Going Green Globally

Group of 10 students standing in front of a row of international flags at the United Nations.
Patio area of a house with an archway covered in ivy and many potted plants outside the entrance.
External wall of an apartment complex covered in climbing ivy and flowers with potted plants hanging from people's balcony railings.
Light orange house with large flower bushes outside the entrance and climbing plants covering the balcony railings.
Group of 11 people standing on the steps outside a stone building with decorative statues of religious figures.
Wide shot of a city skyline surrounded by thick forests and a river in the center.
Multi-story apartment building with external wooden stairs and patios. Leafy plants grow outside the building and on each patio.
Large group of people standing on the steps outside a stone building. Bushes and large elk statues are on either side of the steps.
A small group of students stand in a dirt pathway outside an apartment complex. They're laughing and smiling.
Street in a German town. A cyclist is riding through the red bike lane and there are a few cars in the street.

Germany

Sustainable tourism during study abroad refers to traveling and engaging in educational experiences in a way that minimizes negative impacts on the environment, society, and local economies while promoting conservation and responsible use of resources. For college students, embracing sustainable tourism means making mindful choices such as reducing carbon footprints by opting for eco-friendly transportation, supporting local businesses, respecting cultural heritage, and participating in conservation efforts.

Public Transportation

  • U-Bahn: Subway network
  • S-Bahn: Light rail network
  • Straßenbahn: Local bus and tram system that’s usually electrically powered
  • Hauptbahnhof: Main railway station in Berlin
  • Deutsche Bahn: National railway company

Recycling

  • Pfand: Germany’s bottle return system. For certain products, you pay a deposit for the container. When you return the empty container to a Pfand machine in a grocery store, you get your deposit back.
  • Glass recycling: Glass recycling bins are common and can be found in supermarkets, neighborhoods, and other public areas. They’re usually separated by color: white, green, and brown. Make sure to rinse your containers and remove caps, lids, and labels.

Food Options

  • Local and organic products can be found in German supermarket chains, including affordable options like Aldi.
  • Fresh produce markets and family-owned stores are another good source of locally-sourced products, and buying from them simultaneously supports the community.

Sustainability at Lafayette

Our campus is a living laboratory for environmental sustainability with LEED-certified buildings, water bottle refill stations, wind turbines, and a community garden that facilitates a robust food loop. We’re working to cut global warming emissions, integrate sustainability into the curriculum, and cultivate solutions to ensure a healthier environmental future. Exploring sustainable living on campus prepares students for a life of environmental citizenship. Learn more or visit us in Rockwell Integrated Sciences Center, room 203.