SOURCE: Brighter Planet

 

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MIDDLEBURY, VT--(Marketwire - September 4, 2008) - Brighter Planet, an innovative company providing practical solutions to climate change, has launched the Brighter Schools Program which allows schools to raise funds while incorporating sustainability education into the classroom.

Participation in the Brighter Schools Program is open to all public and private schools providing primary or secondary education. The program acts on three levels -- personal, local, and global. On the personal level, educational exercises help students learn about global warming and how they can fight it. On the local level, schools can earn much-needed funding for valuable environmental programs. On the global level, Brighter Schools mobilizes school communities to help build renewable energy projects and decrease the national dependence on fossil fuels.

"Climate change is a defining issue, particularly for our children who will inherit the world we leave them," said Patti Prairie, CEO of Brighter Planet. "We've heard over and over from students, teachers, parents and administrators: 'How can I get my school involved?' Some want to learn more about the environment; others are already passionate about doing what they can to help the climate crisis. By combining environmental education and creative financial rewards, the Brighter Schools Program helps students, teachers, and parents take action now."

How the program works:

1. Schools sign-up for the free program at: https://brighterplanet.wufoo.com/forms/brighter-schools/

2. Enrollment gives teachers and administrators access to a wealth of materials for teaching about global warming in the classroom and developing strategies for combating it.

3. Enrolled schools raise money when parents, teachers or friends purchase Planet Share carbon offsets that help reduce one's carbon footprint or link their Brighter Planet™ Visa® credit cards to their school team, which in turn helps build renewable energy projects.

"As an educator, my goal is to help students become more passionate about the environment, and then turn that passion into action," said Jon Isham, Luce Professor of International Environmental Economics at Middlebury College and co-founder of Brighter Planet. "Brighter Planet -- a company aimed at helping people do their part to fight global warming -- was an idea that emerged in my classroom. How appropriate we're now able to give back to the classroom and in so doing, contribute further to environmental education and sustainability."

About Brighter Planet

Brighter Planet is a Vermont start-up committed to fighting climate change and building a clean energy future. Born out of a Middlebury College classroom, we are dedicated to demonstrating how small actions can lead to meaningful change. Our roots are social media. Our allies are innovative leaders who share our zeal to solve the climate crisis. Through our products, services and expertise, we help you to reduce greenhouse gas-emitting activities, expand your use of green technologies, and build renewable energy projects. For more information, watch the Brighter Schools video or visit brighterplanet.com.