Aspen Skiing Co. Wins Environmental Award

Aspen, CO, Mar. 13-The National Environmental Education and Training Foundation (NEETF) recently awarded Aspen Skiing Company, CO (ASC) the 1999 National Environmental Education Achievement Award for Eco-tourism.

“As we enter the new millennium, it’s becoming critical to prepare for and address emerging environmental issues facing society,” said Kevin Coyle, president of NEETF. “These awards honor organizations that are developing and implementing approaches towards education and solutions to complex environmental problems.”

A panel composed of nationally recognized leaders in environmental education from universities, foundations, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and private businesses chose ASC from 41 other applicants. The panel judged the applicants in five categories including achievement in environmental education, measurable environmental learning, broad-based partnerships, contributions toward a better community, and continued program results.

ASC won the award for several of its programs including their creation of the ski industry’s first environmental website. Other programs recognized were their intra-company environmental newsletter, their partnerships with the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies and the children’s Winter Wild Things programs, and their nonprofit Environmental Foundation which lets employees donate part of their wages to local initiatives.

“The newest addition to our environmental education roster is an environmental scholarship program that divides $25,000 in scholarships among five area high school seniors who complete the most successful environmental science projects,” said Chris Lane, ASC director of environmental affairs. “The program is designed to aid and encourage local high school students in the study of environmental sciences.”