Eco-Bunnies Help Save the Earth One Classroom at a Time
SOUTHLAKE, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–June 5, 2007–Travelocity’s Eco-Bunnies are hopping down the bunny trail on a mission to relay the message of environmental awareness to students both young and old through a series of unique lesson plans. Travelocity created the animated Eco-Bunnies in November 2006 to educate consumers about the need for carbon offsetting. To support the ongoing initiative, Travelocity is now offering a variety of lesson plans based on the animation encouraging students nationwide to do their part to save the earth. Created by professional educators, the lesson plans include fun and educational activities for children ranging in levels from kindergarten through fifth grade with plans to add sixth through eighth grade in the coming weeks.
As more research and information becomes available indicating that the effects of climate change on our daily lives will continue to increase over the next century, there is still a lack of educational material available for teachers hoping to expand on the topic with their students. Travelocity’s optional lesson plans include facts and activities aimed at encouraging small lifestyle changes that will positively impact the environment in the years to come.
“Because the concept of climate change is so relevant to today’s youth and the world at large, we want children to know how it applies to their future,” said Jeffrey Glueck, chief marketing officer of Travelocity. “Travelocity has worked with educators to develop curriculum that teaches children about climate change and that, one by one, and as a team, we can make a difference.”
Each lesson plan was created by teachers for teachers and includes quality classroom activities and instructional guidance, and is aligned with national curriculum standards. From scavenger hunts to word finds, each lesson helps students better understand the concept of global warming and how it applies directly to them. All of the lesson plans can be accessed at http://www.eco-bunnies.com.
In August 2006, Travelocity was the first major online travel company in North America to allow customers to purchase “carbon offsets” when they purchase a trip. The program, called Go Zero, is designed to allow customers to effectively “zero out” or offset the carbon emissions generated by their flight, hotel, or car usage through a donation to The Conservation Fund, which then plants trees that absorb carbon dioxide.
The carbon offsets are offered as an option that customers can add during check-out when booking a vacation package or flight on Travelocity. A contribution of $10 would offset an average trip including air travel, a one-night hotel stay, and rental car for one person; $25 would offset air travel, four-night hotel stay, and rental car for two people; and $40 would equalize the effects of air travel, four-night hotel stay, and rental car for four people. Travelocity gives ALL proceeds to The Conservation Fund, and is also providing a link to The Conservation Fund Web site, where donations can be made independent of any travel purchase. Go Zero purchases are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law. Details can be found at www.travelocity.com/gozero.
As a result of Travelocity’s Go Zero program, approximately 8,200 trees are being planted in the Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge, which is located 45 miles north of New Orleans. Over their lifetime, those 8,200 trees will trap more than 21 million pounds of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere (nearly 10,500 tons).
About Travelocity
Travelocity(R) is committed to being the traveler’s champion — before, during and after the trip – and provides the most comprehensive and pro-active guarantee in the industry – see http://www.travelocity.com/guarantee for details. This customer-driven focus, backed by 24/7 live phone support, great prices and powerful shopping technology has made Travelocity the sixth largest travel agency — booking $10.1 billion in travel worldwide in 2006. Based in Southlake, Texas, Travelocity also owns and operates Travelocity Business(R) for corporate travelers, lastminute.com, a leader in European online travel and ZUJI, a leader in Asia-Pacific online travel. Travelocity is owned by Sabre Holdings Corporation, a world leader in travel commerce.
CONTACT: VOLLMER
Alyson Briggs, 972-488-4790
alyson@vollmerpr.com
or
Andrea Collins, 212-715-2222
andrea@vollmerpr.com
