Yakima unveiled “Planet Payback,” a company-wide initiative focused on offsetting the carbon footprint of all operations, products and their distribution, as well as Yakimas field marketing team, “Road Warriors.” “Planet Payback” will launch at Canoecopia in Madison, Wisc.
To begin this process, Carbonfund.org calculated Yakimas annual energy usage and determined its associated carbon dioxide emission footprint. Yakima will make donations to Carbonfund.org and completely offset its carbon footprint with support for carbon reducing, climate-friendly programs. The donated dollars will support Yakimas choice of three different types of carbon offset projects including: renewable energy, energy efficiency, or reforestation. Yakima will begin making donations after the program launches and will continue donating to Carbonfund.org on a regular timetable. On a yearly basis, Carbonfund.orgs project portfolio is audited by Environmental Resources Trust, one of the leading green house gas assessment and verification group in the United States.
“The outdoor playground is critically important to all of us, and it is not replaceable”, said Jerry Heinlen, CEO of Yakima. “Our Planet Payback initiative not only gives us a clear sustainability plan, but also, enables our associates, consumers and channel partners to team up with Yakima to support the very important goals of carbon reduction and sustainability. We want to do our part to reduce our carbon footprint, minimize our impact on the environment, and engage others to do the same. Carbonfund.org has an excellent track record and we believe they will be a strong partner in Yakimas Planet Payback initiative.”
Yakima will offset the carbon footprint of all products sold into retail and will offer consumers the opportunity to designate which types of carbon offset programs they would like Yakima to support, by registering their purchases online at www.yakimapayback.com. This stand-alone website provides information, tips on how consumers can reduce their personal carbon footprint and a carbon calculator for figuring out their own daily/annual carbon emissions. Additional marketing support includes Yakima “Carbon Neutral” stickers on all packaging, as well as a variety of point-of-purchase materials for retailers in-store use. The program will be supported with advertising in Backpacker, Bicycling and Outside magazines.
In conjunction with “Planet Payback,” Yakimas environmental efforts already include: using up to 100% recycled paper and water-based dies to prevent pollution; not using white cardboard, which contaminates water processing facilities with chlorine; and recycling lock core packages sent back by customers. In addition, Yakimas cargo boxes are made of up to 80% recycled ABS plastic. Unused plastic from the cargo boxes, the boxes themselves and the aluminum and steel parts are all recyclable, as well as the steel tubing and plastic fairings on Yakimas cargo baskets and the plastic and steel parts on all hitch products.
“Carbonfund.org was a logical choice based on their selection of different types of certified offset projects and strength in validation by respected third party auditors,” said Mike Steck, senior director of marketing at Yakima. “It is important for Yakimas donation to benefit a genuine carbon dioxide reduction effort, where we can illustrate significant benefits at the end of each year. Due to Carbonfund.orgs non-profit status, 93% of our donations will go directly toward Carbonfund.orgs mission, including offset projects.”
After introducing “Planet Payback” for its products, Yakima will prepare for the third quarter when the entire company plans to go carbon neutral by offsetting emissions from corporate office electricity usage, employee travel expenses, etc. Yakimas long-term plans incorporate further evaluation of processes and materials to determine how to continue to reduce carbon emissions into the environment.
