Michael Smith has been a professor of environmental history and humanities at Ithaca College since 2001. Deeply committed to sustainability, Michael takes active steps to minimize his carbon footprint. He bikes whenever possible to reduce car usage and offsets all his air travel through the Finger Lakes Climate Fund (FLCF). “I believe in the offsetting process, and I’m grateful that there’s this local example to contribute to,” he shares.
Throughout his career, Michael has traveled extensively while engaging in sustainability initiatives. He participated in sustainability projects in Nicaragua, which involved two research-related trips, accompanied students on Ithaca College’s Belize immersion trip, and spent a semester teaching at the Ithaca College London Center. The London semester required four round-trip transatlantic flights, making it one of his most travel-intensive experiences.
Michael acknowledges the tension between the need for air travel and its environmental impact. “It’s sort of this paradox, right? You can’t get to these places to learn without flying,” he explains. Air travel produces significant carbon emissions, but offsetting helps alleviate some of the climate guilt. While offsets don’t erase emissions entirely, Michael finds comfort in knowing his contributions support local homeowners through the FLCF.
“That’s what’s great about this program—you can read stories about the people whose lives have been hugely improved by the money you helped offset,” Michael says. The FLCF stands out because donations go directly back into the community, helping make the Finger Lakes Region more sustainable.
When asked what he would say to someone considering carbon offsets, Michael emphasizes affordability. For instance, offsetting a round-trip flight from Newark, New Jersey, to St. Louis, Missouri, cost him just $13.
Michael’s commitment to sustainability and offsetting exemplifies the positive impact individuals can have on their communities. Through his actions, he inspires others to make conscious choices that benefit both the environment and local residents.
