Unilever’s ‘Go Blue’ Campaign Chooses Zerofootprint Software
TORONTO, ON – April 21, 2008: Zerofootprint has developed an online application that helps individuals and organizations measure and modify their water consumption. The new One Minute Water Calculator is the first of its kind and has been designed to address risks to the world’s supply of potable water. Zerofootprint is a Canadian not-for-profit software innovator that pioneers carbon calculators for corporations, governments and individuals around the world.
Zerofootprint is now applying its software expertise to help people understand their water footprint. “Even in Canada people are generally unaware that in many parts of the country we are using drinking water at a rate that is faster than nature can renew it,” explained Ron Dembo, the Founder & CEO of Zerofootprint.
“Water shortages and carbon emissions are two of the greatest threats to our environment”, commented Deborah Kaplan, the Executive Director of Zerofootprint. “Our unique calculators engage individuals and organizations directly in these challenges to our environment by empowering them to measure and make adjustments to their consumption patterns.”
Unilever adopted the software for the launch of their ‘Go Blue’ campaign (Goblue.org), a campaign created to remind Canadians that water is a precious resource. “We are delighted that through this partnership we can enable people to measure their water footprint. Having a metric gives them a baseline to gauge their success,” stated Catherine McVitty, Manager, Environmental and Corporate Affairs, Unilever Canada. ‘Go Blue’ encourages Canadians to try to aim for a 50 percent reduction, lowering water use in both their homes and their gardens.
“Our calculator is fast and scalable. It can be applied easily to home consumption but is easily adaptable to allow businesses and other large organizations to customize a program for their specific needs,” Dembo explained. The calculator asks individuals specific questions about water usage in various areas of their home. It also provides educational tips to engage users in the process of reducing their water footprint and environmental impact.
Visit www.goblue.org to try the Zerofootprint One Minute Water Calculator for ‘Go Blue’.
You can also learn more about the campaign at: zerofootprint.net/press_mentions/3386
About Zerofootprint: Recently nominated for a “Crunchie Award” as most likely to change the world and named “Toronto’s Best Green Organization” by blogTO, Zerofootprint’s goal is to mobilize and empower large groups of individuals and organizations worldwide to reduce their collective carbon and ecological footprint. Targeting businesses, cities, communities, and schools, Zerofootprint’s software helps clients measure and manage their environmental impact and can be accessed easily through the web. www.zerofootprint.net.
About Unilever: Unilever, one of the world’s largest consumer products companies, adds vitality to life by meeting everyday needs for nutrition, hygiene and personal care. Every day, 160 million people choose Unilever brand to feed their families and to clean themselves and their homes.
With a steadfast commitment to water sustainability, Unilever strives to lead by example and remains committed to further reducing its water footprint. Since 1995, Unilever has reduced its water use per tonne of production by over 50 per cent worldwide, despite increasing both the number of products manufactured and their volume.
Media Contact: Deborah Kaplan, Executive Director of Zerofootprint, 416-365-7557, info@zerofootprint.net