Waterfall, Kenai Peninsula, Alaska.
SINCE the inception of NWNL in 2005, this project has been imbued with a strong sense of caring for our environment. Thus NWNL endeavors to be a responsible steward of our planet and encourage eco-friendly policies as much as it encourages education and action.
VISION: NWNL seeks to be an organization where:
• NWNL office, research and expedition teams are urged to become aware of environmental, social and economic interactions of human and biophysical systems.
• Sharing of information on sustainability issues is encouraged and supported.
• The NWNL mission is developed to contribute to global sustainability and foster partnerships with other eco-focused stewardship organizations.
• Sustainability issues are fostered within NWNL to help create stronger messages and outputs.
• Emission of pollutants and consumption of materials and energy is reduced to the lowest levels possible without decreasing the level of services necessary to fulfill the NWNL mission.
COMMITMENT: The NWNL Team affirms that:
• It is committed to protect and enhance the environment through its research, organizational and travel efforts; to sustain ecological systems; and to educate stakeholders globally to become aware of:
– The vulnerability of our environment and natural resources;
– The need for environmental education and stewardship advocacy;
– The potential contributions of a global political will to protect our watersheds.
• The NWNL Team will strive to:
– Incorporate environmental concerns in all project decisions;
– Seek alternatives to minimize negative environmental influences, both in office and in the field;
– Conserve natural resources and restore environmental quality;
– Consider social, economic and environmental impacts of NWNL’s operations and foster a participatory process in augmenting sustainability.
• The NWNL Team recognizes that understanding and committing to sustainability is an evolving practice.
PRACTICES: NWNL’s current efforts include:
• Covering our carbon emissions in office and on expedition with carbon credits.
• Using in-kind, donated equipment and eco-friendly materials for packaging, photographic printing and paper products; reviewing packaging options to reduce waste; and reducing usage of post-consumer materials, paper consumption and mail volume.
• Turning off lights and reducing heat and air conditioning as much as possible; using compact fluorescent lights; and purchasing ENERGY STAR qualified appliances.
• Examining travel routes for fuel conservation; inflating of car tires to increase gas mileage performance; and studying transportation routing to conserve gas and reduce emissions.
• Recycling programs for paper, printer cartridges and other equipment where possible.
• Telecommuting, mass transportation and carpooling for associates.
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