CLIMATE CHANGE TIPS

Companies are seeing the way forward in these changing times. Vail Resorts, the big ski and recreation company in Colorado is investing in wind power, buying enough credits to offset all the power needed for its resorts, retail stores and office buildings. They are doing it through buying the equivalent amount of their energy needs in wind power credits from a Boulder company called Renewable Choice Energy. Renewable Choice buys wind power from producers, then pours the same amount of power Vail uses into the national electric grid. Great idea, as climate changes can only mean snow businesses will be radically affected in the near future. FOUR PERSONAL TIPS Wondering what you can do personally when you travel, here are some condensed tips from the National Geographic folks: 1. Think about how you travel. Generally, train travel is more energy efficient than flying. If you really need to fly, choose the most direct route. At the destination use environmentally sound transportation. If you really need a car, choose an energy-efficient one. Make an effort to explore by foot, and use public transport when possible. 2. Pack light. Every extra kilogram on a plane consumes fuel. Do you need the extra bag of clothing? 3. Consider carbon-offset programs. Several organizations will offset CO2 emissions through efforts such as planting trees. For example, through one such organization, Climate Care, the emissions from a flight from Boston to Brisbane, Australia can be offset by paying £32.97/$57. The CarbonNeutral Company also has a carbon calculator. 4. Reduce energy use at home. Switch things off when not in use,. Adjust hot water temperature to 55 degrees Celsius (131°F) in your boiler [hot water heater]. Try to walk or bike instead of driving. 5. Do you have a few days after the business side of things finishes? Contribute to global warming research during your trip. The Earthwatch Institute, an international non-profit organization that gives volunteers the opportunity to join research teams around the world, has some expeditions that focus on global warming. These include "Climate Change in the Rainforest" in Queensland, Australia, and "Climate Change at the Arctic's Edge" in Churchill, Manitoba. Count me in!