The New School
ER-3: Sustainability in New Student Orientation

The New School's Orientation in August 2010 included many sustainability components. The intent is to build upon these efforts for Orientation 2011. Welcome packets received by students are provided in a reusable canvas bag containing various pieces of information, including promotion of The New School Sustainability Pledge. Klean Kanteen water bottles were distributed to all freshman. A service learning excursion was offered for students to clean up a NYC waterfront park and compare native and non-native plant species. Students weeded and replanted a large swath of the waterfront with native species that require lower resources to maintain. Dining Services provided compost bins and compostable cutlery, cups and plates for meals served during Orientation. A Dining Services workshop was provided for students to illustrate the local sources of cafeteria food and to show students where they could purchase local food and support the Union Square and Chelsea greenmarkets. Additionally, the Office for Sustainability sponsored a “Green Living in New York City” for new students to educate them about energy usage, recycling, composting and making green purchases. The Office of Recreation conducted a Bike at Night workshop to encourage cycling as a commuting choice and introduce students to safe bicycling habits.