Spirit of the West Adventures Goes Carbon Neutral!

Spirit of the West Adventures, based on Quadra Island, is proud to announce they have become a Carbon Neutral Certified Business. In conjunction with Planetair.ca, Spirit of the West Adventures examined the carbon and greenhouse gases (GHG) emitted as a result of their sea kayak operation. This analysis included calculating all GHG emitted from electricity and resources used at the Spirit of the West Adventures base as well as from all transportation methods used by the company including passenger vans, airplanes and water taxis.

Spirit of the West Adventures is a sea kayak company specializing in fun, safe and educational multi-day kayak adventures in the Vancouver Island area including Johnstone Strait, Desolation Sound and Nuchatlitz regions. Spirit of the West has guests come from around the world to join them for kayaking tours and to experience what the British Columbia coast has to offer including Killer Whales (orcas), humpback whales, bears, eagles and so much more.

In order to ‘offset’ the carbon emitted and counter the negative effects GHG has on the environment, Spirit of the West Adventures purchases offset credits. Planetair.ca ensures that the credits are invested in third party certified projects that replace GHG emitting energy sources with cleaner, greener sources around the world. There is also a large emphasis on energy conservation which helps to reduce GHG emissions. The emissions that Spirit of the West produces are balanced by the reductions achieved by the offset projects, leaving them with zero net emissions or Carbon Neutral. Examples of projects which are supported by business and individuals such as Spirit of the West Adventures include: micro hydro power generation in Indonesia, electricity from biomass and wind energy in India, improved cook stoves in Cambodia and generating power from waste water in South Africa.

Spirit of the West has also added a carbon calculator to their website which allows and encourages their guests to offset the emissions from flights and travel undertaken to reach their kayaking trip.

Offsetting harmful GHGs is only part of the solution to global warming. The most important thing that we can do to ensure a healthy climate is to cut back on emissions in the first place. This involves conservation and awareness of how our actions impact the health of the environment. Simple measures individuals can take to lessen their greenhouses gases emitted include switching to energy efficient appliances and light bulbs, turning off lights when you leave a room, driving less and supporting sustainability with all lifestyle choices and purchases. In addition to carbon offsetting, Spirit of the West continues to work to find creative ways to reduce their overall carbon output.

To learn more about Spirit of the West Adventures’ environmental commitment, including carbon offsetting, operational practices and membership in 1% for the Planet, check out their website at www.kayakingtours.com.

To learn more about carbon offsetting go to http://planetair.ca/modules/smartoffset/offset.php?formid=air&agency=kayakingtours&sel_lang=english.