For Release: March 30, 2007
Media only:
Matt Olear 
(202) 633-4085
National Zoo Celebrates Earth Day with “Stomp Out Carbon” Contest for Kids
Kids' Ideas to Slow Global Warming Could Earn Trip to Washington for Exclusive Tour of Asia Trail
The Smithsonian's National Zoo and Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ), the Zoo's nonprofit partner, are celebrating this year's Earth Day (April 22) by hosting a month-long contest called “Stomp Out Carbon” that challenges children nationwide to think of creative ways to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
From April 1-30, kids ages 6 to 14 are invited to submit a creative idea for reducing their carbon “footprint,” a calculation of the total carbon dioxide emissions created by human activities such as driving, flying, or using electricity. Generating energy by burning fossil fuels, such as oil and coal, emits carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, which contribute to global warming. Some scientists estimate that global warming may cause the extinction of tens of thousands to more than one million species within this century.
Winning entries in each of two age groups, 6 to 10 and 11 to 14, will be selected by representatives from the Zoo, FONZ, and other contest sponsors based on creativity and clarity of message. Kids are encouraged to reuse materials and incorporate recycled components into their entry, or submit their entry on the Zoo/FONZ website at www.fonz.org/stompoutcarbon.htm. Ways to reduce one's carbon footprint include carpooling, taking shorter showers, buying food grown locally, and planting trees, which absorb carbon dioxide.
Both winners will receive a trip for four to Washington for an exclusive tour of the Fujifilm Giant Panda Habitat and Asia Trail, in addition to a Fujifilm digital camera and a basket of eco-friendly gifts. The winners will be introduced to Zoo staff who are developing new ways to incorporate earth-friendly materials into exhibits and making everyday choices to reduce the Zoo's carbon footprint. The trip will include roundtrip airfare provided by United Airlines and two-night accommodations in the Omni Shoreham Hotel. FONZ will offset the carbon from the flight and hotel stay by purchasing a renewable-energy pass from TerraPass, a company that supports renewable-energy projects like wind farms.
An entry form and more information about the contest can be found on the Zoo/FONZ website or at one of 185 Whole Foods Market stores across the country. “Stomp Out Carbon” is co-sponsored by Fujifilm, Whole Foods Market, Omni Shoreham Hotel, United Airlines, and USA Weekend Magazine.
On Sunday, April 22, the National Zoo will host an Earth Day event to raise awareness of global warming and reduce the Zoo's carbon footprint. From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., the public is invited to help plant 1,000 native sapling trees and talk to members of the Zoo's Green Team about how they can help the Earth. Details about the event are available at www.fonz.org/earthday.htm.
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