LACMA (the Latin America and Caribbean Movers Association) launched LACMA Earth a few years ago in order to encourage ‘clean travel’ among members. The aim is to neutralise carbon dioxide produced by air travel to the conference each year by representatives of international removal companies. Each conference in effect becomes a ‘clean travel convention’. The compensation received as a result of the carbon off-setting is used towards preserving rainforests in Costa Rica. This initiative is undertaken in collaboration with FONAFIFO (a forestry protection agency in Costa Rica).In addition, LACMA Earth also promotes green initiatives in international removal companies such as recycling practices, paper consumption reduction and waste management. The organisation also aims to work with local, national and international environmental associations whenever possible in order to help preserve the planet.
Last year, 462 tonnes of carbon monoxide were generated as a result of the convention. This led to an investment of USD 2,500.00 in the Costa Rican rainforest. John Mason International contributed to the ‘clean travel’ programme last year and received a certificate to recognise the contribution.
The money collected will be used by FONAFIFO to preserve and manage a 10 acre plot in the rainforest for the next 5 years. In 2008, 10 acres were sponsored from investment obtained after the previous conference so in total, LACMA Earth currently protects 20 acres of rainforest in Costa Rica. This number will increase every year after the annual convention.al Programme
