As we want to experience unforgettable powder days in the future, we support the organisation POW - PROTECT OUR WINTERS Austria. In addition to an annual donation, as the official merchandise and communication partner of POW Europe & POW Austria, we can make a difference within our community.
Protect Our Winters (POW) International was founded in 2007 by Jeremy Jones, who through his life as a snowboard pro has directly experienced how climate change is affecting our beloved winter. POW is now active in nine countries in Europe and has over 10,000 members.
POW Collection: 95% of the proceeds from the Blue Tomato online shop and shops are donated to POW.
Clemens Millauer & Anna Gasser. Photo: Sam Strauss
When POW products are purchased through the Blue Tomato web store or in one of our Blue Tomato stores, 95 percent of the proceeds benefit Protect Our Winters. POW Europe advocates for green policies, sustainable transportation infrastructure, a shift away from fossil fuels and, most importantly, clear leadership on the path to carbon-neutral energy by governments and businesses. Every purchase helps the organization promote advocacy, provide people with important climate news, equip businesses and organizations with expertise, and connect with elected officials and the outdoor industry to participate in this discussion.
We are proud to partner with POW. Their mission to protect the places where we have adventures and realize our passions is one that is aligned deeply to the values of our customers and employees. We are committed to amplifying and supporting this work now and in the future. The goods in the collection represent a more sustainable standard that will become increasingly necessary to combat climate change. Our support of the program and POW are part of our goals and work over the long term to create positive impact for our communities.
Adam Ellis, CEO Blue Tomato
Protect Our Winters Austria
In 2014, POW Austria was founded as an independent, non-profit association. POW Austria is particularly concerned to point out to the mountain sports community a responsible approach to our mountain environment. Together with the community, athletes (" Hot Planet / Cool Athletes") as well as business and politics, POW is committed to comprehensive climate protection. Every step counts - we are all part of the problem and therefore must also be the solution. To this end, POW regularly holds awareness-raising workshops for children and young people at Austrian schools. Because climate change can only be effectively countered through information and education.
We all need winter.
But it is not only our passion that is in danger. A lot of jobs are also dependent on winter and snow. In Austria, it is almost every 14th job that depends directly or indirectly on winter sports. The poles are melting. Winters are getting shorter and shorter. Not only the big industry groups have to change their way of thinking, you can also contribute something to protect our winter. Get informed, think about your actions and make others aware of climate change.
Pic: Dominik Schwahn / Protect Our Winters Austria
Three points to success
- Technical and financial solutions: We need incentives for switching to 100% renewable energy as well as emission-neutral transportation. A rethink for more sustainable food is also needed.
- Political will: With cooperative ministers in the governments, we can push the joint work and make better environmental policies together. This will create the necessary framework for a sustainable future.
- Rethinking society: According to studies from 2020, 8 out of 10 Austrians already believe that more needs to be done to combat climate change. On the one hand, it is our goal that 10 out of 10 think this way, and at the same time, it is sometimes up to us to give these people the tools to change society.
More information about POW Austria and its initiatives and projects can be found at www.protectourwinters.at. You can support POW Austria by joining the association (costs € 30 per year). POW is of course also active in other countries than Austria, all local POW organizations can be found at https://protectourwinters.org/pow-international/. You can also support POW Austria by helping out in the organization or by buying POW products, 95% of the proceeds of which go to POW Europe.
Pic: M. Nachtschatt / Protect our Winters Austria
