Choose Earth Certificate - Transportation and Sustainable Travel

Transportation and Sustainable Travel

Thank you for deciding to include Choose Earth as part of your WorldStrides experience! Our hope is that through the Certificate, Program Leaders and their participants will acquire practical and useful sustainable skills they can not only employ while with WorldStrides, but can take those skills back into their communities.

For this Choose Earth Certificate, the focus is on on Sustainable Travel and Transportation. This program is ideal for programs that have access to public transportation or will be in a community with high levels of walkability. This program could also be for those who want to find ways to reduce their carbon footprint through sustainable travel, including air travel and hotel stays. There are three key aspects as the program lead you will take your participants through while on your trip:

• Focus area curriculum and learning

• Completion of an associated eco-challenge

• Facilitation of a group reflection

The Choose Earth focus area curriculum and learning will include a brief introduction of the UN Sustainable Development Goals that are associated with traveling sustainable. There are instructor materials that we suggest all program leads reading through so they can become knowledgeable on the UN SDGs and Choose Earth. Following, there will be the learning tools that you will share with your students including an activity that will visually demonstrate this environmental problem.

If throughout your Choose Earth journey Program Leaders experience any issues or questions, reach out to the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Team at WorldStrides at csr@worldstrides.com.

Program Facilitator Resources

STRUCTURE OF THE COURSE

Choose Earth is designed to be a seamless addition to your program. There are 4 key elements:

• Presenting the instructional materials assigned to your focus area.

• Program Facilitators lead group through an eco-challenge.

• Facilitate a group discussion.

• Submit information of participants to WorldStrides so each individual can receive their digital certificate.

EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS

Each Certificate program has an introductory video to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Once shown Program Leaders will facilitate a discussion with participants about the SDGs.

There will be another video that demonstrates the Certificate’s chosen focus are in context with drafted questions to prompt the group to discuss.

*Videos and Discussion should take place prior to the eco-challenge.

PROGRAM LEADER/FACILITATOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Faculty will be responsible for sharing the Choose Earth slides and all content within them with their students. This is imperative so participants understand the program and satisfy the curriculum component of their certificate.

Program leads will host a debrief with their students after completion of the eco-challenge while on program.

Post-program, faculty will need to confirm that all certificate requirements were met, so that the CSR Team can distribute the digital certificates from Accredible.

Program Facilitator Logitics and FAQ

How should Program Leaders notify WorldStrides when your group has completed the program?

• Program Leaders/ Facilitators can visit forms.office.com/r/Q3VvrsQd5y or scan the code on the last page of this booklet to fill out our smart form, letting us know the names and emails of each participant who has completed the program.

• A member of the Corporate Social Responsibility Team will then distribute the Certificates through email.

What happens if I don’t receive my certificate?

Participants should check their junk and spam folders for the Certificate. If participants have not received their certificate, email the CSR team at csr@worldstrides.com.

When should my participants expect their Choose Earth Certificate?

After Program Leaders/Facilitators submit the Microsoft form, participants should expect their Certificate in their inboxes in 7 business days.

Is there a cost to participate in this certificate program?

No cost! This is an opt-in experience for all WorldStrides participants! We appreciate each program that decides to Choose Earth.

Do all certificates need to be completed by the end of the program?

This will be up to the faculty to decide. While the completion of the eco-challenge will take place during the program, the reflection discussion and social media post can occur post-program, but these must be confirmed before badges will be distributed.

How to fully engage with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

For any area that discussion is required, there is a list of curated questions for the Program Leader/Facilitator.

PART 1

Program Leaders will find age-recommended slides that discuss what the SDGs are, their background, and history. Instructors should choose one of the three videos to play for their participants.

PART 2

Instructors will then choose one of two activities to lead their participants through the discuss the SDGs in more detail.

**Instructors leading a program for K-5 students may choose to opt-out of this portion of the program if determined the content extends beyond student’s comprehension levels.

Following are a number of Sustainable Development Goals that align with topics covered in this Choose Earth Certificate. Program Leaders should read through these goals so they are better equipped to engage and facilitate conversation with their participants.

For more information, visit the UN SDG website: sdgs.un.org/goals

Relevant SDGs to Sustainable Travel

HOW TO INCORPORATE THIS SDG

Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive emploment and decent work for all

In some cases, public transportation is essential for individuals to get to their places of work, get to school, and reach basic necessities. However, once at work, it is also important that all individuals are paid justly so they can pour back into their local communities.

If participants bring up tourism and travel, lead the discussion into ways we can travel more sustainably and what things should be considered when trying to green travel.

IMPORTANT TARGETS

8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.

8.9: By 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products.

HOW TO INCORPORATE THIS SDG

Participants during discussion may bring up certain materials and how they are better for the environment, more resilient and efficient to stand up to natural elements and disasters. Program Facilitators can bring up SDG 9 and discuss the associated targets. How might resilient infrastructure look different between urban and suburban areas, between countries, in different geographical locations?

IMPORTANT TARGETS

Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation

9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all.

9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, within increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies.

HOW TO INCORPORATE THIS SDG

What role do governments have in planning sustainable human settlements? Program Leaders can encourage participants to think internationally as well with this SDG. Are there other countries around the world whose community structures and planing management are built around the concept of walkability, environmental impact, and emphasizing green space? What are the benefits of these features?

A major component of living a sustainable lifestyle is having easy access to basic needs, travel, work, and grocery. Program Leaders can invite participants to brainstorm and share cities they know with high walkability. What are some of the benefits individuals living in these areas may have? What is the importance of incorporating green spaces into these areas?

IMPORTANT TARGETS

11.2: By 2030, prove access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety by expanding public transportation.

11.3: By 2030, enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated and sustainable human settlement planning and management in all countries.

11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and waste management.

11.7: By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces, in particular for women and children, older persons and persons with disabilities.

11.a: Support positive economic, social, and environmental links between urban, peri-urban, and rural areas by strengthening national and regional development planning.

11.c: Support least developed countries, including through financial and technical assistance, in building sustainable and resilient buildings utilizing local materials.

Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable

Transportation and Sustainable Travel

PARTICIPANT MATERIALS

What are the UN Sustainable Development Goals?

Set by the United Nations in 2015 as a part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development are 17 goals adopted by all 193 member states. These goals address various global issues, such as poverty, hunger, equality, climate change and environmental sustainability. To learn more, click below by age group and see what you can do to better understand and support these goals.

Let’s Discuss:

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS DISCUSSION

INSTRUCTIONS

Program Leaders have two options to choose from to facilitate a discussion around the Sustainable Development Goals: including tools, practices, and implementations needed to build a more sustainable world.

Option 1: Group Lead Discussion Approx. Time (10-15 minutes)

Option 2: Small Group Activity with Discussion Approx. Time (20-30 minutes)

The role as a facilitator is to guide participants through the chosen activity by talking through the questions provided. Be sure to engage all participants and refer back to the Relevant SDGs on the previous pages to dig deeper into topics and points participants may be more interested in.

UN SDG GROUP DISCUSSION (OPTION 1)

After watching the video briefly discuss, which goals may have already achieved, which ones are achievable, and which goals seem out of reach.

Continue to the next section of the group’s chosen activity.

SDG DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: REDUCING WASTE

1. Why would having sustainable infrastructure be important to securing sustainable transportation?

2. What responsibilities should countries share to attain this goal?

3. Do you think this is an equitable solution--”to have countries taking action in accordance with their respective capabilities?”

**Equality vs Equity: Equality simply means everyone is treated the same exact way, regardless of need or any other individual difference. Equity, on the other hand, means everyone is provided with what they need to succeed.

4. What are the positive impacts of participating in sustainable transportation?

5. What role do smaller communities have in achieving this SDG?

6. Why do you think it is important for companies to report their sustainable production efforts?

7. How might improper disposal of waste impact ecosystems?

8. What barriers exist for yourself and what barriers exist for marginalized communities to engage in sustainable travel?

9. Do these goals seem reasonable or attainable? Why or why not?

10. How could some of these targets become a reality in your community? Do you see this goal being achieved already?

11. What might be some of the struggles in achieving this goal in your host city?

UN SDG ROUND TABLE (OPTION 2)

Part 1: Small Group

• Divide your group up in equal parts and assigned each group to a Sustainable Development Goal. (PLs can use the goals referenced in facilitator guide)

• Whether on large poster paper on a sheet of paper, tell each group to divide their paper into 4 squares. Have them answer the following questions in each quadrant:

• In your own words, explain what their Sustainable Development goal is and why this goal is related to building a Sustainable World.

• Which “targets” seem the most attainable and why?

• How can you incorporate this goal into your daily habits and routines?

• Come up with one additional goal to add to the SDG we should consider to make this goal more inclusive to other communities, countries, and culture.

Part 2: Group Share

• After 10 minutes, bring the group back together and have each small group present their poster.

• Following all of the groups sharing, PLs should conclude with a general question about what participants learned from the activity.

Your Eco-Challenge

SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL IN THE REAL WORLD

Creating a sustainable present!

An eco-challenge is your way to practice and incorporate sustainability during your time on the program. Be creative! Your eco-challenge can be one all-encompassing event or you can challenge yourself to continue your sustainable habit over an extended period of time!

The goal of an eco-challenge is to demonstrate the importance and feasibility of incorporating sustainability into your daily lives. Challenge yourselves with your eco-challenge and be sure to take some photos!

Following you will find a list of pre-approved eco-challenges that are associated with reducing waste. If you don’t see one you like, you can get creative and brainstorm your own! All participants must complete their eco-challenge with their program leader to be eligible for the Choose Earth Certificate.

Eco-Challenge Ideas

Snap some photos and share your favorite moments from the eco-challenge on social media using #ChooseEarth, and be sure to tag WorldStrides.

• Participate in a day of walking. Plan a day in your itinerary where all of you activities are in walking distance

• Volunteer with an organization that partners with the local community

• Explore your carpooling options: what is the difference between driving and taking a carpooling service like uber

• Participate in a day of public transportation

• Do some research on where you are staying (hotel, hostel, host family) and make a list of all the ways they are practicing in sustainability and document what you are participating in that helps minimize your carbon footprint

• If possible, plan to stay in a hostel, or community living while on program

• Plan a “15-minute city”day. Create your itinerary by using a 15 minute travel time radius

Your Eco-Challenge

YOUR CHOOSE EARTH EXPERIENCE

Using the curated list of questions below, discuss with your group and reflect on their personal experience during the engagement, as well as how they plan to take what they’ve learned and apply it to the future.

• What skills have you gained personally from learning about sustainability?

• In what ways do you currently promote sustainability?

• In what ways can you promote sustainability moving forward?

• What was your biggest takeaway from your eco-challenge activity?

• What was the most surprising or difficult thing that happened while working on your eco-challenge?

• What are some of the benefits you have received from Choose Earth?

• Did you notice any positive impacts and influence participating in Choose Earth had on others in your program?

• Describe the type of impact you have left on your community by participating in Choose Earth?

Get your Certificate

You’re on your way to sustainability! Your last step is to scan the QR code below or visit forms.office.com/r/Q3VvrsQd5y to ensure we have all the needed information for each participant’s Certificate. Program Leaders can always refer back to these materials for any questions about receiving the Certificate.