What if Study Abroad Could Restore Ecosystems?
Carbon Onsetting turns the heavy carbon footprint of study abroad into a force for good.
We connect higher education institutions with Indigenous communities in Ecuador who are restoring some of the world’s most fragile ecosystems.
​​
How it works:
​
Becoming Co-Restorers: By joining the program, students and institutions don’t just offset—they onset a partnership. Each investment directly supports Indigenous communities restoring forests, protecting water sources, and revitalizing culture. The communities are the restorers; you become their co-restorers. This is real climate action, rooted in relationship.
​
-
Institutional Plans: Colleges and universities invest sustainability funds based on the number of students, faculty, and staff traveling abroad.
-
Individual Plans: Students, faculty, or staff can purchase personal plans if their institution has not yet joined.​
Why Onsetting, Not Offsetting?
Offsets are transactions. Onsets are relationships.
OFFSETTING
-
Prioritizes carbon numbers, often without social or cultural impact
​
-
Encourages to maintains lifestyles without shifting mindsets
​
-
Relies on trades, transactions, distant markets and costly verification
​
-
Limited transparency for communities and institutions
ONSETTING
-
Measures ecological, social and economic, impact
​
-
Builds lasting relationships between students and Indigenous restorers
​
-
Creates systemic change rather than trading numbers
​
-
Transparent and trustworthy—partners can visit and witness results
Lasting Impact
Carbon Onsetting complements or replaces offsetting strategies. Each partnership plants the seeds of long-term collaboration, inspiring students to become ambassadors for climate justice and creating a global movement for restoration in higher education.
To most easily navigate the Carbon Onsetting initiative, explore investment options, and understand the impact of your participation, use the menu below to find the information most relevant to you.​
Schedule a consultation with us to create your tailored Carbon Onsetting plan. We're here to ensure a smooth and collaborative experience.
​​​
CONTACT:
Chochi Iturralde
Executive Director
​
Daniel Bryan
Director of Education & Development
​​
Ideas to help you prepare for your consulation​
​
Key questions to reflect on:​
-
Current footprint - How many students, faculty, and staff travel abroad? Where do they go, and what impact do flights and in-country activities have? Use a carbon calculator for a quick estimate.
-
Fair investment - What level of funding appropriately balances the environmental burden created by your institution’s travel?
-
Goals and Impacts - What specific outcomes matter most—carbon reduction, stronger community partnerships, or engaging students and faculty in sustainability?
-
Sustainability story - How can you craft a narrative that goes beyond neutrality—showing long-term partnerships with communities and meaningful student engagement?
-
Partners and Projects - Which of our community partners or restoration plans feel like the best fit?
-
Exclusivity - Would an exclusive agreement with one community align with your goals and budget?
​
Need Help Bringing Others On Board?
We offer free educational webinars for campuses. These sessions introduce the program and provide practical tools for advancing sustainability education.
​​
Let’s co-create a program that not only offsets your footprint but also onsets lasting connections and meaningful change.