Sustainability
We had always seen ourselves as an eco-friendly organization, so when the opportunity came along to make it official, we jumped at it. We earned our first eco-certification badge in 2010, and updated that badge in 2016. Our badge provider is EarthCheck, a benchmarking group that measures the economic, social, and environmental impact of travel and tourism providers. To meet badge requirements, we make sure we track our energy use, set long-term goals for reduction, keep our stakeholders informed of our efforts, and promote green practices to our travelers.
"Long before sustainability became a buzz word, Academic Travel Abroad embraced the principles this term embodies. Since our inception in 1950, we have believed in the power of education, the importance of cultural respect, the vitality of our planet’s diversity, and the invaluable exchange of ideas between human beings. These principles are reflected in everything we do, and every day, we strive to do more, do better, and make a difference."
Eco-Friendly Practices
Reduce
Conservation is always on our mind. We share by screen, not paper, whenever we can. And we encourage our employees and travelers to use public transportation when possible.
Reuse
We use as many reusable office and kitchen supplies as possible—from forks to chopsticks to white boards. We stock plenty of cups and mugs in our office, too. Goodbye one-use plastic bottles!
Recycle
In our DC headquarters, we compost and recycle, and use 100% recycled paper. In other offices around the world, we purchase recycled and eco-friendly products whenever possible.
Respect
The more of the world you see, the more responsibility for the world you share. We encourage travelers to be not only green minded, but locally minded, and respectful of regional efforts and cultural practices.
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