National Geographic, REVERB and Musicians Help Deliver Clean Water to 10,000
Early buyers keep innovative Help Build® carbon offset projects on track to reach goal of 20,000 lives changed by the end of 2014
BURLINGTON, VT, November 25, 2013 /3BL Media/ – Through NativeEnergy’s Clean Water Campaign, National Geographic Expeditions, REVERB, and artists that work with REVERB have provided essential upfront funding for the installation of Hydraid® biosand filters in households lacking access to clean water. The Clean Water Campaign, using NativeEnergy’s Help Build™ project model, installs water filters in Kenya, Ghana, and Honduras with communities in Ethiopia and India under review for subsequent projects.
To date, water filters have been installed in more than 2,300 homes where the majority of people obtain water from contaminated sources like rural watering holes and urban canals. The elimination or avoidance of burning firewood to boil water for sanitation results in greenhouse gas reductions, providing Gold Standard certified carbon offsets. The projects in Kenya, Ghana, and Honduras combined will offset nearly 165,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas pollution during the first 10 years of the projects.
National Geographic Expeditions has been working with NativeEnergy since 2008 to enable new clean technology projects and reduce the greenhouse gas footprint of its adventure travel trips. “National Geographic Expeditions is working with NativeEnergy to develop offset projects in the regions that our trips visit. Supporting the Clean Water Campaign is one way we are accomplishing this goal,” said Scott Kish, Vice President of Program Management and Guest Services for National Geographic Expeditions.
REVERB, a nonprofit working with nationally-touring bands uses offsets as one way to green up music tours. This year, artists including Maroon 5, Barenaked Ladies, Diplo and Brandi Carlile have committed to support the Clean Water Campaign. “Going on the road inevitably produces emissions. With NativeEnergy offsets, fans and bands are reducing net emissions while putting clean water in the hands of thousands of vulnerable people,” explains Adam Gardner, Co-Founder and Co-Director of REVERB.
Recipients of the water filters report a decrease in waterborne illnesses and the ability to apply money previously used to purchase firewood to education related expenses and entrepreneurial activities.
Offsets for the Clean Water Campaign are currently available through NativeEnergy.
About NativeEnergy
NativeEnergy is an expert provider of carbon offsets, renewable energy credits, and carbon accounting software. With NativeEnergy’s Help Build™ offsets, businesses and individuals can help finance the construction of wind, biogas, solar, and other carbon reduction projects with strong social and environmental benefits. Since 2000, NativeEnergy’s customers have helped build over 50 projects, reducing more than 2.5 million tons of greenhouse gases, and the company has over 4 million tons under contract. All NativeEnergy carbon offsets undergo third-party validation and verification. Learn more at www.nativeenergy.com.
About National Geographic Expeditions
National Geographic Expeditions, the travel program of the National Geographic Society, was founded on the same belief in the importance of exploration that distinguishes the Society's 125-year history. Launched in 1999, National Geographic Expeditions now operates hundreds of trips each year, spanning all seven continents and more than 60 destinations. Proceeds from all travel programs support the Society’s efforts to increase global understanding through exploration, education and scientific research. Learn more at: http://www.nationalgeographicexpeditions.com
About REVERB
Deeply rooted within the music and environmental communities, REVERB is a 501(c)(3) environmental organization dedicated to educating and engaging musicians and their fans to take action toward a more sustainable future. Founded in 2004 by environmentalist Lauren Sullivan and her musician husband, Guster guitarist/vocalist Adam Gardner, REVERB has greened more than 140 major tours including Dave Matthews Band, Jack Johnson, Maroon 5, Sheryl Crow, Linkin Park and Jason Mraz. www.reverb.org
