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!