Press Release

Curtis Packaging Partners with NativeEnergy to Bring Clean Water to Rural Kenya

2013 carbon offset project to prevent deforestation and carbon emissions from wood burning by providing water filtration systems

Published 11 years ago | About a 3 minute read

2013 carbon offset project to prevent deforestation and carbon emissions from wood burning by providing water filtration systems

SANDY HOOK, Conn. – February 14, 2013 – Curtis Packaging has offset the projected greenhouse gas emissions from their operations in 2013 by helping to support a NativeEnergy project providing water filters to households in rural Kenya. This project reduces the amount of CO2 released into the atmosphere from the burning of unsustainably harvested wood to boil and purify water.

In rural Kenya, waterborne illness is a leading cause of death for young children, and untreated water is dangerous to people of all ages. Many Kenyans have to make a daily choice: use polluting woodstoves to purify their water or risk serious ailments. Wood is often unsustainably harvested to boil water in Kenya. Burning it unlocks the carbon stored in the wood. This contributes to climate change because there is not enough new growth to absorb the carbon released from the harvested wood. Burning wood indoors can also create significant indoor air pollution.

The Hydriad® BioSand water filter is a safe and practical alternative. It uses centuries-old slow sand technology to remove waterborne pathogens with simple gravity. This carbon project goes beyond bringing environmental benefits and provides crucial sustainable development to Siaya and Bondo, Kenya.

Curtis Packaging has purchased a share of the emissions reductions that the project will produce over the next 10 years. With this offset purchase, Curtis is addressing the projected unavoidable greenhouse gas emissions from its business operations and corporate air travel—a total of 550 short tons. The company engages in a number of important sustainability initiatives, including purchasing 100% renewable electricity through renewable energy credits and actively participating in groups like the Sustainable Packaging Coalition. Curtis took advantage of NativeEnergy’s innovative Help Build™ model, which provides the project with critical upfront funding. The emissions reductions will be third party verified to the Gold Standard, a leading carbon offset standard.

About Curtis Packaging Corporation
Curtis Packaging is a state-of-the-art designer and manufacturer of custom folding cartons, founded in Sandy Hook, Conn., in 1845. The organization is one of the first printing and packaging companies in North America to be: Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified, Sustainable Forest Initiative (SFI) certified, use 100% renewable energy, and to be 100% Carbon Neutral. The company offers a range of proprietary innovations used to create luxurious looking packages that are completely recyclable. Curtis provides packaging and printing services to the most discerning brands throughout the United States. For more information visit: www.curtispackaging.com.

About NativeEnergy
NativeEnergy is an expert provider of carbon offsets, renewable energy credits, and carbon accounting software. With NativeEnergy’s Help Build™ offsets, businesses and individuals can help finance the construction of wind, biogas, solar, and other carbon reduction projects with strong social and environmental benefits. Since 2000, NativeEnergy’s customers have helped build over 50 projects that are now keeping millions of tons of greenhouse gases out of the air. All NativeEnergy carbon offsets undergo third-party validation and verification. Learn more at www.nativeenergy.com.