5.22.2008 - 10:00am ET

(CSRwire) OBERLIN, OHIO - May 22, 2008 - With climate change an increasing concern on college campuses,
Bon Appetit Management Company and Oberlin College Dining Services have partnered with Carbonfund.org, one of the country’s leading offset organizations, to reduce and offset the emissions associated with the College's 2008 commencement weekend.

In addition to working hard to reduce emissions, as a CarbonFree(TM) Business Partner, Bon Appetit is offsetting a portion of its carbon footprint through the support of Carbonfund.org's renewable energy, energy efficiency and reforestation projects. Sustainability has been central to Bon Appetit's purchasing decisions for many years. In April 2007, Bon Appetit launched a national Low Carbon Diet program to reduce the carbon emissions of the food it serves by 25%. High carbon foods such as beef and cheese, tropical fruits, air-freighted seafood, highly processed foods and packaging have all been targets for reduction, and Bon Appetit chefs continue to prioritize local and seasonal ingredients. Carbon offsets are a natural addition to Bon Appetit's efforts to address climate change.

Bon Appetit has also redoubled its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by assisting Oberlin College with composting goals, and serving delicious, low carbon meals featuring local-to-Oberlin, seasonal ingredients. Parents, families and students participating in Oberlin's climate-friendly commencement will enjoy sustainable dishes and learn about food's contribution to climate change.

"Carbonfund.org is truly a leader in the business of protecting the environment and our future, acting as a bridge for us to deepen our commitment to sustainability," said Rick Panfil, General Manager for Bon Appetit at Oberlin College. "With this partnership, our chefs and Oberlin College diners have the opportunity to learn a great deal about climate protection."

"In the spirit of education about our diet's impact on climate change, Bon Appétit has constructed a Low Carbon Diet calculator. Using this online tool, consumers can instantly calculate the carbon footprint of their food choices," says Carbonfund.org Executive Director Eric Carlson. "Along with buying produce from my local farmers market, I’ll use the calculator to help reduce the carbon emissions of my family’s groceries list."

To use the Low Carbon diet calculator, visit www.eatlowcarbon.org.


About Bon Appétit Management Company

Bon Appetit Management Co. is an onsite restaurant company offering full food service management to corporations, universities and specialty venues. Bon Appetit is committed to sourcing sustainable, local foods for all its cafés throughout the country. A pioneer in environmentally sound sourcing policies, Bon Appétit has developed programs with Environmental Defense, the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch, the Humane Society of the United States, and other leading conservation organizations. Based in Palo Alto, CA, Bon Appetit has more than 400 cafés in 28 states, including Oracle Corporation, American University and the Getty Center. (www.bamco.com)


About Carbonfund.org

Carbonfund.org is one of the country's leading carbon reduction and offset organizations, making it easy and affordable for individuals, businesses and organizations to reduce their climate impact. Carbon offsets enable individuals and businesses to reduce carbon dioxide emissions they are responsible for in their everyday lives by supporting high-quality verified renewable energy, energy efficiency and reforestation projects. Carbonfund.org works with over 600 corporate and non-profit partners including Discovery, Allstate, Volkswagen, Dell, Orbitz, Environmental Defense, and Lancome.

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