and his Earth Expedition walk around the world to raise awareness, generate funds, and call people to action regarding the international water crisis.
Starting on March 8, 2008 when Daren takes his first step from North Georgia College and University in Dahlonega, GA, the Earth Expedition will span the course of the next seven years and take Daren over 18,000 miles through 14 countries. Kelty will supply Daren with a Soar 5200 backpack, Corrie 2 tent, and Light Year Down 20º sleeping bag to start, with regular equipment upgrades to follow as seasons change and newer gear is released.
“Without a doubt, this is one of the most ambitious undertakings I’ve ever heard of and we’re excited to be a part of it,” said Christian Mason, marketing manager for Kelty. “I’m looking forward to receiving updates from Daren during his trip and his feedback on how our Kelty gear is performing.”
When it came to selecting gear sponsors, Daren knew exactly the sort of equipment he was after.
“I’m a minimalist,” said Daren of Earth Expedition. “I’m looking for high quality, lightweight gear to meet my under 40 lb pack limit. The Kelty Soar, Corrie, and Light Year will certainly help me attain that goal.”
With 5200 cubic inches of storage space, the Soar is the largest pack Kelty’s Backcountry Light series of packs, tents, and sleeping bags. Weighing in at 4 lbs., 2 oz., the Soar represents the best blend of lightweight and large volume across all of Kelty’s backpack lines.
New for Spring 2008, the Corrie 2 is the lightest two-person tent currently offered in the Kelty line. Tipping the scales at a scant 3 lbs., 10 oz., the three-season Corrie is easy to carry, easy to pitch, and provides ample protection from the elements.
Also new for Spring 2008, Kelty’s Light Year Down 20º sleeping bag will accompany Daren until colder temps demand a warmer bag. Light, comfortable and compact, the mummy-style Light Year Down is a great choice for lightweight, three-season backpacking.
Starting with a hike of the entire Appalachian Trail, Daren will ultimately cover over 18,000 miles during his seven-year trip with time spent walking through a variety of different countries, including Spain, France, Italy, Hungary, Austria, Russia, and Canada.
Regular updates on Daren’s progress and the Kelty gear he is using can be found at www.Kelty.comin the “How Do You Use Kelty” section as well as in Daren’s blog, located atwww.theearthexpedition.com .
KELTY is based in Boulder, Colorado, and uses the natural backdrop of the Rocky Mountains to test, create and continually innovate within their diverse outdoor product families of Light & Fast, Trail, Basecamp and Travel gear. Kelty combines the best in new technology with a healthy dose of common sense to create exceptionally made, affordably priced outdoor products. For more information on Kelty, please go to www.kelty.com, or call 800.423.2320.
Starting on March 8, 2008 when Daren takes his first step from North Georgia College and University in Dahlonega, GA, the Earth Expedition will span the course of the next seven years and take Daren over 18,000 miles through 14 countries. Kelty will supply Daren with a Soar 5200 backpack, Corrie 2 tent, and Light Year Down 20º sleeping bag to start, with regular equipment upgrades to follow as seasons change and newer gear is released.
“Without a doubt, this is one of the most ambitious undertakings I’ve ever heard of and we’re excited to be a part of it,” said Christian Mason, marketing manager for Kelty. “I’m looking forward to receiving updates from Daren during his trip and his feedback on how our Kelty gear is performing.”
When it came to selecting gear sponsors, Daren knew exactly the sort of equipment he was after.
“I’m a minimalist,” said Daren of Earth Expedition. “I’m looking for high quality, lightweight gear to meet my under 40 lb pack limit. The Kelty Soar, Corrie, and Light Year will certainly help me attain that goal.”
With 5200 cubic inches of storage space, the Soar is the largest pack Kelty’s Backcountry Light series of packs, tents, and sleeping bags. Weighing in at 4 lbs., 2 oz., the Soar represents the best blend of lightweight and large volume across all of Kelty’s backpack lines.
New for Spring 2008, the Corrie 2 is the lightest two-person tent currently offered in the Kelty line. Tipping the scales at a scant 3 lbs., 10 oz., the three-season Corrie is easy to carry, easy to pitch, and provides ample protection from the elements.
Also new for Spring 2008, Kelty’s Light Year Down 20º sleeping bag will accompany Daren until colder temps demand a warmer bag. Light, comfortable and compact, the mummy-style Light Year Down is a great choice for lightweight, three-season backpacking.
Starting with a hike of the entire Appalachian Trail, Daren will ultimately cover over 18,000 miles during his seven-year trip with time spent walking through a variety of different countries, including Spain, France, Italy, Hungary, Austria, Russia, and Canada.
Regular updates on Daren’s progress and the Kelty gear he is using can be found at www.Kelty.comin the “How Do You Use Kelty” section as well as in Daren’s blog, located atwww.theearthexpedition.com .
KELTY is based in Boulder, Colorado, and uses the natural backdrop of the Rocky Mountains to test, create and continually innovate within their diverse outdoor product families of Light & Fast, Trail, Basecamp and Travel gear. Kelty combines the best in new technology with a healthy dose of common sense to create exceptionally made, affordably priced outdoor products. For more information on Kelty, please go to www.kelty.com, or call 800.423.2320.
March 06, 2008
Eastern Mountain Sports Makes Major Commitment to Conservation Alliance Legacy Fund
Bend, Ore, February 21st, 2008 — Eastern Mountain Sports has committed to contribute $500,000 to The Conservation Alliance Legacy Fund over the course of the next five years. The pledge brings the Alliance closer to its $3.5-million goal for the Legacy Fund.
Eastern Mountain Sports’ commitment comes in the wake of the Alliance’s January announcement that the organization will build the Legacy Fund to ensure a permanent source of funding for current operational expenses. The Conservation Alliance contributes 100 percent of each member’s annual dues to conservation projects, and must raise operational costs separately.
“Eastern Mountain Sports has made a strong investment in the future of The Conservation Alliance,” said John Sterling, executive director. “By pledging $500,000, the company is also pledging that conservation is a core priority for the outdoor industry. It is a gift not only to the Alliance, but also to future outdoor industry customers who value protected wild places.”
The New Hampshire-based retailer is a long-time Conservation Alliance member, joining in 1997. The company has recently increased its involvement in the Alliance. In 2007, Eastern Mountain Sports contributed 1 percent of sales from two 'Upgrade Your Gear' sales to The Conservation Alliance and The Access Fund. Those promotions raised more than $30,000 for the Alliance last year.
“Eastern Mountain Sports is committed to saving wild lands and rivers for future generations,” said CEO Will Manzer. “We intend to make our partnership with The Conservation Alliance the cornerstone of our future conservation initiatives.”
The Conservation Alliance launched the Legacy Fund at the January Outdoor Retailer trade show with significant commitments and contributions from The North Face, REI, Patagonia, Kelty, Merrell, Dansko, CamelBak, The Forest Group, and former board president Menno van Wyk.
“We were already off to a great start, and with the Eastern Mountain Sports pledge we have taken a huge step toward our goal,” said Sterling.
The Conservation Alliance plans to secure contributions and commitments totaling $3.5 million by August 2009, the organization’s 20th Anniversary.
Read more about the Legacy Fund, its donors and how to get involved.
About the Conservation Alliance:
The Conservation Alliance is an organization of outdoor businesses whose collective contributions support grassroots environmental organizations and their efforts to protect wild places where outdoor enthusiasts recreate. Alliance funds have played a key role in protecting rivers, trails, wildlands and climbing areas.
Membership in the Alliance is open to companies representing all aspects of the outdoor industry, including manufacturers, retailers, publishers, mills and sales representatives. The result is a diverse group of businesses whose livelihood depends on protecting our natural environment.
Since its inception in 1989, the Alliance has contributed more than $6 million to grassroots environmental groups. Alliance funding has helped save over 38 million acres of wildlands; 26 dams have either been stopped or removed; and the group helped preserve access to more than 16,000 miles of waterways and several climbing areas.
For complete information on the Conservation Alliance, see www.conservationalliance.com.
Eastern Mountain Sports’ commitment comes in the wake of the Alliance’s January announcement that the organization will build the Legacy Fund to ensure a permanent source of funding for current operational expenses. The Conservation Alliance contributes 100 percent of each member’s annual dues to conservation projects, and must raise operational costs separately.
“Eastern Mountain Sports has made a strong investment in the future of The Conservation Alliance,” said John Sterling, executive director. “By pledging $500,000, the company is also pledging that conservation is a core priority for the outdoor industry. It is a gift not only to the Alliance, but also to future outdoor industry customers who value protected wild places.”
The New Hampshire-based retailer is a long-time Conservation Alliance member, joining in 1997. The company has recently increased its involvement in the Alliance. In 2007, Eastern Mountain Sports contributed 1 percent of sales from two 'Upgrade Your Gear' sales to The Conservation Alliance and The Access Fund. Those promotions raised more than $30,000 for the Alliance last year.
“Eastern Mountain Sports is committed to saving wild lands and rivers for future generations,” said CEO Will Manzer. “We intend to make our partnership with The Conservation Alliance the cornerstone of our future conservation initiatives.”
The Conservation Alliance launched the Legacy Fund at the January Outdoor Retailer trade show with significant commitments and contributions from The North Face, REI, Patagonia, Kelty, Merrell, Dansko, CamelBak, The Forest Group, and former board president Menno van Wyk.
“We were already off to a great start, and with the Eastern Mountain Sports pledge we have taken a huge step toward our goal,” said Sterling.
The Conservation Alliance plans to secure contributions and commitments totaling $3.5 million by August 2009, the organization’s 20th Anniversary.
Read more about the Legacy Fund, its donors and how to get involved.
About the Conservation Alliance:
The Conservation Alliance is an organization of outdoor businesses whose collective contributions support grassroots environmental organizations and their efforts to protect wild places where outdoor enthusiasts recreate. Alliance funds have played a key role in protecting rivers, trails, wildlands and climbing areas.
Membership in the Alliance is open to companies representing all aspects of the outdoor industry, including manufacturers, retailers, publishers, mills and sales representatives. The result is a diverse group of businesses whose livelihood depends on protecting our natural environment.
Since its inception in 1989, the Alliance has contributed more than $6 million to grassroots environmental groups. Alliance funding has helped save over 38 million acres of wildlands; 26 dams have either been stopped or removed; and the group helped preserve access to more than 16,000 miles of waterways and several climbing areas.
For complete information on the Conservation Alliance, see www.conservationalliance.com.
The Access Fund Announces a New Program for Youth Climbing Teams
March 05, 2008 — The Access Fund is pleased to announce the launch of a new program, the boulderProject TeamWorks competition.
With the cooperation of team coaches, indoor youth climbing gym teams will host or participate in Access Fund Adopt-a-Crag events all while amassing points. As a reward for their stewardship efforts in taking care of the places we all play, the top 10 teams will win a cash grant between $250 and $2000 for their youth program.
“In addition to the $2000 top prize, the first place team will also receive the "Golden Toothbrush" award presented by REI and a full page write up in Urban Climber Magazine. Our partners in this project have really stepped up.” says Charlie Boas, the Access Fund’s Grassroots Coordinator who heads the boulderProject TeamWorks and Adopt-a-Crag programs.
boulderProject TeamWorks would not be possible without the generous support of REI, The North Face, USA Climbing, and Skram Media. Additional support provided by CLIF Bar, Nalgene, Leave No Trace, and Routsetter.com
For more information or to sign your team up, visit www.boulderproject.org/teamworks. The TeamWorks resource package includes Adopt-a-Crag information, Access Fund route setting tape, and Access Fund logo posters.
About boulderProject TeamWorks
TeamWorks educates young indoor climbers on the transition from inside to outside environments by focusing on Leave No Trace ethics and responsible rock climbing habits. It instills and fosters a sense of stewardship and pride in caring for our outside climbing environments leading to long term conservation of and access to climbing areas. For more information visit www.boulderproject.org.
About the Access Fund
The Access Fund is the national advocacy organization that keeps U.S. climbing areas open and conserves the climbing environment. Founded in 1991, the Access Fund supports and represents over 1.6 million climbers nationwide in all forms of climbing; rock climbing, ice climbing, mountaineering, and bouldering. Five core programs support the mission on national and local levels: public policy, stewardship & conservation (including grants), grassroots activism, climber education, and land acquisition.
For more information visit www.accessfund.org.
With the cooperation of team coaches, indoor youth climbing gym teams will host or participate in Access Fund Adopt-a-Crag events all while amassing points. As a reward for their stewardship efforts in taking care of the places we all play, the top 10 teams will win a cash grant between $250 and $2000 for their youth program.
“In addition to the $2000 top prize, the first place team will also receive the "Golden Toothbrush" award presented by REI and a full page write up in Urban Climber Magazine. Our partners in this project have really stepped up.” says Charlie Boas, the Access Fund’s Grassroots Coordinator who heads the boulderProject TeamWorks and Adopt-a-Crag programs.
boulderProject TeamWorks would not be possible without the generous support of REI, The North Face, USA Climbing, and Skram Media. Additional support provided by CLIF Bar, Nalgene, Leave No Trace, and Routsetter.com
For more information or to sign your team up, visit www.boulderproject.org/teamworks. The TeamWorks resource package includes Adopt-a-Crag information, Access Fund route setting tape, and Access Fund logo posters.
About boulderProject TeamWorks
TeamWorks educates young indoor climbers on the transition from inside to outside environments by focusing on Leave No Trace ethics and responsible rock climbing habits. It instills and fosters a sense of stewardship and pride in caring for our outside climbing environments leading to long term conservation of and access to climbing areas. For more information visit www.boulderproject.org.
About the Access Fund
The Access Fund is the national advocacy organization that keeps U.S. climbing areas open and conserves the climbing environment. Founded in 1991, the Access Fund supports and represents over 1.6 million climbers nationwide in all forms of climbing; rock climbing, ice climbing, mountaineering, and bouldering. Five core programs support the mission on national and local levels: public policy, stewardship & conservation (including grants), grassroots activism, climber education, and land acquisition.
For more information visit www.accessfund.org.
March 05, 2008
The Tibetan Arts and Literature Initiative
The Tibetan Arts and Literature Initiative (TALI) supports projects that promote Tibetan culture and language in Tibetan areas within the People’s Republic of China. TALI is a non-profit, non-governmental organization with no political or religious affiliations. Project partners include artists, writers and educators, officials, and local community members, as well as Tibetan cultural associations and other non-governmental organizations. TALI is committed to supporting or implementing projects in the following categories:
* Tibetan-language children’s books;
* Tibetan-language children’s audiovisual materials of educational or entertaining nature;
* Enrichment programming aimed at promoting the early appreciation of Tibetan language, literature and the arts among Tibetan children;
* Short-term training for Tibetan artists, writers and educators; and
* Exchanges and collaboration between Tibetan artists, writers and educators and their counterparts in and outside the People’s Republic of China.
In Summer 2007 TALI published and distributed two originally written Tibetan-language children's books:
* A Little Frog and a Crow, written by Nangsal Tenzin Norbu and Tsering Choedron, illustrated by Dedron. Book design by Tsering Namgyal.
* The Prince and the Yoguin's Daughter, adapted and illustrated by Serdrak Dondrup Tseten, a renown Rebkong thangka painter. Book Design by Tracy Ellen Smith.
Ten thousand copies of the books were successfully distributed in schools and libraries all over Tibetan-populated areas in the People's Republic of China. TALI achieved the successful wide distribution of the books by relying on its network of local volunteers and by partnering with many local and international NGOs and non-profit organizations operating in these areas.
To read more about TALI visit talitibet.org
* Tibetan-language children’s books;
* Tibetan-language children’s audiovisual materials of educational or entertaining nature;
* Enrichment programming aimed at promoting the early appreciation of Tibetan language, literature and the arts among Tibetan children;
* Short-term training for Tibetan artists, writers and educators; and
* Exchanges and collaboration between Tibetan artists, writers and educators and their counterparts in and outside the People’s Republic of China.
In Summer 2007 TALI published and distributed two originally written Tibetan-language children's books:
* A Little Frog and a Crow, written by Nangsal Tenzin Norbu and Tsering Choedron, illustrated by Dedron. Book design by Tsering Namgyal.
* The Prince and the Yoguin's Daughter, adapted and illustrated by Serdrak Dondrup Tseten, a renown Rebkong thangka painter. Book Design by Tracy Ellen Smith.
Ten thousand copies of the books were successfully distributed in schools and libraries all over Tibetan-populated areas in the People's Republic of China. TALI achieved the successful wide distribution of the books by relying on its network of local volunteers and by partnering with many local and international NGOs and non-profit organizations operating in these areas.
To read more about TALI visit talitibet.org
March 04, 2008
Mountain Hardwear Moves to Eco-Friendlier Headquarters
In a recent article written by B. James Bottoms, Mountain Hardwear’s Director of Operations, he reported that the company will be moving its headquarters to the Ford Assembly Plant in Richmond, Calif. The plant, designed by architect Albert Kahn in 1930, is a quarter of a mile long and includes features “that would be considered sustainable today such as the saw tooth roof design with large northern skylights which provide incredible natural light and hinged windows along the western and northern walls which draw in the cool bay breeze.”
Bottoms explains that by “re-appropriating some of open factory space, the original suite of managers' offices and the former product showroom, all of which had been practically abandoned for more than 25 years, we were able to design and build our space with a focus on sustainability.”
To read the full article, please visit their website.
Bottoms explains that by “re-appropriating some of open factory space, the original suite of managers' offices and the former product showroom, all of which had been practically abandoned for more than 25 years, we were able to design and build our space with a focus on sustainability.”
To read the full article, please visit their website.
March 03, 2008
New Belgium Brewery Gives Back 1% to the Planet
Ft. Collins, CO – January 2008 – New Belgium Brewing, makers of Fat Tire Amber Ale and other Belgian-inspired beers, today joined One Percent for the Planet (1% FTP), turning a portion of its sales into a pledge to help the planet
The nation’s first brewery to incorporate wind-power for electricity, New Belgium is also the first brewery to join 1% FTP, which connects businesses, consumers and nonprofits through philanthropy. Through 1% FTP, New Belgium Brewing will support nearly 150 sustainability-oriented non-profits in 2008. New Belgium will donate the money directly to the organizations and 1% FTP will serve as the clearing-house that makes sure non-profits use the donations they receive efficiently and responsibly.
“Sustainability is the backbone of everything we do at New Belgium Brewing and it is very important to us that we give back to the organizations working daily to make the planet a better place,” said Jennifer Orgolini, New Belgium’s Sustainability Director.
1% FTP is a global network of environmentally philanthropic members with more than 800 companies and more than 1,500 non-profit organizations. Launched in 2001 by Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, and Craig Matthews, owner of Blue Ribbon Flies of Bozeman, its members include individuals such as singer Jack Johnson, entrepreneurs and corporations. In 2007, 1% FTP members donated more than $7 million dollars bringing the total to more than $30 million dollars since its inception.
"New Belgium is an exciting addition to the network. They, like our other members, are really walking the walk,” said Strick Walker, Chief Marketing & Development Officer for 1% FTP. “They're using creativity and generosity as tools with which to build an incredible business and a powerful brand - and enabling important environmental work along the way. We're stoked to welcome them to the 1% family."
The collaboration with 1% FTP is in addition to the other philanthropy projects New Belgium supports throughout the year. New Belgium currently donates one dollar to non-profit organizations for every barrel of beer sold in the prior year, as a way to give back to the communities that contribute to New Belgium’s success. In addition, New Belgium hosts Tour de Fat every summer, a philanthropic and sustainable festival that has raised more than $700,000 for bike and environmental advocacy groups, since its inception in 2000.
From the beginning New Belgium has made every effort to minimize resource consumption, maximize energy efficiency and recycle at every opportunity. In fact, New Belgium became the country’s first brewery to subscribe to wind energy after a vote by employee owners to dip into their bonus pool.
“One of the core values at New Belgium is to be an environmental steward and it’s something we believe in 100%,” continued Orgolini. “We are excited to join One Percent for the Planet and to extend our resources to organizations that have a powerful impact.”
About New Belgium Brewing Company
New Belgium Brewing Company, makers of Fat Tire Amber Ale and a host of Belgian-inspired beers, began operations in a tiny Fort Collins basement in 1991. Today, the third largest craft brewer in the U.S., New Belgium produces seven year-round beers; Fat Tire Amber Ale, Sunshine Wheat, Blue Paddle Pilsner, 1554 Black Ale, Abbey, Mothership Wit and Trippel, as well as a host of seasonal releases. In addition to producing world-class beers, New Belgium takes pride in being a responsible corporate role model with progressive programs such as employee ownership, open book management and a commitment to environmental stewardship. For more information, visit www.newbelgium.com.
The nation’s first brewery to incorporate wind-power for electricity, New Belgium is also the first brewery to join 1% FTP, which connects businesses, consumers and nonprofits through philanthropy. Through 1% FTP, New Belgium Brewing will support nearly 150 sustainability-oriented non-profits in 2008. New Belgium will donate the money directly to the organizations and 1% FTP will serve as the clearing-house that makes sure non-profits use the donations they receive efficiently and responsibly.
“Sustainability is the backbone of everything we do at New Belgium Brewing and it is very important to us that we give back to the organizations working daily to make the planet a better place,” said Jennifer Orgolini, New Belgium’s Sustainability Director.
1% FTP is a global network of environmentally philanthropic members with more than 800 companies and more than 1,500 non-profit organizations. Launched in 2001 by Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, and Craig Matthews, owner of Blue Ribbon Flies of Bozeman, its members include individuals such as singer Jack Johnson, entrepreneurs and corporations. In 2007, 1% FTP members donated more than $7 million dollars bringing the total to more than $30 million dollars since its inception.
"New Belgium is an exciting addition to the network. They, like our other members, are really walking the walk,” said Strick Walker, Chief Marketing & Development Officer for 1% FTP. “They're using creativity and generosity as tools with which to build an incredible business and a powerful brand - and enabling important environmental work along the way. We're stoked to welcome them to the 1% family."
The collaboration with 1% FTP is in addition to the other philanthropy projects New Belgium supports throughout the year. New Belgium currently donates one dollar to non-profit organizations for every barrel of beer sold in the prior year, as a way to give back to the communities that contribute to New Belgium’s success. In addition, New Belgium hosts Tour de Fat every summer, a philanthropic and sustainable festival that has raised more than $700,000 for bike and environmental advocacy groups, since its inception in 2000.
From the beginning New Belgium has made every effort to minimize resource consumption, maximize energy efficiency and recycle at every opportunity. In fact, New Belgium became the country’s first brewery to subscribe to wind energy after a vote by employee owners to dip into their bonus pool.
“One of the core values at New Belgium is to be an environmental steward and it’s something we believe in 100%,” continued Orgolini. “We are excited to join One Percent for the Planet and to extend our resources to organizations that have a powerful impact.”
About New Belgium Brewing Company
New Belgium Brewing Company, makers of Fat Tire Amber Ale and a host of Belgian-inspired beers, began operations in a tiny Fort Collins basement in 1991. Today, the third largest craft brewer in the U.S., New Belgium produces seven year-round beers; Fat Tire Amber Ale, Sunshine Wheat, Blue Paddle Pilsner, 1554 Black Ale, Abbey, Mothership Wit and Trippel, as well as a host of seasonal releases. In addition to producing world-class beers, New Belgium takes pride in being a responsible corporate role model with progressive programs such as employee ownership, open book management and a commitment to environmental stewardship. For more information, visit www.newbelgium.com.
March 02, 2008
Cross country equipment donated for disabled skiers
Today the Sierra Sun reported that Turning Point, a new Truckee-based nonprofit organization donated two pairs of $5,000 sit-down skis on Thursday to Tahoe Donner Cross Country to expand recreational opportunities for people with disabilities. "The skis were handcrafted by Tahoe Donner resident Michael Byxbe, who sells his designs to disabled outdoor-enthusiasts worldwide."
To read the full article, please visit Sierra Sun's website.
To read the full article, please visit Sierra Sun's website.
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