Using Resources Responsibly

BSA has gone from green to “deep green.”

We’ve been a leader in conservation for more than a century.  Our LEAVE NO TRACE® philosophy has been followed by generations of Scouts as we camp, hike or conduct other activities with a potential for leaving litter or waste. We strive to leave the world a better place.

Responsible stewardship of our natural resources goes far beyond just our day-to-day actions. It means thinking about people, the environment, and systems – and how they are connected. It means thinking beyond today and establishing a long-term vision.

Photo courtesy of BSA Flickr

Our recycling efforts at our High Adventure Bases – Philmont Scout Ranch, Northern Tier, and Florida Sea Base – are great testimonials to our environmental stewardship. All three bases recycle cardboard and plastic. In the past year, Philmont, for example, recycled 58 tons of cardboard and diverted 1,000 pounds of plastic from landfills.

Philmont also utilizes solar energy to power chlorination for its backcountry water systems and water heaters for several of its base camp showers. A dozen new camp shelters will be powered with solar lighting and battery systems, the newest addition to Philmont’s approximately 75 current stand-alone solar-powered systems.

At our newest High Adventure Base, The Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve, we’ve reduced noise and emissions by designing The Summit’s routes through the New River Gorge region of West Virginia for “foot-power.” Walking and biking are the primary mode of transportation for our Scouts through The Summit’s trails – not cars or trucks. In addition, our water supply systems reduce water consumption, recycle water when we can, and filter and clean water that is returned to the environment. And deep beneath Goodrich Lake at The Summit are heat exchangers to help manage building and water temperatures. Solar power systems at The Summit also reduce impact on the environment.

We’ve also dedicated a full 10 percent of The Summit (that’s 1,600 acres) as a nature preserve. Our Scouts just might meet some of their favorite wildlife since we’re preserving habitats in this area.

The BSA is committed as an organization to taking sustainability and environmental stewardship to a whole new level by pairing traditional environmental stewardship practices and innovative technology. We can and will meet the needs of our present generation of Scouts while ensuring the environment for the future.

What do you think of Scouting’s commitment to sustainable design for its outdoor bases? What kind of benefits are you experiencing with sustainable operations at your home or business – is the investment paying off?  Share your results here!

Back soon!

Wayne