“We know our industry produces carbon. That’s why it’s all that much more important for us to take this step,” said co-owner Gill Bujold. He and his business partner Jeff Plewes both grew up involved in scouting in the Manotick and Osgoode areas, and Bujold is now a rural property owner who has worked with the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority to create a managed forest and protect the provincially significant wetland on his own property.
That’s why he wanted to work with a local and trusted conservation partner to offset his company’s emissions.
“Let’s support our local watershed, and local green initiatives,” Bujold said. “This way, we know where the trees are and that they’re having a positive impact on our community and environment.”
The Foundation helps businesses and families calculate their carbon footprint and then plants locally grown sugar maple, white pine, white cedar and red oak across the watershed to offset the emissions.
But these trees don’t just store carbon dioxide: they also reduce the impacts of floods and droughts, clean the local air and water, provide critical habitat for wildlife and improve the Rideau Valley watershed for all who live here.
“Capital Pyrotechnics is taking a bold step toward sustainability,” said Foundation executive director Diane Downey. “We welcome their commitment and are thrilled they have chosen to go carbon neutral in their own backyard.”
Original article: https://www.rvcf.ca/stories/item/98-boom-rvcf-welcomes-another-carbon-neutral-partner