Wine Retailer JJ Buckley Goes Green

Oakland, CA – (May 21, 2007) – Last week, JJ Buckley became the first ever, carbon-neutral wine retail and distribution company. In addition to implementing energy reducing efforts such as office recycling and efficient lighting, JJ Buckley is now offsetting all carbon emissions from their day-to-day operations. Activities like product shipping receiving, travel, office electricity, and all employee commuting will be offset through a partnership with CarbonFund.org, a non-profit foundation.

So what exactly is Carbon Offsetting?
Carbon offsetting is the act of reducing an equal amount of carbon elsewhere to counterbalance the carbon emissions from energy-using activities, or “carbon footprints". While most everyone is responsible for carbon dioxide emissions through the use of energy (driving, heating and cooling offices, watching TV), businesses tend to have much greater output and in-turn, much greater environmental responsibilities. JJ Buckley holds this responsibility as one of their highest priorities since their business, like many others, is heavily dependent on the state of the viticulture industry.

“We are very concerned about global warming,” says CEO, Michael Stajer. “Considering the implications of climate change, carbon offsets through Carbonfund.org are a natural extension of the work we do.”

There have been a number of wineries moving towards greener operations, but little effort has been shown from the retail and distribution side till now.

“Retail and distribution is really where the ‘rubber meets the road’ in terms of carbon output and the need to reduce and offset. Our organization alone moves more than 30,000 bottles per month,” says Stajer. “We can’t directly control how green our shipping companies operate, but we can definitely offset them through other means.”

Once a company signs up with CarbonFund.org, they are able to choose how and where they would like to offset their emissions. JJ Buckley, for example, has chosen to invest evenly across three of the options: renewable energy, energy efficiency, and reforestation projects.

"Climate change affects every one of us. We are all responsible for it, and we all must be part of the solution," says Carbonfund.org Executive Director, Eric Carlson. "In addition to offsetting their own company's carbon footprint, by choosing to understand the impact of shipping wine to their customers and then offsetting that emission footprint as well, WineCommune has shown itself to be a clear leader in the market."

About JJ Buckley
JJ Buckley Wines was founded as the retail arm of WineCommune LLC. Since 1999, it has been helping wine lovers find the best wines at excellent prices. JJ Buckley uses the Internet and today’s technology to streamline the entire wine retail process - from interacting with distributors to fulfilling orders.

About Carbonfund.org
Carbonfund.org reduces the threat of climate change by making it easy and affordable for any individual or business to reduce their carbon footprint and support climate-friendly projects. Carbonfund.org is a 501(c)(3) non-profit business, and a member of the Chicago Climate Exchange and Ceres with over 150 corporate and non-profit partners.