Making a Greener Impact

It's no longer a "fad" it's the real deal and The New School is 100% committed to decreasing our environmental footprint. As a member of our community we thought you'd appreciate a little help and more info on steps (they're easy) you can take to help create a more sustainable environment and learn about Greening The New School. Here are a just a few tips that you can use every day. For even more info check out The Little Green Handbook created by Student Housing and Residence Life. Go green my friends!

• Refuse plastic bags when shopping... take along your own reusable bags. They don't have to be fancy, they can be old plastic bags that you use over and over again (enjoy the look the clerks gives you when they say, "are you sure you don't want a bag?")
• Take shorter showers- save water!
• Take the subway or a bus... but steer clear of taxi's
• Only wash clothes when you have a full load and wash everything in cold.... it's better for your clothes and saves energy not having to heat the water!
• Unplug items when not in use (even an item that is turned off will draw electricity when plugged in)
• Shop at Thrift Stores! Check out the Buffalo Exchange in the East Village and Williamsburg and Beacon's Closet also in Williamsburg
• Shut down your computer, turn off TV, Printer etc. when not in use
• Put in work orders for A/C units to be covered to help keep cold air out
• Recycle electronics, cell phones and batteries rather than throwing them out
• Think about composting (see Little Green Handbook for details)
• Donate old clothes, kitchenware and household items rather than throwing them out
• Shop from local markets such as the one in Union Square
• Participate in New School and Community- sponsored Environmental initiatives
• Spend time in parks, buy organic and recycle!

No swine flu for you.... tips on staying healthy.

As you know, the H1N1 virus (swine flu) is something to take seriously. While The New School has properly planned for this flu season to be a tougher one than most, here are some things that you can do to stay healthy and prevent it from hitting home.

1. Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing and discard any tissues used.
2. Wash those hands! Before you eat, when you get off the subway, after class.... and of course after you cough or sneeze. Ensure that you're washing them with soap and warm water and wash for at least 20 seconds.
3. Use the hand sanitizing stations around campus and keep a small bottle with you for when you can't get to a sink.
4. Avoid spreading germs by not touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
5. Sanitize your room often. You and your roommates, your friends and their guests... everyone is touching everything so take precautions by wiping down doorknobs, keyboards, telephones, fridge and microwave handles and anything else used frequently.
6. Get a flu shot! Your regular physician or Student Health Services at The New School has more information about getting a flu shot this season.
7. Stay informed! The flu is spread by from person-to-person by coughing or touching those who are sick. If you have questions check out New School Student Health Services where you'll find information on what to do if you're sick and how to manage your anxiety.

New Here? This is for you!

Starting a new chapter in life can be tough.... so we're here to help! You're probably looking for a good outlet in which to express some stress, fear, nervousness, ambivalence and excitement that comes with change. Look no further we've got what you need!

Check out an Art Therapy class at The New School! Beginning October 1st, Creative Arts Therapist Kelley Linhardt will host a class every Thursday evening from 7-8:30 PM at the counseling center located in Loeb Hall at 135 East 12th Street (at 3rd Ave). This class is sure to provide you with a supportive environment that provides all kinds of opportunity for you to meet other students and build support at The New School.

No artistic talent is necessary! Students are encouraged to set up a brief (15 minute) screening appointment with Kelley prior to attending so that you can feel more comfortable, prepared and supported before entering into the group process.

Contact SHS (229-1671) to set up a screening.... We'll see you there!

Check out the other classes offered by Student Health Services by visiting their webpage.

You can never be too careful

With a population of over 8 million, you wouldn't think that NYC would rank the safest among 25 U.S. cities. Well it does! That doesn't mean, however that you shouldn't always be aware of your surroundings and remember safety first while living in The Big Apple. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

1. Be aware of who is around you
2. Avoid empty subway cars
3. Never display large amounts of cash out in the open
4. Keep you wallet in your front pants packet rather than the back
5. Be aware of your purse or wallet in commotions
6. Stay in populated areas
7. How you carry yourself is crucial. Look confident in where you are going, how you walk and what you are doing
8. Clutch your purse/bag securely under your arm
9. If there are two of you, place handbags between you instead of on the outside
10. Turn rings around, so the gems face your palm
11. Keep necklaces tucked under your clothing
12. If someone is harassing you on the street, then go into a populated store or shop or find a police officer
13. If you are being mugged then it's better to give the mugger what he/she wants. Your life is worth more than the cash in your pocket!
14. Try to walk in the middle of the sidewalk and not next to the buildings or the street. At night, stay close to the street so that you can flag down help if the nearby stores are closed

Check out the NYC.GOV site for more college student safety tips!

Always remember that you can easily get in touch with New School Security by speaking to a security officer in any New School building or by calling 212.229.5101. You can also reach someone on the 24 hour emergency line at 212.229.7001.

Stay Safe!

Getting Dirty never felt so good!!

Thanks to everyone who joined us last Friday to help clear brush at the Jackie Robinson Park in Harlem!

Join The New School through two great opportunities this Friday!

Volunteer in a New York City Park:
August 28, 2009 - 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
There are two great parks to choose from! All student who attend will receive lunch and a roundtrip metrocard to the site. Talk to your RA about where to sign up or check in at your residence hall office to learn more! See you there!

Jackie Robinson Park

Directions: Depart from Residence Hall at 9:00 a.m.

About the park: 16 acres of park with numerous garden locations, 3 athletic fields, large lawn areas, an outdoor Olympic swimming pool and full gym and indoor and outdoor athletic facilities.
Type of volunteer work: General gardening tasks. Planting perennials and shrubs, maintaining park paths and gates, and other miscellaneous beautification activities. Note: this project happens rain or shine, as rain does not impact planting. Please check weather forecast and be prepared with jacket, sweatshirt or poncho.

What volunteers should wear: Light colored, washable clothing that can get dirty. Long sleeves and pants are recommended. Also please wear sturdy, covered shoes. No flip flops or tank tops for safety reasons. It is also recommended to bring a hat, sunscreen and bug spray if needed by the individual volunteer.

Riverside Park

Depart from Residence Hall at 9:00 a.m.

About the Park: Stretching four miles from 72nd to 158th streets along the Hudson River, Riverside Park is widely regarded as Manhattan's most spectacular waterfront park. As one of only eight officially designated scenic landmarks in the City of New York, it has a long and storied history. Recreational facilities include a range of sports courts and fields, a skate park, a large portion of the Manhattan Waterfront Greenway (for bicycles), and the 110-slip public marina at 79th street, an important part of New York State's Water Trail.

Type of volunteer work: Volunteers will be working to clear an overgrown slope in the park and do planting of flowers and shrubs.

What volunteers should wear: Light colored, washable clothing that can get dirty. Long sleeves and pants are recommended. Also please wear sturdy, covered shoes. No flip flops or tank tops for safety reasons. It is also recommended to bring a hat, sunscreen and bug spray if needed by the individual volunteer.

On Campus Sustainability Project
August 28, 2009 - 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Presentations begins at Wollman Hall, but we plan to walk, so wear comfortable shoes and clothes.

• 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. What is The New School doing? Recycling presentation in Wollman Hall.
• 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. What Else could we be Doing? - Meet New School employees, and examine office spaces for proper recycling procedure. Give your suggestions.
• 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Green Market and NYC sustainability Tour – See your local neighborhood and what they are doing for sustainability.