Why be green?

Sustainability


Recycling


Conservation


Global Outlook


Ideas For You

It seems a silly question to ask these days. A better question would be to ask why not? We have taken on the initiative to think more globally about the way we operate both at home and overseas with an aim to recycle, reduce, or eliminate the emissions and waste that we generate and conserve energy and water wherever possible.

Moving towards sustainability

CEA's first undertaking in 'going green' was a move towards sustainable operations. Our goal is to reduce the pressures we put on the environment and to seek out greener products and services that are comparable in quality to the traditional alternatives.

Using paper responsibly is one way in which we have been able to make a significant impact. From the first CEA materials you receive, all the way through your final paperwork, CEA has reduced the amount of paper we generate. Additionally, we use the following guidelines to secure paper that meets at least one of the following criteria:

• Certified FSC paper or paper obtained from other responsibly managed sources
• Paper with at least a 30% post-consumer recycled waste content
• Paper made using environmentally sound methods for bleaching/whitening
• Soy or vegetable-based inks for printing whenever possible

From Catalog to Viewbook
This year, we have switched from a 164 page catalog to a 24 page viewbook printed by an FSC certified printer. We are also creating a virtual viewbook, which will be available shortly. We have kept all of the info on CEA's services and benefits, why studying abroad is important for your future, and resources to find your way online. To make the book smaller, we left out all of the program information and prices that are always more up-to-date on our website anyway. Printing the catalog once a year means that as soon as program details changed, it was obsolete. This also means that for each catalog, we are using 140 less sheets of paper. When you consider that we ordered 35,0000 catalogs last year, that translates into 4,900,000 sheets of paper saved and drastically reduced the overall carbon footprint of the book when you include printing, processing, shipping, and packaging.

 Case Study: 2008/2009 Study Abroad Catalog

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CEA Catalog Eco Audit from New Leaf Paper
Last year's catalog was a great example of the difference a small effort can make. Just by implementing CEA's new paper standards, we saved the equivalent of over 200 trees, 47,000 gallons of water, 10,000 pounds of waste and 15,000 pounds of greenhouse gasses. We also reduced the overall number of catalogs we printed by giving students the option to access a virtual version of the catalog that was identical to the printed version. Below is the report from New Leaf Paper regarding these savings.

CEA saved the following resources by using New Leaf Legacy (FSC), made with 30% post-consumer waste, and elemental chlorine free, and New Leaf Reincarnation Matte, manufactured with electricity offset by Green-e® certified renewable energy certificates, 100% recycled fiber and 50% post-consumer waste, and processed chlorine free. trees water energy solid waste greenhouse gasses 213 fully grown 47,223 gallons 94 million Btu 10,324 pounds 15,285 pounds Calculations based on research by Environmental Defense and other members of the Paper Task Force. © 2007 New Leaf Paper      www.newleafpaper.com

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CEA Recycles

Second, CEA has instituted an office wide recycling program. We are going beyond paper and aluminum can bins, though. CEA relies heavily on computers in our office. When those computers, monitors and other peripherals need to be replaced, CEA is committed to ensuring that those materials don't end up in a landfill. First, if the hardware is viable, it is donated to local charities that put it to good use in our community. If it no longer works, it is sent to a certified e-waste recycler.

Conservation is Key

CEA is pursuing ways in which we can reduce our footprint as a company by conserving energy and reducing any negative interactions with our environment. We have started by using paints with zero volatile organic compounds (VOC) both here in the US and abroad for our interior painted surfaces. We are also actively working to conserve water and energy in our day to day operations. As we open new CEA GlobalCampus facilities, this eye to conservation and quality will be maintained whenever possible. Other initiatives have yet to be realized, but as we continue to pursue our goals, we are working hard to put the following measures in place:

• Developing a domestic and international “green” strategy for the operation of all our international offices and facilities
• Purchasing renewable energy credits to offset CEA’s energy consumption
• Offsetting carbon emissions related to employee air travel through a responsibly managed fund which finances climatic protection projects in various regions of the world
• Distributing CEA GlobalCampus class materials through online course management software, thereby reducing paper waste and increasing accessibility
• Selecting business partners, both in the US and abroad, who embrace sustainable and environmentally conscious operating practices

Thinking Globally

Our impact as a civilization on this planet is undeniable. As much as we would like to make a change with our efforts, it is not enough. Therefore, we are looking for ways to share our commitment with you. Through the CEA GlobalCampus Network, CEA has and will continue to establish courses and programs that deal with globalization and its effects on our environment, society, and culture. Below are some of the approaches we are taking to integrate this concept into your education:

• Incorporating means during orientation for you to identify local food and merchandise vendors, thus reducing the distance products are shipped and supports the local economy
• Providing you with excursions, immersion activities, and volunteer opportunities that focus on sustainability and environmental issues
• Utilizing bookstore retailers local to CEA GlobalCampus facilities to reduce the impact of shipping and supporting local economies at the same time
• Establishing CEA GlobalCampus programs that address environmental issues as they relate to global warming, business, and globalization

You Can Be Green Too!

Being green doesn't have to completely change your life. It requires that you slow down for a minute and examine your normal habits. You'll find there are lots of ways that you can change your behavior that can make a difference. Here are just a few ideas:

• Recycle
  This should be a no-brainer if you are looking for ways to be greener. Remember, aluminum and paper aren't the only things that can be recycled. Make sure you check with your school/city for what they can and cannot accept. If yours doesn't offer recycling, it takes a bit more effort to haul your stuff to a drop-off center, but you can still recycle.
  
  
• BYOB (Bring Your Own Bag)
  When you grocery shop, grab a handful of the plastic bags you have at home already. Reusing them is an easy and cost free way to do something, plus they can be balled up to be small so your can bring several with you. When you're all done with your plastic bags, or if you have too many, don't throw them in the trash. Instead, look near the entrance of your local grocery store. Most have receptacles to recycle used plastic bags. If you want to ditch the plastic all together, you can get reusable cloth bags to carry your stuff home.
  
  
• Every Last Drop Counts
  Water is essential to life, and no matter where you live there are a few simple things you can do to conserve it. The quick and easy way is to shut off the water while you're brushing your teeth, keep your showers short and don't let the water run to long to get "hot". Also run water-using devices like dishwashers and washing machines only when they are full. Speaking of washers, use only cold water to conserve more energy. Other water-saving ideas may take a little time or money, but are easy to do. Placing a solid object, like a brick or a bottle filled with water, in the tank of your toilet reduces the amount of water your toilet uses when flushing and refilling. Dripping faucets and running toilets also waste a lot of water over time. Fixing a dripping faucet or running toilet is much simpler than it sounds, and if you need advice, you can always go to your local hardware store for info.
  
  The Power of the Dark Side
  Saving energy can be as easy as turning off a light. Make a conscious effort to turn off lights that you aren't using. You can also bring that philosophy to your computer. Sleep mode is good for saving energy. Change the setting on your computer to default to sleep mode after a short time interval of inactivity (say 5 minutes). If you computer currently doesn't’t automatically go into sleep mode, check your computer's settings to turn it on. If you are leaving your computer for extended periods of time, turn both the CPU and the monitor off.
  While you are computing, download one of CEA's energy-saving desktops. Because your monitor uses more energy to display a white pixel that a dark/black one, you can save energy even while you're computer is in use.
  

  Monitor resolution sizes
  800x600	1280x1024	1680x1050
  1024x768	1400x1050	1920x1200
  1152x864	1440x900	2560x1600

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  A Light-Changing Experience
  Replace your incandescent lights with energy-efficient compact florescent light bulbs (CFLs). They use 1/3 of the energy and last up to 10 years! Once again, you'll save money and energy all at once. If you do switch to CFLs, make sure you dispose of them properly. They shouldn't just go into the trash. Check out earth911.org to find out where you can take them. We've also found a really cool & entertaining site where you can educate yourself about CFL & LED lights at UnscrewAmerica.org.
  
  Get Charged Up
  You probably have at least a few little electronic gadgets in your life. Whether it is your cell phone, iPod, laptop, digital camera or other portable device, at some point you have to plug it in to recharge the batteries. But did you know that chargers and other equipment left on standby create phantom loads that waste megawatts every year. By unplugging your chargers and powering down anything you're not using that has a little green or red light on it, you'll save money and keep CO₂ out of the atmosphere.
  
  Batteries Included
  Improperly disposed batteries are terrible for the environment. Use rechargeable instead of one-time-use batteries for heavy use devices to avoid tossing loads of heavy metals which include nickel cadmium, alkaline, mercury, nickel metal hydride and lead acid into a landfill. For devices that don't get a lot of use, it may be best to still use regular batteries, but in both cases, don't trash your batteries when they are all used up. Lots of retailers are now participating in battery recycling programs. Check out Circuit City, Radio Shack, Walmart, Home Depot, Staples, and more all may take your used batteries for recycling. Use the finder to check in your area for places you can drop off your used batteries.
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• Park It.
  If you use a car on campus, try finding alternative means of getting to where you're going. Riding the bus is a great alternative - so is biking or walking - which are heart healthy too! If you have to drive, share a ride with others whenever possible. Keeping your car in good health and your tires properly inflated will also save you on gas! Another idea is to avoid long drive through lines at the bank and fast food joint. Why not park it and walk up to the counter. Chances are, you'll get out faster anyway, and avoid having your car idle for 5 or more minutes while wasting your gas and polluting the air.
  
  
• Dump the Disposables
  It seems that there is a disposable product for just about every aspect of life. While some, like toilet paper, are essential, a lot could be avoided. Cleaning & household products tend to be most are avoidable and wasteful. Sure, they offer convenience, but by cutting back on products like paper towels and napkins, plastic silverware and plates, and disposable dusters and other chemically laden wipes, you will not only be doing your part to save the environment, you'll save a ton of money. Want to save even more - mix your own cleaning products with ingredients like baking soda, soap and vinegar. Click here to get the recipes.
  
  
• Get more information on green-living and environmental issues.