MANOTICK, May 16, 2022 – Capital Pyrotechnics is blasting off as the Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation’s newest Carbon Neutral partner, just in time for fireworks season.
The Manotick-based pyrotechnics company will plant 168 trees to offset approximately 6.5 tonnes of carbon emissions from its 2021 transportation-related activities as well as estimated travel by guests who attend their displays across the Ottawa Valley region. The bareroot seedlings will offset these emissions as they grow over the next 20 years.
“We know our industry produces carbon. That’s why it’s all that much more important for us to take this step,” said co-owner Gill Bujold. He and his business partner Jeff Plewes both grew up involved in scouting in the Manotick and Osgoode areas, and Bujold is now a rural property owner who has worked with the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority to create a managed forest and protect the provincially significant wetland on his own property.
That’s why he wanted to work with a local and trusted conservation partner to offset his company’s emissions.
“Let’s support our local watershed, and local green initiatives,” Bujold said. “This way, we know where the trees are and that they’re having a positive impact on our community and environment.”
The Foundation helps businesses and families calculate their carbon footprint and then plants locally grown sugar maple, white pine, white cedar and red oak across the watershed to offset the emissions.
But these trees don’t just store carbon dioxide: they also reduce the impacts of floods and droughts, clean the local air and water, provide critical habitat for wildlife and improve the Rideau Valley watershed for all who live here.
“Capital Pyrotechnics is taking a bold step toward sustainability,” said Foundation executive director Diane Downey. “We welcome their commitment and are thrilled they have chosen to go carbon neutral in their own backyard.”
Capital Pyrotechnics is known for its Canada Day displays in Ottawa neighbourhoods like Stittsville, Dunrobin and Riverside South, as well as Ottawa Valley locations like Deep River and Calabogie. They also provide shows for the military base in Petawawa.
To learn more about the RVCF’s Carbon Neutral program visit www.rvcf.ca/ways-to-give/carbon-neutral-program or contact Diane Downey at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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