The PBI Be Cool Tour program gives us the chance to visit members of our Arctic Ambassador Center (AAC) network across the U.S. and Canada. As part of the tour, we:
- Give public presentations on polar bears in a warming world—and how each of us can help
- Hold workshops and leadership training focused on motivating CO2 reductions
- Present deserving local businesses with our signature Paw of Approval Award in recognition of extraordinary accomplishments in CO2 reduction and environmental leadership
Examples of actions that Arctic Ambassador Centers have taken to increase awareness and reduce CO2 production include:
- Setting up No Idle zones for vehicles to encourage visitors to turn off engines for waits longer than 30 seconds
- Installing solar panels to help power zoo exhibits, staff offices, and dining areas
- Challenging schools to Bundle up for Polar Bears by turning thermostats two up in summer, two down in winter
- Conducting energy audits to create plans to reduce their energy dependence
- Creating incentive programs that encourage staff to carpool, ride bikes, and use public transportation
- Achieving zero garbage production in their commissary and guest services
- Organizing tree-planting days for staff members and volunteers, activities that both remove CO2 from the atmosphere and help educate the public about the link between planting trees and saving polar bear habitat
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