For Immediate Release
Tsunami-destroyed teak boats at centre of unique carbon offset program
TORONTO (06/03/09)—Carbon-neutral, handmade furniture, constructed from reclaimed teak boats destroyed in the 2004 Indonesian tsunami, has come ashore in Vancouver and Beachbums Import Co. and Earth Day Canada have partnered to keep it carbon-neutral by creating the consumer-driven carbon offset program, CO2D Carbon Offset Delivery. Canadians that wish to purchase the furniture must commit to offset the carbon debt of transportation before orders are shipped to any destination beyond 50km of the Vancouver Port of Entry.
“We have gone to great lengths to reduce our carbon debt and will not compromise the integrity of our environmental standards just to make a sale,” says Maury Mason, Director of Environment and Communications at Beachbums Import Inc. “This furniture represents the resourcefulness and artistry of people struggling to recover from a devastating tragedy. This offset program honours these hardworking people, the integrity of their work and the environment.”
With every order, Beachbums Import Co. calculates the carbon cost of transportation and advises their customers of the environmental impact it creates. The customer then commits to adopting simple actions, through Earth Day Canada’s EcoAction Teams household conservation program, to offset this impact. A personalized savings report acts as proof of the carbon offset. As an added bonus, these simple actions help the customer save money and lessen their impact on the environment long after they offset the delivery of their one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted furniture.
“We are thrilled to support this unique program. Customers not only receive beautifully restored furniture and support victims of the 2004 tsunami, but they learn how easy it is to reduce their energy and water use, waste production, and greenhouse gas emissions everyday,” said Jed Goldberg, President of Earth Day Canada. “I hope Canadians everywhere will support such an innovative and forward thinking way of adding unique style to their homes without compromising the planet.”
About Earth Day Canada
Earth Day Canada (EDC), a national environmental charity founded in 1990, provides Canadians with the practical knowledge and tools they need to lessen their impact on the environment. In 2004 it was recognized as the top environmental education organization in North America, for its innovative year-round programs and educational resources, by the Washington-based North American Association for Environmental Education, the world’s largest association of environmental educators. In 2008 it was chosen as Canada’s “Outstanding Non-profit Organization” by the Canadian Network for Environmental Education and Communication. EDC regularly partners with thousands of organizations in all parts of Canada. www.earthday.ca
About Beachbums Import Co. Ltd.
Beachbums Import Co. Ltd. Is an Indonesian, Canadian ethical trade partnership supporting 2400 people through higher wages, benefits and cultural respect. The company produces Environmental Choice Program, EcoLogo Certified, green building materials, employing a carbon reducing Integrated Shipping Strategy that allows the furniture to ‘Stowaway’ in the same shipping containers used to import the building materials. www.beachbumswebsite.com
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Contact: Keith Treffry | Communications Director | Earth Day Canada | 416.599.1991 x 107 | keith@earthday.ca