Date: April 19, 2013
Contact: Brad Traver, 928-524-6228 x225
Petrified Forest-To honor Earth Day every day, park employees at Petrified Forest National Park have been working long-term to reduce the carbon footprint of the park, save energy, and showcase the value of renewable energy. "I'm proud of the significant progress made to 'Go Green' as we serve our visitors and the resources of this park," says park superintendent Brad Traver.
Accomplishments
• By replacing inefficient boilers just in the park headquarters building in 2009, parkwide propane use has been reduced by 25% every year since
• Through instituting a recycling program, 50% of the park's annual waste stream, on average, has been diverted from area landfills since 2008
• Through a park-sponsored employee carpool program started in 2012, over 4500 gallons of gasoline (which translates to over 40 metric tons of greenhouse gas) were not combusted in the first year of its operation
• Custodial supplies are now purchased from a "green" supplier, whose products are biodegradable, petroleum-free, and/or sold in bulk to reduce waste from packaging
• A friendly competition to reduce electricity use was set up between rival groups of seasonal employees in park-provided housing last summer. Electricity use plummeted to 50% of the previous year's use as a result
• New appliances for employee quarters have the "Energy Star" designation; new window blinds in offices are insulating thermal blinds to assist heating/cooling systems; programmable thermostats in most offices and housing reduces off-hour demand for heating or cooling; law enforcement officers use only green (lead-free) ammunition for practice shooting
In addition, Earth Day (April 22) occurs during National Park Week. A great way to celebrate Earth Day is to enjoy a National Park near you! Check out information and details about National Park Week at https://www.nationalparks.org/national-park-week to include when entry fees are waived.
