As we announced back in August, Planet Shoes partners with CarbonFund.org to purchase Carbon Offsets on behalf of our clients to offset the impact of shipping all of our shoes. This voluntary service has become a runaway success and we’re thrilled to announce we’ve made our first contribution to CarbonFund.org on behalf of our PlanetShoes.com customers!

One reason we were excited to work with CarbonFund.org is that you can choose, as a donor, the project portfolio in which you invest your funds. Planet has chosen the Renewables and Methane portfolio, which supports clean energy development like wind, solar, geothermal and biomass.

Specifically, PlanetShoes.com will be supporting the following projects:

SunEdison Solar Projects
Location: Aliso Viejo, Stockton, Ontario, and Anderson, California
Owner/Developer: SunEdison

According to CarbonFund.org, SunEdison is working with companies, organizations and individuals to change purchasing of solar power. One of the largest obstacles to large solar power installations is the upfront cost, and SunEdison is removing that obstacle by purchasing and installing solar electric power and simply requiring the company, organization or individual to pay for the electricity itself.

SunEdison is currently North America’s largest solar energy services provider and by funding this project, solar power is becoming widely adopted by organizations who couldn’t otherwise afford the initial costs of the technology.

Customer Testimonials from SunEdison.com Projects

“SunEdison was selected by the California State University system because there were no up-front costs to the University. The entire solar project, the installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting is covered by SunEdison with no out-of-pocket costs to the University. Basically, we are leasing our roof to SunEdison, they come in and install their panels, and we pay them a fixed rate with an annual escalation for the power generated from the solar panels over the next 20 years.” Mike Bates, Energy & Facilities Trades Manager, CSU, Chico

“SunEdison’s service model has been a true win-win for Staples – no capital expenses, no operating expenses, and no hassles. We’re lowering our energy costs even as we reduce our carbon emissions. It is definitely a great way to go solar.” Mark Buckley, VP of Environmental Affairs, Staples, Inc.

Horse Hollow Wind Energy Center
Location: Wingate, Texas
Owner/Developer: FPL Energy

CarbonFund.org is also a supporter of wind energy. Horse Hollow is the largest wind farm in the United States. Based in Taylor, Texas and spread out over 47 acres, FPL Energy maintains this facility that generated 213 MW of power.

With 142 wind turbines generating clean power, this is only one of the facilities being maintained and developed by FPL Energy, who generate enough power nationwide to power one million residential homes.

IdleAire
Location: Nationwide
Owner/Developer: IdleAire

PlanetShoes.com had a vested interest in reducing the carbon footprint of shipping, so by supporting IdleAire, we feel we’re having a direct impact on some less than optimal side effects of our business model. IdleAire reduces tailpipe emissions of 18 wheeler trucks that transport consumer goods all over the United States by installing a small device in the cab of the truck that removes the need to keep the truck idling for power.

This device heats, cools and powers the truck interior allowing truckers to sleep and rest comfortably, play the radio and even check email during their federally mandated 10 hours of rest per day.

By eliminating unnecessary idling time, this program reduces wear and tear on engines, offers better and more complete rest for the driver and saves approximately a gallon of diesel fuel per hour, per truck – which adds up to an amazing savings both in reducing fossil fuel use, and carbon emissions.

We’re really excited with the success of the Carbon Free Plys Shipping initiative, and by choosing projects in different renewable energy development sectors and carbon emission lowering projects, we feel like we’re having the best impact we can.  We look forward to investing much more in the future!