Sustainability
Our Commitment to a More Sustainable Planet
At Road Scholar, it's our mission to make the world your classroom. But because of climate change and overdevelopment, our global campus is under threat. From California to Kathmandu, the communities we live in and visit are feeling the impact of a changing planet. Road Scholar is committed to doing what we can to protect the environment, respect and preserve the diversity of human cultures, and create a more sustainable future for generations of lifelong learners to come.
Offsetting Some of the Carbon Emissions Created Through Travel
To counter the impact of travel to Road Scholar programs, we invest in projects that reduce the amount of carbon emissions in the atmosphere. Road Scholar has funded projects that offset the amount of CO2 created by flying almost 89 million miles in economy class, which is the equivalent of planting over 295,000 seedlings and allowing those trees to grow for 10 years! The projects we invested in include …
• Rainforest preservation in Brazil
• Methane gas recapture in Florida
• Wind energy in India
• Reforestation in Kenya
• Forest Preservation in Afognak Island, Alaska
• Clean cookstoves in India
• Methane Gas-to-Electricity at a New Bedford, Mass. Landfill
• Nitrous Oxide Abatement in Florida
Offsetting Some of the Plastic Used on Road Scholar Programs
At Road Scholar, we do our best to limit the amount of plastic used on our programs. We have partnered with TONTOTON and funded the reclamation of 15 metric tons of plastic waste in Vietnam. Through TONTOTON’s projects, post-consumer, non-recyclable, ocean-bound plastic waste is recovered and processed into fuels and raw materials that replace coal at a local manufacturing plant.
Prioritizing Eco-Friendly Lodging & Locally Sourced Meals
Whenever we can, we prioritize sustainability certified hotels that use locally owned and operated services, and choose restaurants that serve locally sourced meals.
Respecting Local Communities & Their Histories
Protecting the planet also means caring for the communities that live and work in the areas we visit. That’s why our Group Leaders are trained and will share with you their knowledge about protecting sensitive cultural sites and respecting social norms, such as proper dress and rules around photography.
Promoting Animal Welfare
From the Everglades to the Serengeti, we follow the most stringent standards about protecting the animals and wildlife we are learning about.
Using Paper From Sustainably Harvested Trees
Our program catalogs are printed on paper from sustainably harvested trees.
Learning is the Journey
We know the path to a sustainable future is long and challenging, and we are committed to learn and improve along the way.
Road Scholars in Action
Learn how Road Scholars in Denali National Park are limiting their impact on the environment.
Environmental Educational Adventures
Want to learn more about our changing planet? See our learning adventures that include elements of environmental sustainability.