Sustainable Study Abroad

· During the academic year each Middlebury student is responsible for nearly THREE TONS of CO2 emission for energy use

As you may know, Middlebury College has made a commitment to becoming carbon neutral to help address global warming. This page outlines several important steps you can take to Green your study abroad experience:

· Reduce your energy consumption and live a sustainable life, both at home and abroad.  Review our Resources for Sustainable Travel Information to learn about steps you can take to make a difference.

· Purchase carbon offsets – Purchasing offsets can address your air travel to study abroad, a CO2 emission you cannot reduce or eliminate. We have developed a program with Native Energy of Vermont where you can purchase renewable energy for only $36. Click here for further information on how to participate in this program.

· Participate in the Green Passport Program - Keep track of actions you take abroad that are within our suggested guidelines of a responsible traveler and/or which seek to make connections regarding sustainability concepts, and you will be able to upload your information to the Green Passport web site. Email Stacey Thebodo for information on how to participate in the Green Passport Program.

· Sustainable Study Abroad Grants of up to $500 will be made available to students studying abroad during the spring 2008 semester through Middlebury College. Undergraduates studying at the C.V. Starr Middlebury Schools Abroad, as well as Middlebury students studying abroad on approved non-Middlebury programs, are eligible for these grants. Grants may be used for research projects or participation in events or projects related to sustainability issues; this may include projects or research that look at ways of reducing the human impact on the environment, enhancing social well-being, or economic development that addresses the environment and/or social well-being. Click here for more information and to see the list of current grant recipients.

· Project 350 - 350.org is a new global initiative launched by Middlebury graduates to spread a particular idea: 350 -- the safe parts per million level of CO2 in the atmosphere. We believe 350, a benchmark for where we need to move as a planet, may just be the most important number in the world. Our goal is to bring people all across the globe together and with our collective voice move this number 350 to the very heart of public consciousness. Through art, music, education, rallies, and actions of all kind, we're inviting people to help spread this number and make 350 the benchmark for international action to address the climate crisis. You can help build this movement while you study abroad. Climate change is already harming communities all over the world, especially the poorest and most vulnerable. Meanwhile, the media and politicians often overlook the voices of ordinary citizens. 350.org will provide a megaphone for individuals everywhere. We need your help to weave their voices, their innovative ideas, their commitment and our collective drive to save our planet into something more powerful than the sum of its parts. There are many ways you can help in the country you study in: networking with organizations, organizing actions, talking with people you meet during your travels, documenting stories, and more. There is also potential for more formal involvement and internship opportunities for students that are interested in working closely with this initiative. No matter what degree you feel you can help we encourage you to email us, organizers@350.org, to discuss this project more. MORE INFORMATION: Please click here for more information, including a video and guide to working with 350 while you are abroad. http://www.350.org/

You CAN make a difference!