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GreenLine Earth Day 2023

Snowy mountain

Saturday, April 22nd marks the world’s 53rd Earth Day and the start to National Park Week! Park entry fees will be waived on April 22nd to encourage everyone to get out and enjoy their national parks.

This year’s theme is a continuation of the 2022 theme, “Invest in Our Planet,” which highlights the importance of dedicating our time, resources, and energy to solving climate change and other environmental issues.

Over the past year, the GreenLine has highlighted concessioner practices that protect the environment. From simple solutions like fire buckets to encourage visitors to drench their campfires in Grand Teton, to mountaineers reducing human waste on Denali. These are just a few examples of concessioners using environmentally friendly practices. Small changes in business practices can create large environmental impact. The NPS Green Parks Plan (GPP) encourages and challenges concessioners and partners to meet or exceed the GPP goals.

Green Parks Plan

Businesses are among the most significant emitters of greenhouse gasses and other pollutants. The NPS Green Parks Plan: Third Edition outlines strategic goals that focus on facilities and operations impacts on the environment and human wellbeing. The GPP includes five overarching goals. The Commercial Services Program has developed tools and guidance to aid concessioners in developing and implementing a comprehensive environmental program.

1. Be climate friendly and climate ready

The first goal of the GPP includes being climate friendly and climate ready. Many concessioners aid in this goal by reducing emissions through their business practices and environmental programs. For concessioners who want to reduce emissions and become more climate friendly can visit the Greening Opportunities for Guides and Outfitters to identify additional climate friendly opportunities.

2. Be energy smart and water wise

The second goal of the GPP is to be energy smart and water wise. The goal aims to achieve net zero water and energy use for facilities and operations. Concessioners can visit the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) water reuse and recycling site that provides case studies, action plans, and more suggestions on how to water wise. Additionally, the goal calls on the NPS to be energy smart. Concessioners can aid in the accomplishment of this goal by opting for ENERGY STAR® appliances, where possible. The goal includes an objective to ensure all outdoor lighting is energy efficient and dark sky compliant.

3. Buy Green and reduce, reuse, recycle

Many concessioners already buy green and practice sustainable procurement. For those who are looking for more environmental purchasing practices, view the Commercial Services Program guide on Environmental Purchasing. The GPP also plans to phase out single-use plastic products by the end of 2032. Concessioners that provide food services should consider procuring local foods and replacing single-use kitchen supplies with reusables when it is safe and effective to do so.

4. Green our rides

Transitioning to zero-emission vehicles is a critical objective in achieving net-zero emissions across the service. The NPS is evaluating new technologies for transit vehicles and leveraging its purchasing power to drive innovation. Concessioners that provide transportation services are a key part of achieving this goal. Additionally, zero emission vehicles (ZEVs) in parks require additional infrastructure like charging stations. Concessioners can use the Green Rides Toolkit to start the process of transitioning to ZEVs.

5. Foster a sustainability ethic

The sustainability efforts listed in the GPP can only be accomplished through collective action. The NPS challenges all employees, concessioners, and communities to continue and expand sustainability programs. Concessioners with thorough environmental management programs (EMPs) foster a sustainability ethic and highlight sustainability efforts. To strengthen your EMP, visit the Environmental Management page on the Concessions website.

Resources

View the Earth Day official website for 52 ways to invest in our planet. Review the Green Parks Plan to understand the Director’s goal to preserve our country’s natural and cultural landscapes to meet both current needs and those of future generations.

Last updated: April 6, 2023