Wherever possible we try to use local suppliers to support our community and reduce the impacts of transportation.
Office Services and Supplies
Earthwatch uses local, sustainable suppliers when possible. For example:
- We use local, small business printing companies for our expedition briefings and some promotional materials.
- In 2007, we are printing the Earthwatch annual reports on 100% recycled paper with vegetable-based inks.
International Research Projects
Providing long-lasting benefits to communities is at the heart of our research program. We try to ensure that supplies for field research projects are sourced locally, and that any jobs created are filled from local communities. Examples of this include:
- The Malaysian Bats project employs people from two indigenous groups, providing income for local people.
- Volunteers joining Dr. Rismiller on the Echidnas and Goannas of Kangaroo Island project are immersed in the inspiring atmosphere of the solar-powered Pelican Lagoon Research and Wildlife Centre - a world class research station and model of sustainability. Rismiller relies on locally grown fresh vegetables and dairy products to feed her teams.
- Ravi Corea, Sri Lankan lead scientist on the Earthwatch project Sri Lanka's Elephants, has set up a Field Scouts Program to recruit train local youth to conduct field observations and surveys. Eight young workers are currently employed as scouts, developing their skills and employment opportunities by gaining the experience to become future naturalists, eco-tour guides, or conservation professionals.
- On the Namibian Cheetah project, employment has been provided for the local community with a total of 47 Cheetah Conservation Fund staff positions and another 30 bush harvesters.
- Researchers and volunteers taking part in Macaws of the Peruvian Amazon benefit the local economy by buying food, gas, and other supplies, hiring Peruvian biologists as project staff and Peruvian assistants.
In Kenya, the Samburu Regional Initiative has supported seven local and national interns from 2005 to 2006.
Kitchen Supplies
We only purchase Fair Trade tea and coffee for use in the staff kitchen, and use biodegradable dishsoap and cleaning products, as well as paper towels made from recycled paper. We use ceramic dishware and silverware instead of paper products in our kitchen.