CEA's Green Initiative is integrating environmental sustainability courses into the study abroad provider's comprehensive list of program offerings, as well as changing the way CEA operates at home and overseas through recycling and conservation initiatives.

"Our goal is to reduce the pressures we place on the environment and to seek out greener products and services that are comparable in quality to the traditional alternatives," says Colleen Miller, CEA's director of marketing and public relations. "As our operations span the borders of many countries, it is imperative that we set a precedent in our approach to global education inclusive of responsibility, accountability and environmental sustainability."

CEA Recycles
CEA's commitment to "going green" is marked by a move towards company-wide sustainable operations. Recycling initiatives include:

• Implementation of an office-wide recycling program to include socially responsible disposal of paper, plastic and aluminum and technology. Computers, monitors and other peripherals with viable hardware are donated to local charities, while hardware that no longer works is sent to a certified e-waste recycler; and
• New environmentally friendly paper standards imposed by CEA, specifically the usage of paper with at least 30% post-consumer recycled waste content and others used in the creation of the https://www.gowithcea.com/Login/Default.aspx?Action=RequestCatalog&; [2008-2009 CEA Study Abroad Program Catalog, have so far saved more than 200 trees, 47,000 gallons of water, 10,000 pounds of waste and 15,000 pounds of greenhouse gasses.

CEA Conserves
CEA is pursuing ways in which it can reduce its footprint as a company by conserving energy and reducing negative interactions with the environment. Present and future conservation initiatives include:

• Using of paints with zero volatile organic compounds on interior painted surfaces in CEA GlobalCampus facilities;
• Using soy or vegetable-based inks for printing in all CEA offices and GlobalCampus Network study abroad facilities;
• Developing domestic and international "green" strategies to be applied to operations within international offices and facilities;
• Purchasing renewable energy credits to offset CEA energy consumption;
• Creating, financing and managing a climatic protection project fund to offset carbon emissions related to employee air travel; and
• Selecting business partners, both in the U.S. and abroad, who embrace sustainable and environmentally conscious operating practices.

CEA Promotes Sustainability
CEA is constantly seeking ways to promote global awareness and the importance of sustainable business practices to students and other constituencies through the CEA GlobalCampus Network, a collection of signature study abroad campuses worldwide designed to bridge inter-cultural competence with international education, active learning and emerging technologies. Initiatives to integrate globalization into the curriculum include:

• Establishing increased levels of course offerings and programs dealing with globalization and environmental issues, specifically focusing on their effect on the business, global warming, and culture;
• Incorporation of orientation material to help participants identify local food and merchandise vendors in an attempt to support the local economy and reduce distances products are shipped;
• Providing excursions, immersion activities, and volunteer opportunities focusing on sustainability and environmental issues; and
• Utilizing bookstore retailers local to CEA GlobalCampus facilities to reduce the impact of shipping while at the same time supporting local economies.

About CEA
The nation's premiere study abroad organization, CEA offers an unparalleled suite of global education opportunities for college, university and high school students in the United States and Canada. Founded in 1996, CEA has forged partnerships with international universities in 14 countries to offer study abroad in Spain, Italy, China, France, Germany and England, among many other destinations. In addition, CEA has partnered with the University of New Haven to create the CEA GlobalCampus Network, a collection of campuses worldwide designed to provide university and college students with active, hands-on, experiential learning opportunities. For more information, visit http://www.GoWithCEA.com.