Washington, DC—Blue Planet Scuba, a new scuba diving organization that opened in Dupont Circle in October, announced today the first program of “carbon neutral” scuba travel opportunities for DC, Maryland, and Virginia divers.

The first of these trips will be to Cozumel, Mexico February 18-22nd with four days of scuba diving and opportunities to learn about local marine life. Full details are online at www.blueplanetdc.com/travel.

Blue Planet Scuba announced a partnership with TerraPass to make all its trips “carbon neutral” by sponsoring clean energy and carbon reduction projects that result in a verified, measurable reduction in carbon emissions. The carbon dioxide produced by the air travel, hotels, and scuba for each trip is “offset” by farm power, landfill gas capture, and wind energy projects. As carbon dioxide is the leading cause of global climate change -- which in turns impacts the fragile ocean environment -- Blue Planet is offering these “offsets” as an important step toward sustainable travel.

“We’re really excited to bring divers from the DC Metro area to experience the diversity and thrill of the underwater world, and to see firsthand what makes the ocean environment so unique. But in doing so, we believe it’s our responsibility to limit our travel programs’ impact on these same environments,” said Heather Tallent, Blue Planet’s Co-Owner and Director of Outreach. “Our focus is combining education, conservation, and adventure in a way that helps scuba divers become the best advocates and allies for life in our oceans.”

“Offsets are ultimately just one small step and must be combined with a broader effort to reduce our carbon footprints—we hope other businesses will follow,” added Tallent.

Blue Planet Scuba officially opened the doors of its new retail dive center in Washington’s Dupont Circle neighborhood in October—offering divers in Washington, DC beginner and advanced scuba classes, scuba and snorkeling equipment, and travel, education and conservation opportunities. In 2011, Blue Planet will begin offering classes on ocean environments and marine life to complement its offerings of scuba certification courses.

BACKGROUND INFO:

Blue Planet Travel: www.blueplanetdc.com/travel

Terrapass: http://www.terrapass.com/partners/blue-planet-scuba