Campus Environmental Sustainability Project
Browse
Recent Submissions
Item Sustainability Proposal: Water(2016-01-01) Sterling, Joseph; Langland, Jackson; Frenette, LilyWater Sustainability at Sarah Lawrence College: Abstract Excessive water use and poor water management has done great harm to the environment through the introduction of pollutants into freshwater supplies, as well as, increase the risk of extreme weather phenomena such as droughts and storms. To help lessen the environmental footprint of Sarah Lawrence College, we researched a number of strategies to reduce water usage across the campus. Technologies such as dual-flush toilets and low-flow showerheads would not only save the school money, but drastically reduce the amount of water used by across the board. The implementation of rainwater collection systems to provide an additional source for plumbing and landscaping was also discussed. For costs and figures, some comparative studies looked at other institutions with similar plans around the country.Item Sustainable Landscaping at Sarah Lawrence College(2016-01-01) Zorn, Jocelyn; Panton, AllysonSarah Lawrence College is an institution that inspires innovation within its students and teaches them how to understand and act upon the challenges that our ever-changing society raises. Currently, society is presented with some of the largest ecological crises that humans have ever faced, the consequences of which are widespread, affecting everyone on the planet. In order to address environmental devastation, all institutions must re-evaluate their current practices and implement significant changes. No college is better equipped for creating such change than Sarah Lawrence; founded on innovative educational techniques, we possess the knowledge and creativity that can be harnessed to create environmentally sustainable and economically viable policies on campus. One of the most simple and cost-effective ways to reduce the college’s ecological footprint lies within our landscaping practices. The college currently uses an unnecessary amount of water and fossil fuels on maintaining plant species and grassy areas. In order to cut back on water and fossil fuel use, the college can implement basic changes including planting native species, establishing a rain garden, and incorporating Xeriscaping techniques. Replacing the excess of non-native species on campus with native plantings will provide ecological and economic benefits by dramatically reducing the need for watering, fertilizer use, and maintenance. Establishing a rain garden is an aesthetically pleasing solution to improving water quality and mitigating flooding. Xeriscaping is a landscaping alternative that will conserve resources, save money, beautify our campus and provide a central source for community. All of these changes will increase the aesthetic value of campus and improve the quality of student life.Item Sprouting Roots at Sarah Lawrence College(2016-01-01) Rossi, Anna; Johnson, Iva; Koh, Yun MiAs a campus that has great concern for environmental issues, it is important to find ways in which to engage both students and faculty in working towards a greener campus. The addition of a green roof or biowall to Sarah Lawrence College would be an amazing opportunity to begin building a more eco-friendly community. Green roofs alleviate environmental stressors while a biowall will increase indoor air quality and productivity. Not only do green roofs and biowalls help curb effects of pollution both indoors and out, but either would be an opportunity for continued research into the effects of green technology. With ample flat roof space across campus as well as having the LEED certified Heimbold Visual Arts Center, building a green roof and/or biowall would both guide Sarah Lawrence into a green movement while providing an opportunity for the community to work together towards a greener goal.Item Environmentally Sustainable Transportation Solutions for Sarah Lawrence College(2016-01-01) Labadie, Katherine; Zhou, YuciThis paper discusses the importance of general sustainability practices on college and university campuses, specifically the importance of environmentally sustainable and efficient campus transportation services. The paper looks at how promoting bicycle programs, creating fixed shuttle routes and improving schedules, increasing education on campus sustainability, and investing in more sustainable vehicles can reduce emissions on college campuses. These sustainability efforts are analyzed looking at Sarah Lawrence College to determine how these practices can aid the institution’s environmental efforts.Item Composting at Sarah Lawrence College(2016-01-01) Berg, Zoe; Dessauer, Leyana; Fuentes, JesseOur proposal describes two economically viable and efficient methods of reducing the amount of pre and post-consumer waste produced by the Sarah Lawrence community. Bates dining facility, the largest on-campus dining facility, produces roughly 35 lbs. of organic food waste every day. However, the installation of an easy-to-use composting mechanism, such as the A500 Rocket composter or the Ridan manual composter (both of which are distributed by NATH Sustainability Solutions), and/or the implementation of a larger-scale vermicomposting program, would divert at least 50% of Sarah Lawrence’s organic waste material from reaching landfills, lower campus-wide trash removal and fertilizer costs, and promote sustainability initiatives within the Sarah Lawrence community and surrounding community.