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Group of young adults volunteering in a community garden.

Sustainability

We remain committed to principles of sustainability and ethical exploration because we are passionate about preserving our plane for the countless generations of student travelers to come. We strive to set an example as responsible citizens of the world. From Leave No Trace principles to partnerships with organizations that share our values, we weave sustainability into every layer of our business and our programs.

Sustainability Initiatives

Current initiatives moving us forward in our sustainability goals include:

Volunteers cleaning up debris from a white sandy beach, contributing to ocean conservation.

Choose Earth Program

The choices we make every day can impact the whole world. Through Choose Earth, we inspire participants and team members to work together to help protect our planet's health and future. 

A hand gently holds a young tree sapling, ready for planting. The blurred forest background emphasizes the connection to nature.

Net Zero Carbon Project

In partnership with Salesforce, we create strategies to minimize our carbon footprint, including a carbon-neutral agreement with UPS to offset CO2 emissions from WorldStrides’ U.S. shipments.

Hand holding a clear reusable water bottle with a QR code and "Fill it Forward" sticker, promoting sustainable hydration practices.

Fill it Forward Partnership

We've partnered with Fill it Forward to promote waste reduction practices in our offices and programs. Each 32-oz Nalgene water bottle purchased from the WorldStrides store includes a Fill It Forward sticker.

Four young adult businesswomen having lunch outdoors

Opt-in Boxed Lunch Recycling Program

Our choice-based recycling program for lunch boxes, primarily used on Washington, D.C. trips, ensures vendors follow minimal waste practices and align with our Leave No Trace mission.

Sustainability by the Numbers

25,513

The number of reusable water bottles used by participants on our programs in 2024.

477.2

The pounds of plastic waste diverted from landfills in 2024.

15,436 

The pounds of greenhouse gas emissions saved in 2024.

Sustainability Efforts

Teenagers working together on a gardening project outdoors.
Three women planting a small tree on a sidewalk

Testimonials

Group of young adult volunteers working in a community garden.
“The Choose Earth initiative emphasizes the ways in which one's individual choices have a global impact, and strives to educate participants on the ways in which they can improve their environmental and social impact. I am grateful to be involved with a company that is tirelessly devoted to making a positive impact both locally and globally through their daily operation commitment to environmental justice and advocacy as well."

Brynn Sparkle

2024 WorldStrides Intern

Group sorting garlic at a farm
“I enjoy building environmental responsibility into our business practices and culture [and] I am even more grateful to have found environmental champions all throughout WorldStrides."

Paris Woods

WorldStrides Sustainability Lead