Hitting the slopes: sustainable shredding
The environmental footprint of winter recreation
BY KENDALL BRUNETTE FOR GREENING OF OIL
If you're like me, you love your winter sports. And as an avid snowboarder for 10 years, I’ve found myself sneaking away to the mountain every time new flakes begin to fall. But as I grow older and my "green consciousness" deepens, I’ve been questioning the environmental impacts of my beloved sport.
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As an industry that depends solely on cool temperatures and moisture to survive, it only makes sense for ski and snowboard resorts to take a stand against global warming and take the necessary steps towards offsetting their carbon emissions. When analyzing the various impacts of the skiing industry, one must consider a variety of factors including tourism-induced traffic pollution, energy consumption from ski lifts and lodges, waste disposal, landscape development, natural habitat destruction, and various other factors. Depending on how effectively these issues are addressed, individual resorts can become ISO 14001 certified. This prestigious environmental certification is reserved for those resorts that make an effort to outline an environmental policy, set responsible environmental goals, and continually audit their progress towards accomplishing those goals. Being ISO 14001 certified ensures that a ski resort demonstrates responsible management of their environmental impacts.
A standout in the crowd
One of only two ski resorts in the U.S. to obtain this certification is Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (JHMR) in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. JHMR is a premier skiing destination nestled in the Grand Teton Mountains. After enrolling in the National Ski Area Association’s “Sustainable Slopes Charter,” JHMR converted to 100% renewable energy for the entire resort. JHMR has committed to sustainable construction and development as well as reducing their total energy usage by 5 percent and increasing their recycling volume by 10 percent by 2015. Progress is monitored by independent external audits. In addition, JHMR has averted 15 percent of their total carbon emissions through wind power, biodiesel, carpooling/bus travel and recycling.
JHMR is paving the way for other resorts within the ski and snowboard industry to take a stand against global warming by understanding and recognizing their impact on the environment and making responsible efforts to offset this impact. According to the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA), 55 resorts in 14 states are now buying renewable energy to offset all or a portion of their carbon emissions. Through public awareness and education, the industry hopes to give the public an opportunity to choose how they will support the industry’s environmental efforts. As a skier or snowboarder you can make the choice to support those resorts who are consciously working to protect and preserve the environment. No longer do you have to carve turns down the mountain with a heavy conscious. Simply go to the National Ski Area Association web site to find which ski resorts are endorsing the sustainable slopes charter. You can also read about the specifications.
Find out more
If you are interested in offsetting your personal emissions after a day of shredding the slopes, locate a green power provider near you. As temperatures continue to rise and our winters continue to shorten, the need for environmental awareness grows.If you’re serious about saving the sport that you love, make the effort to research the resorts you visit and contribute to the effort towards a more sustainable ski and snowboard industry.
About Kendall Brunette
Kendall Brunette is a senior at Cornell University majoring in Natural Resources and Education. Her academic interests lie in the field of environmental journalism. Growing up in Wyoming, Kendall has had extensive experience with the oil and gas industry. Her hometown of Pinedale is home to the Jonah Field and Pinedale Anticline, two of the largest natural gas reserves in the country.
Brunette has worked with the U.S. Geological Survey on the Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative project. She has also worked for the U.S. Forest Service, conducted environmental research in the Everest region of Nepal, and volunteered with the Green River Valley Land Trust.
Upon graduation in May, Brunette looks forward to moving back to Wyoming where she will continue to pursue her academic interests by helping to raise awareness about issues related to the oil and gas industry. She will continue to be active in promoting public education and helping to preserve the area’s natural resources and intrinsic beauty.
Contact Kendall at krb45@cornell.edu
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