A healthy environment equates to healthier human beings and a reduced cancer risk. The environment has always been a part of the B4BC mission. During this crucial time of the COP21 talks in Paris, while our global leaders are chasing down a climate deal that could radically effect the world, we would like to share the news of how the environment will play a larger role in 2016 for B4BC as well. Just like every other business, whether it be for-profit or non-profit, it is our responsibility to seek solutions towards limiting and erasing our organization’s carbon-footprint all together.
Here’s why: So far the world is more than halfway towards exceeding what scientist have said is the catastrophic warming mark of 2 degrees Celsius. According to a recent report from Time Magazine, to even have a 50-50 chance at keeping the global temperature below 2 degrees Celsius, we have to stop our growing carbon footprint by 2020—then halve it by 2050. From the 1990’s Kyoto Protocol, to the Copenhagen Conference in 2009, to now, the COP21 talks in Paris, we hope that our global leaders are taking things more seriously.
In the action sports world, organizations such as Protect Our Winters (POW) have done considerable lobbying, including hand-delivering a letter with a team from Snow Sports Industries of America (SIA), and a posse of winter sports athletes. Their board member, Olympic silver snowboard medalist Gretchen Bleiler, is representing POW on a panel in Paris with the Green Sports Alliance.
We are proud to say that we will be partnering with POW on several ideas, and sharing our outreach in 2016, which will also be B4BC’s 20th anniversary year!
In addition, we will be working with Sustainable Surf, another foundation that has done incredible work towards limiting carbon-footprints for surfing events and working with brands such as Volcom and Vans, among many others.
Utilizing guidelines similar to Sustainable Surf and by creating our own sustainability guidelines as well, B4BC seeks to create a zero-waste blueprint that other non-profits may follow. B4BC aims to lead by example and plans to transparently illustrate all steps of this process in regards to measuring our carbon footprint and offsets. B4BC will encourage the action sports industry, team athletes, cause-marketing partners, and supporters to adapt measures, in addition to educating booth visitors on the importance of a sustainable, healthy lifestyle.
B4BC’s Measurement and Evaluation will start in 2016 with a 3-year program to include:
- Waste Management
- Energy
- Transportation
- Climate Change
- Community Involvement and B4BC Legacy*
These guidelines are consistent with the Global Reporting Index (GRI)—a protocol utilized by the Olympics and other events. These guidelines will be incorporated into existing and future B4BC programs. Tangible and obtainable goals will be drafted, changes will be documented, results will be published, and B4BC will provide a Non-Profit and Impact Scorecard along with an Annual B4BC Report.
The Strategy will include:
- Feasibility/Analysis: Understanding where B4BC currently stands
- Strategy Design: Developing strategies at all levels to include cause-marketing partner recommendations for our events, B4BC supporter-involvement, and on-site activations.
- Implementation: Providing steps to carry out the strategy in a realistic fashion
- Measurements/Reporting/Operations: Assessing the effectiveness of the strategy and how to keep moving towards the goals
As we move into our upcoming 20th Anniversary year, and look back at all that we’ve accomplished, we are overwhelmed with the support and energy that has allowed us to shred the love for the past two decades. We have many things on the horizon for 2016 and look forward to sharing them with our supporters soon. Meanwhile, let’s continue to support COP21, and those in action sports who are doing their best to make our voices heard in Paris.
We hope you will join us in our on-going mission to create a healthier planet for healthier lifestyles, reduce the risk of cancer, and spread the awareness of breast health education and living an active lifestyle. For our part, stepping-up our own sustainability goals and partnering with others, is one way we can lead by example towards eradicating global climate change. This is also the best way that we’ll be able to shred the love for another 20 years.
–Kathleen Gasperini
B4BC Co-Founder, Executive Director
