Dear Friends,
In 2007, all the talk was about "being green," from recycling programs, to environmentally friendly green cleaning products, to carbon footprints and hybrid vehicles. It has been a remarkable year: most of us have gained a better understanding of the fragility of this planet and about how our day-to-day activities impact its well being. Increasingly, conserving and protecting our natural resources frames everyday choices at the Aquarium. Simply stated, it has been central to our mission since we opened in 1981.
The Aquarium has the unique opportunity to demonstrate actions large and small that can lessen the impact humans have on our environment. To that end, being "green" is becoming an integral part of every workday. We continually strive to improve our own practices and embrace multiple recycling efforts, including composting kitchen waste, printing on recycled paper, and taking other steps to make the thoughtful choices that mitigate our environmental impact.
Through our true-to-nature exhibits, school outreach projects, and wetland restoration, we demonstrate ways our visitors and community can become involved. For our staff, we’ve introduced rewards for green commuting, launched an internal conservation committee to recommend best practices, and increased back office recycling programs. Our organization has recommitted to inspiring people to enjoy, respect, and protect our aquatic world.
As you turn these pages, I hope you consider the thoughtful choices you too can make to lessen your impact on our fragile Earth. Recycle. Be mindful of using excess lawn chemicals that can wash into local waters. Consider taking one less drive each week. And get started by planting this report’s handmade envelope in your own backyard. Embedded with wildflower seeds, your envelope has the potential to bloom beautifully and grow into a habitat and food source for local species, like butterflies.
We are grateful to you — our friends and partners — for your support, and excited to be green with you in future years.
Thank you.
David M. Pittenger
Executive Director
Michael J. Batza, Jr.
Chair, Board of Directors
