Purchase any Engagement Ring and receive a $250 Gift Card for your Wedding Band. Ends soon.

Charity Water: Our Clean Water Non Profit Partner

You may be surprised to learn that there is an American jeweler helping to build water wells in developing countries. But that is the meaning of Do Amore, to give with love. And while we love rings, diamonds, gemstones, and jewelry in general — that’s not why we founded it. We created Do Amore with one goal. To make jewelry that helped the world, instead of hurt it. And that’s why every piece of our jewelry changes a life forever, by providing someone access to clean water. We chose to partner with non profit Charity Water. Learn more about our partnership, and how you can help, here.

Charity Water well pouring clean water to wash hands

What Do Amore does

Do Amore is a modern jeweler that was founded to give back. We sustainably source all of our diamonds, gemstones, and precious metal, invest in carbon credits to help replenish the Earth, and fund water projects in developing countries to help our fellow humans. In fact, every piece of jewelry purchased supports the creation of a new Charity Water well in a community in dire need. Whether our couples need an engagement ring, a necklace, or a simple band, each piece – regardless of price – makes a one-to-one life changing difference to someone in need.

Show me the money: 29% of our profit went to water projects in 2015. In 2016, it was 25.5%! 20.8% of profits went to water in 2017. And in 2018, it was 20.2%. In 2019, 20.7% went to water – and 22.5% in 2020! We expect this number to continue to hover between 20-25% in the years to come.

Why Do Amore does it

Clean water is among the most essential needs of the human race. Contaminated water regularly leads to sickness, poverty, and missed school and work. And unfortunately, it’s not just sickness. Around 1.8 million people will die every year from polluted water, while additional tens of millions are seriously sickened by preventable water-related illnesses.

A note from Krish, our Founder: Before I started Do Amore, I was an engineer working in oil & gas. I spent a lot of time on oil rigs, and found it amazing how long it took to hit oil. Equally as amazing was how quickly we could hit water! This made a major impact on me, as I spent time in India as a child and personally saw the deadly toll polluted water can take. The fact that these people were living and walking above the clean water that was just 50 feet beneath them struck me. I knew then that I could make a difference in the water crisis, and began Do Amore.

Do Amore Founder Krish Himmatramka

How we help Charity Water

With each individual jewelry piece that we sell, we partner with Charity Water to fund a water project that, when finished, provides water to an entire community. Our jewels are directly responsible for providing clean water. So, if a community has 50 people, then 50 purchases went towards funding their well. In addition, the communities where we build our water projects also go through training on sanitation, hygiene, and well repair.

Where can I see it? You can check out our impact page! Couples with order numbers will also see exactly where they made a difference. And when drilling begins, that same page will show the GPS coordinates and a photo of the well! While it is being drilled and readied, couples can see progress.

Why we chose Charity Water

Charity Water is one of the top global water crisis charities, receiving a 91.95% overall score with 100% transparency from Charity Navigator. When looking for our clean water non profit partner, one of the biggest concerns we had was making a permanent difference. And Charity Water not only prioritizes getting wells built, but also the selection of local workers and local parts for their building and maintenance. In fact, they developed hand pump sensors which allow them to monitor the status of wells from remote locations. And wells in Ethiopia are getting flow meters installed. So, if anything goes wrong, local technicians can be deployed to asses and make any repairs that are needed. This ensures maximum lifetime impact in these communities.

Communities we’ve helped

As of this writing, with the help of Charity Water, we’ve given lifetime access to clean water to 13,468 people and drilled 50 wells across five nations:

Bangladesh

To date, Do Amore has funded 8 wells in Bangladesh where families previously needed to use water tainted with naturally occurring arsenic. In some areas, the only source of clean water was a private vendor far away, who charged rates that ate away at most households’ income. In other areas, they did not even have that option. Thanks to our customers, 3,523 people across 8 Bangladesh communities now have access to clean water!

Charity Water x Do Amore Bangladesh Water Pump

Bangladesh water well within the Kishoganj and Sunamganj districts

Ethiopia

As of this writing, Do Amore has built 9 wells in Ethiopia where families previously had to walk several hours a day to collect water. And, the water they brought back to their houses was not safe. Unfortunately, this meant many women and children in these communities were unable to work or go to school. Thanks to our wonderful supporters, 2,141 people across 9 Ethiopian communities now have access to clean water and the ability to attend school!

Charity Water x Do Amore Ethiopia Water Well

Ethiopian water well in the village of Mai Gorif

Haiti

Our projects in the Northern Region of Pignon, Haiti were some of the first we ever supported! When we were first starting out, we gave money to multiple smaller Haitian water projects on an ongoing basis instead of funding complete water wells. Our sponsorship brought clean water and sanitation training to 176 people in some of the poorest conditions of the world!

Charity Water x Do Amore Haiti Water Well

Water well in the Northern Region of Pignon, Haiti

India

To date, Do Amore has built 18 wells in India, in areas serving the most marginalized families (sadly known as the “untouchable” caste). Prior to our wells, these families used polluted water, leading to severe health issues including bone damage and cancer. Thanks to our customers, and our clean water non profit partner Charity Water, we have been able to drill 18 new deep and healthy wells, changing 3,153 lives forever.

Clean Water Non Profit Charity Water x Do Amore India Water Well

Water well in the Bihar, India

Nepal

As of this writing, Do Amore has built 14 piped water systems in Nepal where the rough and rugged terrain made finding clean water dangerous. Families in this area often relied on polluted water instead of risking injury. Prior to the water systems being installed, many children died from water contamination. Our customers have helped provide water to 4,475 people across 14 Nepalese communities!

Clean Water Non Profit Charity Water x Do Amore Nepal Water Well

Piped water system in the Baglung, Nepal

Have questions about our partner, Charity Water?

Ask us here! Or, send us an email at care@doamore.com. We love talking about our water projects, and are happy to answer your questions. And, if you’d like to make an impact at your special milestone, check out our ethical, sustainable jewelry here!

Your Ethical Jeweler: How Do Amore Makes an Impact

With the rise of social responsibility and corporate transparency, most couples today want an ethical jeweler for their special moments. But what makes one jeweler more ethical than another? Well, it turns out that there are lots of ways that a jeweler can make an ethical impact on the world. Read more to see how Do Amore maximizes its social and environmental impact with every purchase.

TLDR: Ethical sourcing, conflict free diamonds, recycled gold, sustainable lab created diamonds and gemstones, carbon neutral shipping, sustainable boxes. PLUS! Every purchase helps to build a well in a developing country.

Ethical Sourcing

Many jewelers claim to use ethical practices in their sourcing, however one reason our founder created Do Amore was because he found holes in many of the practices. Making truly ethical jewelry means making eco-friendly, pro human-rights choices across the board. This means using ethical diamonds and gems, from mines that adhere to human rights best practices, setting them in recycled gold, shipping in sustainable packages, and making the entire transaction carbon neutral. How does your jeweler accomplish these goals? Here are the steps Do Amore takes:

sustainably sourced natural and lab diamond engagement rings on a hand

Sustainably sourced natural and lab created diamonds

Lab Created Diamonds

Lab created diamonds are a great way to ensure your jewelry is ethical and sustainable. This is because, generally, creating a diamond in a lab uses fewer resources than mining efforts do. And, many diamond growers use carbon neutral, sustainable methods to grow gems! For example, we work with cutters that use plasma, wind, and solar sources to power their factories. And, lab created stones are a fraction of the cost of their natural counterparts! So, it’s a win win.

Conflict-Free Natural Diamonds

If you want a natural diamond, ethical jewelers go above and beyond the Kimberley Process. The Kimberley Process was created in May 2000 as a method for certifying diamonds against funding war or rebels. And, 99.8% percent of the jewelry industry now participates in the Kimberley Process. This means that virtually all natural diamonds sold today are conflict free! And, Do Amore goes beyond the Kimberley Process by refusing to source from areas experiencing conflict, just in case.

Founder’s Note: Our goal is to educate people on the best options for ethical jewelry – oftentimes this means lab created. However, if a customer wants a natural stone, we feel it is our responsibility to find them one that is made in the most ethical manner possible. 

Blockchain Enabled Natural Diamonds

One of our favorite ethical options is blockchain enabled natural diamonds. “Blockchain enabled” means that the diamond has a unique ledger that lists every person who has touched it, from mine to you. This type of chain gives ultimate peace of mind and maximum accountability. Plus, you get to see each of the craftsmen who helped find and shape your stone! Blockchain enabled diamond reports are truly unique and fascinating!

Blockchain Enabled Diamond Example

Blockchain Enabled Diamond Example

Lab Created Gemstones for Ultimate Sustainability

Choosing a lab created gemstone means your gem is super ethical and sustainable. And, our lab created gems are some of the most sustainably grown in the world! Gem scientists are able to grow large crystals over relatively short periods of time, in comparison to natural gems taking hundreds of thousands of years. And lab gems require no mining! As a result, lab grown gemstones are a great commitment to our planet.

Natural Gemstones for the Ethical Jeweler

Do Amore only sources from ethical gemstone cutters and we can source country-specific gems! Our favorite gem cutter is also a Diamond Sightholder, meaning they adhere to the strictest ethical and environmental requirements on the planet. Most of our gems come from artisanal (small scale) miners who live and mine in their own communities. As a result, these miners intimately know how to work their gem deposits using minimally damaging techniques. And, these small scale operations help to support families and local communities.

Sustainable natural blue sapphire from ethical jeweler do amore

Sustainably sourced natural blue sapphire

Recycled Precious Metal

In addition to using the most ethical, sustainable gems and diamonds, we also only use recycled gold, recycled platinum, and recycled palladium in our jewelry. In fact, Do Amore signed the No Dirty Gold commitment its first day. Because of precious metal’s ability to be fully refined, gold and other precious metals are infinitely recyclable! In fact, recycled gold, palladium, and platinum are just as gorgeous and strong when recycled as when first used. Using recycled precious metal just means less impact to the Earth and its people.

Sustainable Boxes

And what about the packaging? Once you have created sustainable, ethical jewelry, make sure not to ruin the impact! All of Do Amore’s jewelry comes in beautiful Jarrah Wood boxes – the most sustainable wood on the planet. Do Amore orders these boxes in large quantity for the smallest shipping impact. And to offset the energy spent during shipment, we purchase carbon credits.

ethical jeweler with sustainable boxes with oval engagement ring inside

Carbon Credits for the Ethical Jeweler

Speaking of carbon credits! Do Amore purchases carbon credits to offset environmental impact! What is a carbon credit, exactly? Carbon credits are permanent investments in climate action which reduce emissions across the globe. And, projects certified for carbon credits must make an “additional” difference! That means carbon credits fund changes that would otherwise not happen. Projects can include the protection of ecosystems, the restoration of forests, or the reduction of reliance on fossil fuels.

Give Back to Those in Need

Do Amore stands apart as an ethical jeweler for its commitment to not just not hurting the world, but actually helping the world. EVERY Do Amore purchase gives a person in a developing country access to clean water. This way a couple literally changes another life forever on their special day. This is at the heart of our company, and even prove it. After you receive your order, you can look up the physical GPS coordinates and see a photo of the actual water well you helped build, along with information on the community that now has access to clean water, thanks to you. You can check out our impact here.

Have questions about ethical jeweler, Do Amore?

Write us here, or drop us an email at care@doamore.com! We’d be happy to answer your questions, and tell you more!

man pumping water into silver canteen

Canadian Diamonds: Your 100% Conflict Free Diamond

You’ve heard the buzz – there are diamonds in Canada! But what makes them special? Are they any better than other diamonds out there? There’s quite a bit to learn about them, and some really cool stuff they stand for. Let’s chat.

 

What are Canadian Diamonds?

Natural diamonds, ethically and sustainably mined in Canada. They are 100% conflict free. And, they are independently certified to be ethically, environmentally, and socially conscious. Since first discovering diamonds around 20 years ago, Canada has grown to be the world’s third largest diamond producer. Today, diamonds mined in Canada make up about 15% of the world’s supply of diamonds.

 

Who Certifies Canadian Diamonds?

Canadian Federal Government oversees all mining activity in Canada. They also feel so strongly about their sustainable practices that they certify each diamond as 100% ethical. All diamonds from Canada have a special Certificate of Authenticity, in compliance with the Canadian Federal Government Code of Conduct. This certificate specifically identifies that the gem was mined in Canada under strict laws and practices.

 

What is Canadamark?

Canadamark is an exclusive diamond certification for stones from the Ekati and Diavik mines. Diamonds with a “Canadamark” are tracked from discovery, through cutting and polishing, right to your finger!

Canadamark Diamonds have a unique report and serial number. Couples can use this serial number to look up their diamond’s history and traits. This special number is also laser inscribed on the stone along with the Canadamark logo. Don’t worry, it’s so small it’s not visible without a microscope. However, it’s important, as it shows the gem was “independently audited” by the Canadian Government. So, a Canadamark gives couples peace of mind that their gem was sustainably mined and is 100% conflict free!

 

close up of canadian diamond

Canada Mark Inscription on Diamond Engagement Ring. (Photo by: Taylor & Hart)

What extra information do I get on a Canadian Diamond?

Most Diamond reports include color, cut, and clarity. However, a Canadian Diamond “Birth Certificate” has additional info. Unique info includes where it was mined and even how big the rough crystal was before cutting! Isn’t that neat? As noted earlier, the diamond itself also bears its serial number. This is helpful in case you lose your certificate, or sell it in the future. In that case, the future owner of the diamond can see these cool details too, and feel closer to their stone.

 

How do I buy one?

Only approved jewelers can sell Canadian Diamonds. Fortunately, you’ve found one of them! As Do Amore specializes in ethical, sustainable jewelry, these diamonds fit in naturally! We have a filter right in our search engine for them! Click here to see what 100% ethical diamonds from Canada are available today.

Screenshot of Diamond Search Engine with Canadian Diamond Filter

Canadian Diamond Filter on Diamond Search Engine.

What makes Canadian Diamonds unique?

 

They’re the Oldest Diamonds in the World

Diamonds formed in Canada 3.5 billion (with a B!) years ago. That’s before we even had continents. Your Canadian Diamond is a time capsule! Also, because of the special way they grew in the extreme cold, these diamond crystals are a little different. And, it often means higher clarity!

They’re Only Mined 6 Weeks Out of the Year

Did you know it drops to -45 degrees in the Northwest Territory in winter? In fact, it’s so cold, that no people live there year-round. Shockingly, there’s only about six weeks every year that are warm enough for workers to safely mine. So, roads and villages are rebuilt every year to house and feed these miners. About 40% of the miners are native peoples. And, this six-week mining window creates thousands of jobs every year. This makes your diamond very special!

They are 100% Ethical

These diamonds are unique for being tracked mine to finger. But also, they have been sourced in an environmentally safe manner, by miners protected by fair wage and strict labor laws. In fact, prior to mining in Canada, diamond miners must prove that their actions will not be harmful. This means they must show they will not negatively affect local communities, plants, air, the water, or animal populations. In other words, couples can feel good about purchasing a diamond from Canada.

 

Why are Canadian Diamonds important?

Because they have stepped up the ethics of the diamond trade. Couples today think more about where and how their diamonds are mined. So, Canada put forth a revolutionary mine to finger tracking system for their diamonds. As a result, more (non-Canadian) diamond companies have begun tracking their diamond rough as well. This has lead to an overall increase in diamond industry responsibility.

 

Are Canadian Diamonds more ethical?

Yes. Diamonds from Canada are some of the most ethically, sustainably mined diamonds in the world. Firstly, the Canadian Government requires that diamond miners adhere to strict sustainable practices. Secondly, federal labor laws and fair wage agreements protect miners in Canada. Thirdly, diamond mining in Canada has resulted in several billion dollars’ contribution to the Canadian economy and the communities in which they are mined.

 

Can you help me select a Canadian Diamond?

I would love to. Couples can use our diamond filter to check out stones currently available, and you can also email me here! My name is Corinne, I’m the gemologist. So, I love talking about these stones. I’d be happy to perform a custom search for your perfect, conflict free diamond.

The Top Ten Most Eco-Friendly Colleges – East Coast

Sustainability is super important to us at Do Amore.

That’s why we manufacture our rings ethically and give water for two when we sell a ring.

Often, the leaders in sustainability are colleges and universities. With the budget for innovative programs and progressive and active student bodies, all the ingredients are there for eco-friendly innovation.

Over the past few weeks, we’ve been chronicling the most eco-friendly colleges in the country – from the Midwest, to the West Coast, and all the way down South. This week, we’re ranking the top ten most eco-friendly East Coast colleges.

It’s no surprise that the East Coast harbors some of our most inspiring and innovative campus in the country. When it comes to sustainability, it’s no different.

The factors that went into ranking these East Coast colleges include surveys of students and faculty, awards and recognition, number and diversity of environmental programs, and eco-friendly campus policies. Without further ado, here are the top 10 most eco-friendly colleges on the East Coast:

PS We’re developing ethical class rings. If you have a student group or organization that would like to be involved with the pre-launch, please shoot us an email here 🙂

10. Bentley University

Bentley

Bentley University, a private university in Waltham, Massachusetts, is a regional leader in sustainability and eco-friendly practices. Not only do they have a great sustainability science program, but they cultivate an atmosphere of eco-friendliness through their numerous waste diversion and energy conservation programs.

9. James Madison University

James Madison University

James Madison University is not only historic and beautiful, but it is a prime example of what a conscious student body and faculty can do in the name of sustainability. The school has brought a farmer’s market to campus as well as renovated their transportation system on campus. They’ve also expanded their renowned recycling and composting program. Finally, students are actively engaged in environmental activism, forming multiple popular clubs on campus like the E.A.R.T.H. Club.

8. Bryant University

Bryant University

Bryan University, though small, is an exceptional educational college with an inspiring focus on eco-friendliness. Located in ..They have built a 10 part framework that includes: academics, research, energy, buildings and land use, food and dining, transportation, supply chain management, and community engagement. They’ve got a silver rating from AASHE’s Sustainability Tracking and Rating System, and they offer over 40 classes related to sustainability.

7. Framingham State University

framingham state university

Sitting on a picturesque campus just 20 miles outside of Boston is Framingham State University. This school has come a long way in sustainability in the past few years. Since enacting their annual Climate Action plan, they’ve had some major accomplishments, including renovating 75% of their campus buildings to be more sustainable.

6. University of Vermont

university of vermont

The University of Vermont is known nationally for its green campus and sustainable practices – and with good reason. Sustainability is baked to the core at this quaint school in Burlington, Vermont. Their Office of Sustainability coordinates a variety of programs, including the epic Earth Day celebration each year and the popular Eco-Reps program.

5. Cornell University

Cornell University

Obviously a meritocratic academic institution, Cornell is also a leader in sustainability practices. To start, the school received a Gold rating in March 2014 from AASHE.org STARS, and they’ve been a Tree Campus USA campus since 2009. There are numerous well-funded resources for students and faculty interested in eco-friendly practices, including the Cornell University Sustainable Design, the Atkinson Center for a Sustainable Future, and their numerous environmentally-focused courses.

4. Green Mountain College

green mountain college

Green Mountain College is a school that sounds eco-friendly – and it is. Located in the beautiful Poultney, Vermont, it is a tiny school with an enrollment of <1000. Still, the school is a leader in sustainability education, with numerous courses in environmental science as well as their Green MBA. They’ve got an ambitious sustainability action plan that is set to take course until 2020. They promote recycling, cycling, alternative energy use, a bottled water ban, and they’re proud of being members in the Eco League.

3. Dickinson College

dickinson college

Dickinson College is also a proud member of the Eco League. This school, located in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, is a beacon of environmental friendliness. Through a variety of Center For Sustainability Education sponsored programs, the school is in full flourish with eco-friendly activities. Many students and staff also support the Dickinson College Organic Farm, which supplies the college’s dining hall with delicious and organic food. Overall, sustainability is a required attitude at Dickinson College, and as such, the school is helping to make the world a better, greener place.

2. Frostburg State University

frostburg state university

Frostburg State University is a college of wonderful academics and a beautiful and sustainable campus. In 2007, they officially became a charter member of the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment. In addition, more than fifteen departments offer courses environmentalism, making it an academic leader in environmental science. Frostburg also recently opened its Sustainable Energy Research Facility to host variety of research projects.

1. American University

american-university-east-coast

American University, located in our nation’s capital, is an academically renowned university that also excels in sustainable leadership. As such, they offer a Masters in Sustainability Management, in addition to hundreds of other environmentally-focused classes and degrees (~1,079 courses in 2012 by one estimate). In addition to their numerous environmental degrees, they also offer certificates for their Certificate Environmental Assessment and their Green Teaching Certificate program. Finally, almost every part of campus is touched by this remarkable attitude of eco-friendliness, from their green newsletter to earth month, from the Ecolympics to Green Graduation Pledge. American University is truly a national and world leader in college sustainability.

The Top Ten Most Eco-Friendly Colleges – Midwest

At Do Amore, we care a lot about sustainability.

We source our rings ethically, and we’re trying to commit to providing water to those in need.

As such, it’s inspiring to us when other organizations lead eco-friendly initiatives as well, especially colleges. We’ve been profiling the most eco-friendly colleges in the west and south, and this week we’re showcasing Midwest colleges that are making the world a better place.

The factors that went into ranking these mid-western schools include surveys of students and faculty, awards and recognition, number and diversity of environmental programs, and eco-friendly campus policies. Without further ado, here are the top 10 most eco-friendly colleges in the Midwest:

PS I’m going to let you in on a secret. We’re planning on creating class rings to help develop education in the world. If you’re interested at all in this, shoot us an email!

10. University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh

UW-Oshkosh

Starting our list of most eco-friendly midwest colleges is UW-Oshkosh, located on the Fox River near Appleton, WI. In recent years, the school has doubled down on its green initiatives. As a results, they have won some recognition, including being named a Tree Campus USA. Their Earth Week celebration is large and impactful, and they have dozens of other eco-initiatives. One substantial initiative was eliminating food trays from the cafeteria. This saves around 123,000 gallons of water per year, and of course saves in food waste as well.

9. University of Wisconsin – Madison

uw-madison-green-college

The University of Wisconsin – Madison is not only one of the country’s top academic research schools, but it is also leading the way in sustainability. In a variety of ways, actually. First, the student body is famous for its participation and passion. They organize clubs like the Environmental Club, in addition to taking courses in sustainable management (in which you can get a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or a certification). Further, the Nelson Institute and the Office of Sustainability are central hubs for all things green and eco-friendly.

8. St Norbert College

st-norber-eco-friendly-college

St. Norbert College, located in De Pere, WI, is a small and beautiful school resting directly by the Fox River. They prove their eco-friendliness with a variety of programs. First, their student body is clearly interested in preserving the earth, forming organizations like the Garden Club and the Environmental Club. Then there’s the Green Initiative Fund in which each semester each full-time student allocates $7.50 to this green fund which is used to develop environmental projects.

7. Northwestern University

Northwestern University

Northwestern is another top tier university that has oh so many green initiatives. Their students and faculty can sign the Green Pledge, in which they pledge to contribute to a healthier and more sustainable environment. There are a wide variety of programs, courses, and degrees in the sustainability field as well. Finally, their Institute for Sustainability and Energy at Northwestern is one of the most comprehensive resources we’ve seen.

6. Central Michigan University

cmu-greenest-college-midwest

Located in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, Central Michigan University is a good example of what colleges should strive to do. They have great educational resources for interested students and faculty. They have programs to enable further learning. And they have the Great Lakes Institute for Sustainable Systems, which places a central spotlight on sustainability at their campus.

5. Indiana State University

Most-eco-friendly-college-indiana-state

Indiana State University, one of the Best in the Midwest, is located in Terre Haute, Indiana. They’re #5 on this list because of the emphasis they place on green initiatives, like their phenomenal Earth Day celebration. Of course they have other unique initiatives as well, like their Sustainability minor and Sustainability walking tour. Overall, eco-friendliness is a core trait of this campus.

4. Western Michigan University

western-michigan-u-green-college

Western Michigan University bakes eco-friendliness to its core. Every campus meal is also offered as a vegetarian option. The campus reduced waste by 25%, and 100% of renewable energy is produced on location. 35% of the school’s total energy supply is produced from renewable resources. They also support their students by offering a huge green jobs fair. Read more about their variety of projects here.

3. Iowa State University

ISU-greenest-college

Iowa State University is a public land-grant and space-grant research university located in Ames, Iowa. The school has a number of outstanding green initiatives, starting with their resource center at the Office of Sustainability. They offer programs, initiatives, and funding opportunities for ambitious and eco-conscious students looking to start their own projects.

2. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

illinois-midwest-colleges

As one of the top environmental science schools in the country, it’s no surprise that the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign hits our list at number 2. They have a variety of powerhouse organizations, including: the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center, the Student Sustainability Committee, and the Institute For Sustainability, Energy, And Environment. As I mentioned previously, their environmental academics are top notch, housed in the School of Earth, Society, and Environment.

1. University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point

university_of_wisconsin_stevens_point_campus

UW-Stevens point hits our list as the top most eco-friendly school in the Midwest, and for good reason. It is famous for its environmental science programs, as students from around the country apply to be involved. The school also has a Green Fund, which allows students to lead and take part in large scale environmental initiatives. They’re consistently listed on The Princeton Review’s Green College Honor Roll. This is a school that bakes eco-friendliness to its core, and most importantly, every student on campus is proud of that and exemplifies an eco-conscious attitude.

The Top 10 Most Eco-Friendly Colleges – West

The Top 10 Most Eco-Friendly Colleges – West

As a very socially conscious startup, we at Do Amore love to watch other organizations that are making a difference in the world. Colleges, often times, are leaders in this arena. As we profiled a few weeks ago in our article on eco-friendly colleges in the south, students and faculty are leading the way in sustainability, with programs, courses, majors, and organizations to keep our earth healthy. At Do Amore, we attempt to do the same thing: leave our world better than we found it (through ethical engagement rings and our Water for Two model).

So we want to profile the colleges that are doing this the best. The factors that went into ranking these western schools include surveys of students and faculty, awards and recognition, number and diversity of environmental programs, and eco-friendly campus policies. Without further ado, here are the top 10 most eco-friendly colleges in the west:

10. Oregon State University

Weatherford Hall at Oregon State University

Located in Corvallis, Oregon, OSU hits our list of most eco-friendly colleges in the west at #10 – and for good reason. The campus takes its sustainability seriously, winning the national RecycleMania competition by cutting its waste by 40%. They were also awarded the Green Power Leadership Award from the EPA. OSU is absolutely decked out in sustainability recognition, actually. Finally, they’ve got a ton of environmental majors, like Ecological Engineering.

9. Colorado State University

Colorado State University

Colorado is a state that is known for its greenery, in more ways than one. Colorado State University embodies the eco-friendly brand of ‘green’ and does it well. In addition to their numerous LEED certified buildings on campus, CSU also has a 30-acre solar plant, which greatly reduces greenhouse gas emissions on campus and generates the equivalent electricity to power 949 homes.

8. Central Washington University

Central Washington University

At this Ellensburg, Washington campus, sustainability is baked to the core. Central Washington University has many environmentally-focused organizations – the Landscape Values Institute, the Center for Spatial Information, and the Chimpanzee and Human Communication Institute. The school offers many sustainability and environmental studies courses, and the campus is straight up green and beautiful.

7. Southern Oregon University

Southern Oregon University

Through their environmental practices, environmental stewardship, and research that local and global environmental issues, Southern Oregon University is a great example of a top eco-friendly college. They developed a Green Fund that provides funding to students that take on sustainability projects on campus, with the eventual goal of reaching carbon neutrality by 2050. They’ve also got a thick folder of sustainability-oriented classes that students can take.

6. California State University – Monterey Bay

CSU Monterey Bay

Cal State Monterey Bay is another school with an ambitious carbon neutrality goal: they hope to achieve it by 2030. Plus, they’ve got a Climate Action Plan that explains step-by-step how they’re going to get there. All of their landscaping is done with drought resistant plants, which makes them rely on less water to make the campus beautiful (and it is a beautiful campus). They further reduced water consumption by installing waterless urinals and low flow toilets in new buildings

5. Evergreen State College

the evergreen state college

With Evergreen State College, sustainability is in their name. They practice eco-friendliness, too, and to an inspiring level: they plan on achieving carbon neutrality by 2020. To do this, they promote campus-wide recycling programs, enriching courses on environmental science and sustainability, and free bus passes for faculty and students. They’ve laid out all of their plans very transparently on their website.

4. Portland State University

Portland State University

Portland is known as one of the greenest cities in one of the greenest states in the country. So it’s no surprise that Portland State University hits our list at #4. Students are heavily involved in sustainability on campus and can choose to live in a Sustainability Living Learning Community. In addition, just by using the exercise equipments in the rec center, students generate clean energy. Through their research, education, and action, Portland State sets an example to be admired.

3. University of Alaska — Fairbanks

UAF

The University of Alaska – Fairbanks is about as far west as you can get, but it’s a beautiful campus with a sustainable track record. As a few other campuses have done, they eliminated food trays, which reduces food waste by 50% and results in 222,000 less trays washed annually. In addition, the UAF Office of Sustainability coordinates a large amount of events, education, research and volunteer efforts to keep campus green.

2. University of California – Santa Barbara

UC Santa Barbara

UC Santa Barbara is a fantastic school with a great sustainability track record. Since 2009, they’ve invest $14 million in energy efficiency. In addition, 90% of campus is irrigated with recycled water and 19.5 million gallons of drinking water are saved through their sustainable irrigation. In light of the California drought, their efforts do not go unnoticed and that’s why we’ve ranked them at #2.

1. Lewis and Clark College

Lewis and Clark College

Ahhh Portland! You magnificent city, you. In a city filled with active youth, progressive ideas, and beautiful outdoors, it’s no wonder that Lewis and Clark College takes #1 on our list of sustainable colleges. Their efforts do not go unnoticed, of course, as they were ranked as the #1 greenest college by the Princeton Review. they have reduced greenhouse gas emissions by more than 30 percent over the last nine years. In addition, the school offers a variety of environmental-related programs, classes, and majors, and the Sustainability Council keeps its passionate students engaged, organized, and informed.