Carpe Diem Education

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Carpe Diem Education Sustainability Actions

Climate-focused program design

We consider these impacts on every program and feel that we have not just a moral obligation, but also a practical one to add to our students’ learning and hopefully inspire positive change locally and back home. Our largest carbon footprint is airfare, affecting our students, their families, the communities we visit, and the global community. To reduce and inset our impacts, we’re constantly changing itineraries to be more climate-conscious; we're investing heavily in educational curricula; we're introducing students directly to those impacted by climate change; we're connecting students to our inspirational partners who are making a difference; and we strive to contribute meaningful works on every program.

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Pacific Northwest headquarters

From our Pacific Northwest Headquarters we choose to be headquartered in the Pacific Northwest not only because the people are smart, caring, kind, and solution-oriented, but also because we believe it’s a community moving in the right direction to minimize our carbon footprint. For example: Electricity is largely renewable (OR and WA represent 2 of the top 5 renewable producing states in the US). As well, in our home community of Portland, the trash is only collected every other-week, and recycling/compost weekly.

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Reduce, reuse, recycle

Research and buy used items unless risk management is of concern. Buy bulk and “upcycle” office and program materials. NO single-use plastics. Recycle every battery and prioritize rechargeables. Purchase only recyclable envelopes and paper products. Bring reusable takeaway/refillable containers when needed. Favor vegetarian options for Carpe Diem/Global Routes sponsored meals. Recycle or donate all technology not currently in use.

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Lower-impact transport choices

Prioritize hybrid and electric vehicles when renting vehicles or ordering rideshares, when possible.

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Office sustainability practices

Have an in-house position to focus on the issue of climate change (currently, Ethan Knight, Carpe Diem’s Founder, serves in this position). To reduce long-haul travel, hire new office employees locally when possible. Favor virtual meetings wherever distance necessitates travel, and combine travel obligations to minimize our footprints. Allow staff to work remotely, minimizing daily commuting. Expect all employees to recycle/reuse all paper products and participate in available recycling programs. Use only LED bulbs. Maintain low-flow toilets, showers, and faucets fitted with aerators to minimize the amount of water used. Continue offering 401k options to Carpe staff that are carbon-conscious.

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Program water and travel changes

Provide all student groups with rechargeable steri-pens. This alternative purification system allows for safe drinking water without the need for plastic bottled water or disposable filters. During a typical semester this allows us to save over one thousand plastic bottles of water! Reduce flights as much as possible; replace with safety-conscious road and rail transportation. Encourage students to leave non-essential wifi devices at home, resulting in less energy use. Avoid corporate international hotels and restaurants. Instead, support smaller, locally owned businesses. Encourage a Sustainability Role (along with others) for students to lead within each cohort.

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Climate action plans

This spring of 2025, we are investing heavily in climate adaptation projects such as ground solar installations for rural and remote communities, and continuing our push to urgently address this central issue. Students will create personal Climate Action Plans to research and propose personal ways that can smartly advance solutions - whether as an artist, a musician, an engineer, a teacher, or any other profession - humanity needs us all to contribute in our own way. At the end of the program, students will write to at least three politicians, talking about their experiences and hopes, and exhorting political action: the only significant way to address this existential issue.

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What do our labels mean?

Certified B Corporation Logo

Certified B Corporation

About Carpe Diem Education

  • Status
  • Unverified
  • Employees
  • 5 - 25
  • Country
  • United States

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