Polar Bear 'Paw of Approval' Award<https://www.pdza.org/pawaward> Climate change is causing the rapid loss of sea ice in the Arctic. Polar bears depend on sea ice to hunt seals. Without sea ice, polar bears will vanish from the planet. The reduction of greenhouse gas emissions will help stem the tide of the disastrous effects that climate change is having on people and wildlife. Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Sustainable Tacoma Commission, and Polar Bears International are seeking nominations for the Polar Bear 'Paw of Approval' Award. This award is open to private and public-sector businesses in Pierce County, Washington that are taking action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Successful award winners will demonstrate that they have made measurable reductions in the amount of carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and/or fluorinated gases (refrigerants and by-products of semiconductor manufacturing) used in operations over the last three to five years. WINNERS WILL BE: * Recognized in ZooPoints, which is distributed to over 14,000 households * Recognized through news release as a community leader in environmental stewardship * Invited to exhibit at Zoo's annual Earth Day event * Invited to an exclusive Breakfast with the Zoo's polar bears (nominee and up to 10 staff members) Nominations will be accepted through March 22, 2013. Kristin Lynett Environmental Policy & Sustainability Manager City of Tacoma kristin.lynett@cityoftacoma.org<mailto:kristin.lynett@cityoftacoma.org> (253) 591-5571 www.cityoftacoma.org/sustainability facebook.com/tacomasustainability