The Pajarito Environmental Education Center’s Director of Interpretation Jonathan Creel, left, thanks Dr. Bill Nichols of Los Alamos Children’s Dentistry for sponsoring PEEC through 1% for the Planet. Photo Courtesy PEEC
PEEC NEWS
Los Alamos Children’s Dentistry (LACD) recently sponsored the Pajarito Environmental Education Center (PEEC) through the 1% for the Planet program as a part of the business’s commitment to environmental sustainability. 1% for the Planet is an international organization whose members contribute at least one percent of their annual sales to environmental causes.
“Part of our mission at LACD is to create a healthier planet by minimizing our environmental impact. LACD aims to accomplish this mission by recycling toothbrushes, toothpaste tubes, sharps, gloves and coffee pods through partnerships with TerraCycle,” LACD’s Dr. Bill Nichols said.
LACD also replaced plastic “goody bags” in their office with recyclable, reusable water bottles and utilizes an entirely paperless patient management system. Additionally, LACD has a partnership with CarbonFund to be a carbon neutral business. They joined 1% for the Planet in quarter four of 2019 and are the first business member of the organization in Los Alamos, according to Nichols.
“LACD is excited to sponsor PEEC as our chosen non-profit through 1% for the Planet. At LACD, we love to support the education of children in our community and we are excited to help support a non-profit organization that connects children to nature and teaches children about the importance of protecting our environment,” Nichols said.
PEEC’s Executive Director Katherine Bruell said that PEEC is honored to be a part of the LACD’s plan for environmental sustainability through this sponsorship.
“We believe that raising the next generation of environmental stewards is one of the most valuable steps we can take to protect the future of our planet. LACD is an important partner in this work, along with our many other donors, members and sponsors,” Bruell said. “Thanks to them, lots of children will be getting up close with nature and connecting with the plants, animals, rocks and stars in their schoolyards and beyond. You can join in this work by making an end-of-year gift to PEEC at peecnature.org/donate. Thank you to LACD for being a leader in environmental sustainability in our community!””
PEEC was founded in 2000 to serve the community of Los Alamos. It offers people of all ages a way to enrich their lives by strengthening their connections to our canyons, mesas, mountains, and skies. PEEC operates the Los Alamos Nature Center at 2600 Canyon Road, holds regular programs and events, and hosts a number of interest groups from birding to hiking to butterfly watching. PEEC activities are open to everyone; however, members receive exclusive benefits such as discounts on programs and merchandise. Annual memberships start at $35. To learn more, visit www.peecnature.org.