Brighter Planet Adds Two Committed Environmentalists to Growing Team

Brighter Planet Adds Two Committed Environmentalists to Growing Team
Carolyn Barnwell Joins as Communications and Outreach Coordinator; Matthew Kling as Science Analyst
(Middlebury, VT) - October 29, 2008 - Brighter Planet, a company that helps people take smarter steps for a healthy environment, announced today two key additions to its growing company. Carolyn Barnwell has joined Brighter Planet as the communications and outreach coordinator while Matthew Kling will serve as science analyst. Both Barnwell and Kling will support the company in its work to provide conservation advice and offset carbon emissions through the funding and support of renewable energy projects.
As communications and outreach coordinator, Barnwell is responsible for helping drive Brighter Planets strategic messaging and developing outreach opportunities. She recently completed the Thomas J. Watson Fellowship, an independent international research project about climate change adaptation and alternative energy in coastal areas. Her published work includes feature articles, photography and video. Barnwell holds a B.A. in Human Ecology (Environmental Studies and Sociology/Anthropology) from Middlebury College.

As science analyst Kling will concentrate on the science of climate change, including researching green tips that help fight climate change as well as humanizing emissions impacts of personal lifestyle and business choices. He joins Brighter Planet from the Institute for Wildlife Studies on Santa Cruz Island, Calif., where he was the supervisor on a recovery project for endangered island foxes. Previously, Kling worked on ecological studies at national park sites such as Yellowstone and Great Sand Dunes National Park. Kling holds a B.A. in Conservation Biology/Environmental Studies from Middlebury College.
Kling will work closely with Ian Hough, Brighter Planet's staff scientist. Prior to joining Brighter Planet in March, Hough worked for Clean Air - Cool Planet as a greenhouse gas emissions consultant where he created a new emissions calculator functionality to enable people to project future emissions and find the most cost-effective way to meet reduction goals. Prior to Clean Air - Cool Planet, Hough was a national grassroots campaign organizer for Step It Up and was involved in various carbon neutrality initiatives. He holds a B.A. in Conservation Biology/Environmental Studies from Middlebury College.
"One of the most unique and compelling aspects of our team at Brighter Planet is our shared passion for the environment," said Patti Prairie, CEO of Brighter Planet. Carolyn and Matthew represent the values that drive Brighter Planet to make environmentalism accessible to everyone. As a company, we're consistently working to provide products and advice to help people manage their carbon footprints."
"Brighter Planet's model of harnessing consumer power to help shift our energy economy is a great example of how shifting consciousness and then taking responsible action leads to positive environmental results," Barnwell said in Brighter Planet blog post. "I am thrilled to join this company of motivated, creative, good people."
"I have come to believe that the most innovative and promising organizations are those working at the intersections of disparate fields - and Brighter Planet epitomizes this idea," said Kling in a Brighter Planet blog post. "So it is with enthusiasm that I join this wonderful team in developing creative market-based approaches to mending the rift between economy and ecology."
About Brighter Planet

Brighter Planet (www.brighterplanet.com) helps people take smarter steps for a healthy environment. With practical, carbon emission reducing solutions for consumers and businesses, Brighter Planet is committed to demonstrating that small, day-to-day actions can make a huge difference for the environment. To date, Brighter Planet members have offset almost 50 million pounds of CO2. The renewable energy projects they help build in communities across the United States decrease our national dependence on carbon emitting energy sources.

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