to our world. - NOLS

REDUCING OUR CARBON FOOTPRINT
With a few carbon measurements under our belt and one reduction goal already met (see graph), we
feel good about the path we’re taking, but we know we can’t rest easy based on our early successes.
We’re committed to continuing to reduce our facility emissions, to move forward with transportation
efficiencies, and to measure the impact of our instructor travel to course locations. Each time we
measure our carbon footprint, we learn how to manage it a little bit better.
In terms of this catalog, we strive to reduce our footprint by choosing paper with high recycled
content. This year, by using New Leaf Paper’s Primavera and Frontier, and West Linn Paper Company’s
Nature, NOLS saved the following resources: 224 trees, 88,687 gallons of water, more than
8 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, over 10,000 pounds of solid waste, and 139 million
BTUs of energy. *
*
Paper calcaulations based on research by Environmental Defense and other members of the Paper Task Force.
Metric Tons of CO 2 Emissions
2000
1800
1600
1400
1200
1000
800
600
400
200
0
1,865
WE MET OUR 2010
GOAL IN 2009!
1,572
Goal: 1,679*
Goal: 1,306
2006 2009 2010 2020
• Created a NOLS student impact poster to highlight backcountry practices that can preserve
resources in our frontcountry lives.
• Moved toward 100% local sourcing for rations in Mexico and India.
• Reduced fuel use in India 50% by shifting student and instructor travel from private
vehicles to public transportation.
• Implemented schoolwide “Environmentally Preferable Purchasing” and “Sustainable
Foods” protocols to raise our environmental standards.
• Expanded our website resources (check us out at www.nols.edu/creating_a_climate_for_
change).
• Reduced vehicle emissions by replacing gasoline vehicles with more efficient diesel
counterparts that can transport more students with fewer trips.
• Hosted the Popo Agie Riverbank Clean-Up community event in Lander, Wyoming, to
make our community green spaces greener.
SUSTAINABLE PRINTING PROCESSES
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) sets forth principles, criteria, and standards that span
economic, social, and environmental concerns. Like last year, both the papers and printer
we’ve chosen for this year’s catalog are FSC chain-of-custody certified. Furthermore, one
paper mill is just 25 miles away from the printer in Portland, Oregon, which keeps the bulk
of the project local and minimizes the transportation of paper. The result is not only a great
final product, but one that contributes to conservation, responsible management, and the local
economy while creating markets for better recycled paper options. We also post a virtual
paper catalog and a PDF version to www.nols.edu as paperless alternatives to the hard copy.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
As a NOLS student, you can join our conservation and alternative energy efforts. Carbon
offsetting is a small, yet worthwhile, last step you can take before heading into the backcountry
for your NOLS expedition. While planning travel to your course location, visit
www.nols.edu and use our Travel Calculator to buy offsets.
FPO:
FSC Logo & info here
Rainbow Weinstock
At NOLS, you won’t just read about biology, you’ll experience
it. Wind River Range, Wyoming
Ignacio Grez
Traveling through fragile ecosystems can be a challenge,
but with the right Leave No Trace skills it’s a
breeze. Chugach Mountains, Alaska
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