Silver Spring, MD--February 2, 2007--Bend of Ivy Lodge is a scenic mountain retreat near Asheville, North Carolina where people can hold workshops, special events, and retreats while enjoying the splendor of the outdoors. And now, in partnership with Carbonfund.org, visitors can help protect that natural beauty at the same time.

Bend of Ivy Lodge has offset the carbon emissions associated with its own operations. On behalf of the lodge, Carbonfund.org will be offsetting 100 tons of CO2 by supporting renewable energy, energy efficiency, and reforestation projects.

Carbon offsets zero out CO2 emissions from one source by reducing the emissions from another. For example, Carbonfund.org uses offset funds to support renewable energy projects such as wind and bio-fuels that reduce or offset CO2. Carbonfund.org also supports energy efficiency and reforestation projects that effectively rendering the activity "carbon neutral". Offsetting helps underwrite the development of a renewable energy infrastructure.

What’s exciting about this partnership is that Bend of Ivy is also educating their guests. Through a contribution matching program, guests are invited to also make a contribution to Carbonfund.org. Through these matches, the lodge’s guests have offset more than 130 tons of their own CO2 emissions.

"This unique relationship truly demonstrates the commitment that our partners are making to combating climate change," said Eric Carlson, executive director of Carbonfund.org. "We are honored that Bend of Ivy Lodge is working with us to reduce its carbon footprint, and that their guests have made such a powerful statement in support of the Lodge’s initiative."

"We are committed to making the Lodge as environmentally engaged as possible, and working with Carbonfund.org was a natural way for us to do that," said Doug Silsbee, co-owner. "Carbonfund.org made it easy for us to offset our emissions and to work with our guests to offset theirs as well."

About Carbonfund.org

Carbonfund.org (www.carbonfund.org) reduces the threat of climate change by making it easy and affordable for any individual or business to reduce their carbon footprint and support climate-friendly projects. With its easy-to-use calculator, low offset cost per ton of CO2, and certified offset projects, Carbonfund.org is proving that anyone can reduce their impact on climate change easily and efficiently. Carbonfund.org is a 501(c)(3) non-profit business, and a member of the EPA's Green Power Partnership, the Chicago Climate Exchange, and Ceres. Carbonfund.org has nearly one hundred corporate and non-profit partners, including the National Wildlife Federation, the Calvert Group and Working Assets.

About Bend of Ivy Lodge

Bend of Ivy Lodge is a retreat center near Asheville, NC. The Lodge offers an accessible, secluded and inspiring setting on 63 acres of mountain land for retreats, workshops, special events, and company and board meetings. With accommodations for 24, the Lodge is beautifully integrated into the Western North Carolina landscape of mountain views, river, forests, and gardens. The Lodge aspires serve as a model for ecologically responsible business in our area.

Bend of Ivy Lodge has engaged in emissions reduction measures, and has more than completely offset all remaining emissions with Carbonfund.org. In addition, the Lodge engages in a robust outreach program with guests and retreat participants, including an offer to match their Carbonfund.org contributions. Learn more at http://bendofivylodge.com/carbon.htm.

Carbonfund.org

Carbonfund.org

Carbonfund.org (www.carbonfund.org) reduces the threat of climate change by making it easy and affordable for any individual or business to reduce their carbon footprint and support climate-friendly projects. With its easy-to-use calculator, low offset cost per ton of CO2, and certified offset projects, Carbonfund.org is proving that anyone can reduce their impact on climate change easily and efficiently. Carbonfund.org is a nationally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit business, and a member of the EPA's Green Power Network, the Chicago Climate Exchange, and Ceres. Carbonfree and "Reduce what you can, offset what you can't" are trademarks of the Carbonfund.org Foundation.

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