Protect NOLS Wilderness Classrooms.  Fight Climate Change.

Let’s face it.
NOLS students travel the globe to far-flung locations. We use outdoor gear and clothing made from synthetics derived from petroleum. We hike and paddle in pristine wilderness. NOLS is making a mark and not just with the incredible education our students receive.

Since 1965 NOLS has constantly refined its environmental practices to minimize the footprint we leave, whether it’s educating students in the backcountry or conducting business around the world. We research, reduce, reuse, recycle and repent.

Organic gardens, solar, wind power, even the vegetable oil powered “Creating a Climate for Change” bus—NOLS is investing in sustainability, but climate change is happening, carbon dioxide from fossil fuels is the culprit, and we can’t change all of our practices fast enough.

Since we can’t be carbon-free, NOLS has teamed up with NativeEnergy™ to offset 100% of the estimated carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from our electric use and heating at NOLS facilities worldwide. Additionally, 100% of student ground travel from NOLS facilities to the trailhead is being offset by NOLS as well. 

This investment in renewable energy credits helps finance the construction of the Owl Feather War Bonnet Wind Farm on the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Reservation in South Dakota and the Penn England Family Farm Methane Digester in Williamsburg, Pennsylvania.

We did extensive research before selecting NativeEnergy™, a Native American owned company headquartered in Vermont. Their “Help Build” model of investing in projects before they come on line is bringing brand new renewable energy sources to market, not just paying off existing projects.

In addition, by working with Native American and farmer-owned projects they create social, economic and environmental benefits. NativeEnergy™ offers great customer service, the best carbon offset program available, and they share NOLS’ values of creating change through education and action.

You Can Help.
NOLS and NativeEnergy™ are offering a carbon offset program for your personal use, too. Use our Travel Calculator to figure out your carbon footprint before setting out for your NOLS course or next big adventure. It’s educational, it’s easy and you’ll be making a difference.

A portion of each carbon-offset purchase will be donated by NativeEnergy™ to support NOLS sustainability projects.