4.09.2003 ET

(CSRwire) PORTLAND, OR - Green House Network, a 501 (c)3 non-profit organization committed to building the grassroots movement to STOP global warming, and recent recipient of the Environmental Protection Agency's 2003 Climate Protection Award, proudly announces that Aveda, Nike, and Toyota Prius have signed on to sponsor the fourth annual Race to Stop Global Warming series. The national series of events includes an 8K Run, 5K Fitness Walk, Children's Fun Run, Diaper Dash, and Toddler Trot. This year, participants of all ages and abilities can lace up their shoes in Denver, Portland, Ore., New York City, Boston, Chicago, Seattle, San Francisco, and Minneapolis/St.Paul to show their support for this national awareness-raising-campaign about one of the most important environmental issues in the world today. The first race is in Denver on Sunday, April 13th. For more information about the race series, log on to www.racetostopglobalwarming.org, or call toll free at 1-866-STOP-CO2 (786-7262).

The Race to Stop Global Warming series is an innovative response to the critically important challenge of increasing climate change education and awareness. Held annually, the races aim to bring visibility to the issue of global warming while providing participants with the information and practical solutions for how they can reduce their impact on the planet. The goal for the Race to Stop Global Warming series in 2003 is to register more than 10,000 participants.

"There is a pressing need to educate the public about our rapidly changing climate," states Green House Network program director Matthew Follett. "Runners and walkers are a natural fit for our message. How we affect the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the water we drink is a vivid reality for all of us who value the connection between our physical health and the health of the planet."

The first Race to Stop Global Warming, held in Portland, Ore. on April 22nd, 2000, highlighted the 30th anniversary of Earth Day and began the race series' theme of bringing attention to the need for a rapid transition to a clean energy future. The Race generated over 600 participants, attracted broad media attention, and catalyzed a broader vision: Developing Race to Stop Global Warming into a national series. With eight US cities scheduled for 2003, The Green House Network's goal is to engage thousands of racers and their families in a 15 city series by 2010.

Sponsored by companies who are screened for their environmentally aware practices, such as Aveda, Nike, and Toyota, the Race to Stop Global Warming series brings the fitness, business, and environmental communities together in a public statement of support for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and stabilizing the climate. "We are proud to be a part of the National Race to Stop Global Warming Series. These eight events will play a crucial role in focusing America's attention on the critical issue of global warming and what individuals can do to stop it," states Mary Tkach, Executive Director of Environmental Sustainability at Aveda.

To further the educational component of the Race to Stop Global Warming, Green House Network invites various non-profit organizations to provide their expertise on the science and solutions of climate change. 2003 marks the first year that World Wildlife Fund has partnered with Green House Network and offered their endorsement of an annual focus for a particular species or ecosystem that is being threatened by climate change. With the help of WWF the Race to Stop Global Warming will educate participants about the plight of the polar bear.

"WWF is racing to implement solutions to global warming while it's still possible to prevent disaster for polar bears and other wildlife," said Katherine Silverthorne, Director of WWF's US Climate Change Program. "The US public awareness and support generated by events like these is critical to putting in place solutions such as using clean, renewable energy and more energy efficient technologies and processes."

Based in Portland, Oregon, Green House Network is a 501 (c)3 non-profit organization committed to building the grassroots movement to STOP global warming. The mission is to educate and unite the business community, government, students, civic organizations, community leaders, and citizens in the effort to stabilize the climate. In addition to the Race to Stop Global Warming series, Green House Network projects include a National Volunteer Speakers Network and Artists Respond to Global Warming. For more information about Green House Network, visit www.greenhousenet.org or call 503-236-7221.

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