Cornell University
ER-3: Sustainability in New Student Orientation

New student orientation at Cornell features over a dozen sustainability events including presentations, workshops, green vendor fairs, and sustainability information booths at most major events. Sustainability tips are also featured prominently in the New Student Handbook. Composting and recycling education stations with student educators were prominently located at every major event that served food throughout orientation week. Many of the sustainability themed events during orientation 2012 were promoted through Facebook, email lists, and handbills. A sample of the 2012 sustainability orientation events include: Sustainability at Cornell: The Big Red Is Going Green! - Cornell took a momentous step in 2011 by ending the use of coal on campus, just one part of the Climate Action Plan for achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Join Mike Hoffmann, director of the Cornell University Agriculture Experiment Station, and student leaders of sustainability-related organizations to learn about how YOU can make a difference. Healthy Eating on Campus - Meet with Cornell Dining’s nutritionist to learn about healthy dining on campus, find vegetarian and vegan places to eat, and discuss any special dietary needs. It’s Not Easy Being Green: The Intersection of Sustainability & Spirituality - Interested in community service and the larger implications of how it impacts the world? Curious about sustainability that encompasses not only stewardship of our planet but also how we view and care for ourselves? Come network (over a free lunch) with a variety of students and staff as we explore what is already going on here at Cornell. If you like what you see, get involved! If you feel something important is missing, let’s create it! Green Vendor Fest - Forgot to buy something for your dorm? Looking for some new clothes to show off your style at Cornell? You’re in luck! Cornell has brought together some of the best and most sustainable vendors from around Ithaca to campus! This event will allow easy access to vendors such as the Farmers’ Market and Trader K’s, one of Ithaca’s best stores for gently used clothing. Dump & Run Sale - This annual sale is a green way to stock up on items for your new room. Consider shopping here first and see what you can reuse to reduce harm to the environment. All proceeds go to charity. Environmental Career Skills - Join us at Cornell’s Arnot Teaching and Research Forest where we guarantee that you will make strong and lasting connections with peers and faculty who share an interest in the environment. This is an excellent way to have fun while learning methods and principles of conservation ecology, forestry, and stream ecology. Throughout the four days, you will get hands-on experience with modern field sampling methods to study plants, invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. You will learn outdoor skills that will be invaluable, whether you are planning a career in an environmental field or just enjoy spending time outdoors.