In this episode, John and Mike learn about the New York High School for Environmental Studies, a Manhattan-based high school of nearly 1,500 students that focuses on environmental issues. John, who grew up in New York, is especially interested in this budding school, which has been open since 1992. Both John and the students — a number of whom are on the line on the show — believe the school is a primary example in a movement toward green-minded education. The students discuss the Toshiba Youth Conference, which brings together students from New York High School of Environmental Sciences with students in Japan, Thailand and Poland to discuss alternative energy solutions for 2050. Each student was encouraged to bring a solution idea — no matter how outrageous — to be discussed at the conference. It was this sharing of sustainable ideas, concepts and knowledge that is the true mission of both the school and the conference.