The Vikings are already leading in one area--promoting renewable
energy. The team announced it will offset 100 percent of electricity
used to power the Metrodome this year by purchasing renewable energy from Xcel Energy for all eight home games and any playoff games.
According to the
press release, this major purchase of renewable energy will eliminate the equivalent of:
• Emissions from the electricity use of 31.9 homes for one year
• Emissions from 9,567 propane cylinders used for home barbeques
• 230 metric tons of CO2 Emissions (equal to 26,085 gallons of gasoline consumed)
In other words, this will reduce about 507,000 pounds of carbon emissions. Yes, a half-a-million pounds of carbon emissions will be eliminated with the Metrodome's purchase of renewable energy alternatives.
The Vikes aren't the only sports team reducing their carbon footprint.
World Cup Soccer and the Super Bowl have both gone carbon neutral. And athletes are calling on Vancouver to make the 2010 Winter Olympics an entirely carbon-neutral event.
Homeowners can also reduce their carbon emissions by purchasing renewable energy for their homes. Xcel Energy customers can call Xcel Energy at 1-800- 895-4999 or visit www.xcelenergy.com/windsource.