Green Passport Program Green Passport was created to help students take into account the social and environmental consequences of studying abroad. Green Passport helps students improve these aspects of their study abroad experience by minimizing impact on the environment, acting in culturally appropriate ways, and engaging with and giving back to host communities. For more, see www.facebook.com/greenpassportprogram.
Project 350 350.org is a global initiative launched by Middlebury graduates to spread a
particular idea: 350 -- the safe parts per million level of CO2 in the atmosphere. Their goal is to bring people all across the globe together and with a collective voice, to move this number 350 to the very heart of public consciousness through art, music, education, rallies, and actions of all kind. You can help build this movement while you study abroad networking with organizations, organizing actions, talking with people you meet during your travels, documenting stories, and more. No matter how much you feel you can help, Project 350 encourages you to email them, organizers@350.org, to learn more.
Carbon Offsets First and foremost, it is important to reduce your energy consumption and live a sustainable life, both at home and abroad. However, when you study abroad your air travel produces a tremendous quantity of greenhouse gases. To offset these emissions, you can purchase renewable energy to neutralize your footprint. Offsetting your study abroad carbon footprint from travel costs only $36 through Native Energy of Vermont (www.nativeenergy.com). Your offset will fund Native American-owned wind power or family farm methane digester projects that create electricity from cow manure. By purchasing renewable energy, you are reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the burning of fossil fuels and helping the College meet its CO2 reduction goals. When you return from abroad, you will also receive a certificate and a coupon for a pint of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. For more information, including how to purchase carbon offsets, see www.middlebury.edu/international/sa/sustainable/carbon_offsets.
IPOCS
Pre-departure 2013-2014, Page 34