While we were in Bozeman, MT we stopped by Pacific Outdoor Equipment. They are a small outdoor equipment company that makes sleeping pads, dry bags, backpacks and other gear. We were impressed with their commitment to environmental stewardship and global warming. They try to make the highest quality product so that your gear lasts. They make a sleeping pad (see below) that comes with a renewable energy credit. This is a way to help offset the carbon dioxide produced in making the product by supporting the development of renewable energy. They also send an energy saving compact florescent lightbulb (along with information about why they are a good idea) out to all of the retail shops that order their products. This is a great example. It shows that even a small business can do the right thing, help address global warming and turn a profit.
Wow ! I stumbled across your website(s) and have spent the last 2 1/2 hours transfixed, traveling across South and North America. What a beautiful world we live in and what a great job you’re doing letting people know that humans have to take care of this ” wonderful ” world. I’m originally from Vermont, another beautiful corner of the world, where Vermonters have been serious about protecting the environment for many years. I wish you a safe and succesful journey. ( Note: If anyone reading this has a Paypal account, you can easily help these guys out with a donation ! ) God Speed ! MIA
So what do you guys think about these energy credits? I read a story on Slate (http://www.slate.com/id/2169863/) quoting Business Week, saying that many purchases of carbon-offsets merely “encourage climate protection that would have happened regardless of the buying and selling of paper certificates. One danger of largely symbolic deals is that they may divert attention and resources from more expensive and effective measures.”
On a totally different note: I love how everyone takes the same picture at Yellowstone (the falls are impressive, though), and it must have been kind of terrifying to be on a bicycle right next to bison! You guys are awesome. Keep on ridin’!
Nice tip this week on the site to find out about recycling compact fluorescent bulbs! The concerns about mercury in CFLs are a bit overblown in my opinion, because when you consider the mercury released from burning coal, the source of most of our electricity, reducing electricity use, and its associated mercury emissions, by more than 75% per light, as CFLs do, more than offsets the mercury contained in the bulb. Manufacturers are working to reduce the mercury contained in bulbs, but they likely won’t ever eliminate it, so CFLs should be disposed of/recycled properly.
here is the orginal link you guys posted: Are you having trouble finding a place to recycle your energy saving compact florescent lightbulbs or other things? Click on this website and enter your zip code in the green box at the top.
http://earth911.org/
Hi,
Our local ClimateCAN organization informed me of what you are doing – I think it is great!
You’re apparently scheduled to be in Sandpoint, Idaho near the end of July. I live in Sagle, just across the Long Bridge (you’ll understand when you get here!). I’m an electrical engineer (MSEE) and I’ve posted a potential solution to Global Warming at http://www.solarroadways.com. I’d love to get your input on our project. If you have any time while you’re in the area, my wife and I would love to meet with you.
Thanks,
Scott Brusaw
Solar Roadways