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CIE Sustainability Pledge
Trinity students, faculty, staff and alumni can create a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.

We encourage you to TAKE THE CIE SUSTAINABILITY PLEDGE.

What is the pledge? When traveling for work, study, vacations or other personal time, we ask that you are environmentally-conscious and pledge to do as many of the following as possible.
 
  • Take a reusable water bottle with you instead of buying plastic water bottles. Even though in some countries it is recommended that travelers drink bottled water due to health concerns, in many locations the local drinking water is clean, safe, and often tasty. 
     
  • Eating less meat has not only been shown to have positive health benefits but will help reduce our carbon footprint. 
     
  • Using less paper will help conserve water. Yes, really!  According to waterfootprint.org, it takes between 2 and 13 liters of water to produce one A4 sheet of paper. Conserving paper by using both sides of a page, reading digital books, and taking notes on your computer can go a long way in conserving water.
     
  • Use public transportation whenever possible will greatly reduce your carbon footprint. Even better, walk it or bike it!  Walking and biking in your host city are great ways for you to explore. You will learn your host city much faster, and you will feel more like a local.
     
  • Taking a reusable tote will help reduce the countless paper and plastic bags that make up our landfills. Using a nylon tote is not only environmentally friendly but may actually be required in your host country.
     
  • Conserve water and energy when possible. Saving water and energy saves money!  There are many things you can do to help save energy.  Turning off the lights, TV radio, etc. will greatly reduce energy consumption.  The same goes for water use.  Keep your shower times down, turn off the water when brushing your teeth, etc.  Just remember these two phrases and you are on your way to conserving energy and water, “Be polite. Turn off the light” and “You have the power to shorten your shower.”
     
  • Use biodegradable products whenever possible. Using biodegradable detergents, bug sprays, and sunscreens will help keep the environment clean and safe.
     
  • Recycle, Reuse, Reduce. When possible, recycle appropriately to help keep landfills free of non-recyclable items. In some countries like Germany you get paid for recycling plastic and glass bottles! Reusing items will help keep landfills empty, and, of course, reducing what you buy will help greatly.
     
  • Consider carbon offsetting your travel costs by making a monetary donation. READ MORE HERE
     
  • Consider onsetting your travel costs by volunteering your time. READ MORE HERE