As we launch into 2009, we just want to say thanks for all your support. With your contributions, we’ve been able to support some incredible organizations that support our mission of reversing climate change by supporting renewable energy technology, education and local market initiatives. For example, through local premieres of “My Own Two Feet”, we’ve been able to support 35+ premiere events globally, raising over $50,000 that’s been directed towards POW-approved, local-market environmental initiatives. This is just part of what we’re doing and again, we appreciate your support.

POW CONTRIBUTES TO THE OFFICE OF RESOURCE EFFICIENCY
Protect Our Winters continued its support of the climate change educational initiatives by contributing $5,000 to the Office of Resource Efficiency (O.R.E) in Crested Butte, CO.

The Office for Resource Efficiency (ORE) creates a more sustainable economic and energy future for the Gunnison Valley, CO community. ORE works cooperatively with individuals, businesses, utilities and governments to create measurable, meaningful improvements in energy and resource consumption and encourages the development of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydroelectric and bio-diesel power.

FIRST ANNUAL JEREMY JONES CELEBRITY POKER TOURNAMENT RAISES $10,000 FOR POW
With the generous help of Ollie POP, Transworld SNOWBOARDING and Full-Tilt Poker, a check for $10,000 was presented to POW founder Jeremy Jones at the Transworld SNOWBOARDING Riders Poll  Awards last week.

Taking place at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, the event was won by Never Summer’s Sean MacAllister, who bested a final table that included Protect Our Winters founder Jeremy Jones, Benji Ritchie, Dave Duncan, Summer Zemel, and the “Impossible Read” Marius Otterstad. MacAllister overpowered second place finisher Shana Price on the final hand with Kings up over Fours to win over $3000 in cash and prizes, including an option to play in a 2009 World Series of Poker event.

The funds will be directed towards POW’s Riders Alliance and ongoing grants to renewable energy projects and educational intiatives. Thanks to everyone who contributed, making this event so amazing.

WORLD’S GLACIERS SHRINKING FOR 18TH STRAIGHT YEAR
Glaciers from the Andes to Alaska and across the Alps shrank as much as 10 feet, the 18th year of retreat and twice as fast as a decade ago, as global warming threatens an important supply of the world’s water. Alpine glaciers lost on average 0.7 meters of thickness in 2007, the most recent figures available, data published today by the University of Zurich’s World Glacier Monitoring Service showed. The melting extends an 11-meter retreat since 1980. “One year doesn’t tell us much, it’s really these long-term trends that help us to understand what’s going on,” Michael Zemp, a researcher at the University of Zurich’s Department of Geography, said in an interview. “The main thing that we can do to stop this is reduce greenhouse gases” that are blamed for global warming. READ MORE

DOWNLOAD A POW SCREENSAVER!!
Our friends at Origin Design + Communications have created a handful of cool new POW screen savers. Check them out and put one on your desktopm they’re free. Just click on the thumbnail on the right.

POW PARTNERS WITH SWATCH TTR TOUR
Swatch TTR and Protect Our Winters (POW) have developed a long-term partnership to raise the level of environmental responsibility at all TTR events amongst spectators, riders and resorts. TTR will assist POW in gaining awareness at events on the Tour and in the long term ensure that event organizers are aware and active when it comes to reducing their carbon footprint. Furthermore, the TTR will work closely with POW in educating riders and the public by providing information at events.

pow Protect Our Winters Newsletter

PUT POW ON YOUR BOARD!!
Protect Our Winters has partnered with FreshPow! to offer two very special one-of-a-kind FreshFaces to help the fundraising initiative! Purchase one of the POW FreshFaces! and they’lll donate $5 from every sale to POW. Click their logo on the right to purchase.

JUST DO THIS ONE THING
Don’t Idle in Your Car. Idling wastes money and gas, and generates pollution and global warming causing emissions. Except when in traffic, turn your engine off if you must wait for more than 30 seconds. Also, keep the tires on your car adequately inflated. Check them monthly.