Who's Going Green on Historic Hwy 49? Hwy 49 is in area rich in history, most of which is mining history.  Early mining in Gold Country lacked any sense of conservation or protection of the environment. It was a new frontier and they really had no idea that many of their techniques to remove the gold could be so devastating to the environment then and in later years. There was one goal… get the GOLD! Today the area is filled with people sensitive to protecting not only the area’s history but also its environment. We would like to showcase those businesses taking this very positive step and encourage everyone to visit and learn more about them and their products or service.   The Greening of O.A.R.S. O.A.R.S. – THE ECO-SAVVY ADVENTURE TRAVEL OUTFITTER FURTHER REDUCES CARBON FOOTPRINT WITH A NEW COMITTMENT TO SOLAR POWER Angels Camp, California – February 2008 – For nearly 40 years O.A.R.S. (Outdoor Adventure River Specialists), has been committed to being a leader in the field of sustainable travel.  Their goal isn’t simply to be one of the most environmentally responsible tour operators in the world, but to continually raise the bar and challenge other companies to raise their standards as well.  O.A.R.S., the first river company in the U.S. to offset all of their carbon emissions, is in their third year of working with NativeEnergy, purchasing approximately 613 tons of carbon offsets in 2007, which has the same global warming offset impact as keeping over 100 average cars off the road for an entire year. In an effort to become ever increasingly energy responsible, in 2007 O.A.R.S. made the decision to go 100% solar for their warehouse and main office operations in Angels Camp, California, and for their warehouse and office in Flagstaff, Arizona, for their Colorado River operations in the Grand Canyon.  These two new systems are expected to generate over 123,000 KWH of electricity their first year and every year thereafter - enough to keep 8 medium-sized houses supplied with electricity for an entire year.  This will result in a reduction of approximately 180,000 lbs - over 90 tons of green house gases (mainly carbon dioxide) per year. In its continuing effort to do all that it possibly can to help preserve the environment, O.A.R.S. plans to double its electricity-generating capability in 2008 by installing solar energy at its warehouses and offices in Lewiston, Idaho, for the four rivers it runs in the state, in Jackson, Wyoming, for its operations in Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks, and in Vernal, Utah, for its operations in Dinosaur National Monument.  In 2007 the internationally recognized adventure travel outfitter swapped the motors on their gear boats for trips on Jackson Lake for new four-stroke engines, reducing fuel consumption significantly.  They provide on-site employee housing in most destinations, sparing guides and staff from potentially lengthy, carbon-emitting commutes.  Additionally, more than 20% of the fuel used in the company’s Grand Canyon gear vehicles is now bio-diesel.  Since 1969 O.A.R.S. has set the standard in first-class rafting, sea kayaking and multi-sport vacations, with destinations and unparalleled experiences on over 35 rivers and coastlines of the world.  O.A.R.S. caters to active travelers of all ages and abilities with more than 75 unique itineraries worldwide, including one-day and weekend escapes.  For more information on O.A.R.S. eco-friendly adventures, including a free 84-page color catalog, call O.A.R.S. at 1-800-346-6277, email the company at info@oars.com or visit www.oars.com. • American Home Sales On January 12, 2008, the first Energy Star Eco Manufactured Model Home will be premiered in Auburn! This informational event is from 11am-2:00pm and will also feature an art exhibit by local 5th graders with a "Save the Planet" theme. This new ECO home will be the springboard for affordable & healthy green built homes available to ALL California! Eco builders and suppliers will be on hand to answer green design and green building questions. Energy Star stated that if one in ten US Homes were Energy Star certified, that change would keep more than 17 Billion pounds of greenhouse gases out of the air. That IS making a difference. Contact: Nichoel Farris American Home Sales 1450 Grass Valley Hwy, Auburn, CA 530-885-4555 pntfarris@msn.com Do you have a business on Historic Hwy 49 that is going or gone Green, email us so we can help get the word out!