Sustainability
1. What is sustainability?
"The traditional definiton of
sustainability calls for policies and strategies that meet
society's present needs without compromising the ability of future
generation to meet their own needs." Sustainability is using the
resources that we have in the most efficient way possible so that
they will be available for the future.
Recycling
1.What is STJ's Recycling
Policy?
St. John's has implemented a Single Stream
recycling policy. All plastics, metals, paper, glass, cardboard,
and cans can be put in the same recycle bin. Everything but soiled
items and food waste can be recycled.
2.What is New York City's recycling policy, and who does
it apply to?
Buildings on campuses other than Queens,
and off-campus buildings such as Henley fall under the NYC's
recycling policy. For NYC recycling, there are three different
types of recycling: Paper and cardboard (usually in Green bins),
beverage cartons, bottles, cans, metal and foil (usually in Blue
bins) and bulky items that can be placed at the curb on the
designated recycle day (usually, per household, the City will pick
up to 6 Bulky items). All recyclables, if not in the bins, must be
placed in CLEAR bags so that the City knows it is recyclables.
Rigid containers can be used for recycling as long
as they are 18-32 gallon capacity, have lids,
and are properly labeled. Plastic bags for recycling must be
CLEAR, 13-55 gallon capacity. To find out the recycling schedule
and what items can be recycled visit the
NYC's website. If you have any issues with pick-up you can call
the NYC Citizen Service Center at 311.
3. Where do St. John's recyclables go
to once they're picked up?
4.What are the benefits of
recycling
There are a multitude of benefits to
recycling opposed to throwing it in the garbage. Some of the most
common benefits include: reduction of the use of landfills and
incinerators, reducing the amount pollution caused by the
manufacturing of products from raw materials, and the reduction of
green house gas emissions that contribute to global warming. Also,
it saves energy because there is less fossil fuels utilized to
transform already made products into new ones as compared to
transforming raw, unchanged material into a new product. As a
result of this, recycling helps to conserve natural resources such
as timber and water.
5.What is the difference between recycling and waste
management?
The primary difference between recycled
materials and waste is that when a water bottle is recycled it will
be used to create new products. By recycling the water bottle it's
lifespan is extended. On the other hand, waste generally means that
it will end up in a landfill. Therefore, waste management is trying
to figure out how to reduce the amount of waste
produced.
Energy Use
1.What is “Global Warming”?
Global Warming is the increase of the
Earth's average surface temperature due to greenhouse
gases.
2.What are “Greenhouse Gases” and how do they contribute
to global warming?
The three main greenhouse gases are:
Carbon Dioxide, Methane and Nitrous Oxide. All three perpetuate
global warming because they trap solar and thermal radiation, and
tkeep the heat locked in the atmosphere which leads to the gradual
raising of the overall temperature.
3. What is a carbon footprint, and how can I calculate
mine?
A carbon footprint is the measurement
of the impact our activities have on the environment, and in
particular climate change. It relates to the amount of greenhouse
gases produced in our day-to-day lives through burning fossil fuels
for electricity, heating and transportation etc. Click here
to calculate your carbon footprint.
4.What can I do to reduce my carbon
footprint?
Some simple ways to start reducing your
impact include:
- use public transportation
- walk to close by places
- buy products with less packaging
- recycle
- take shorter showers to use less water
- use the cold cycle for laundry
- buy locally grown products ie: buy produce at a farmer’s
market
- unplug appliances that are not in use
- turn off the lights when you are not in the room.
Organic
Gardening
1.What does “organic” mean?
Organic is anything derived from living
matter that contains carbon. In terms of gardening and agriculture,
organic, according to the USDA means that there is an emphasis on
“...the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil
and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations.
Organic food is produced without using most conventional
pesticides; fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage
sludge; bioengineering; or ionizing radiation.”Generally, when
we think of organic, we think of more natural and environmentally
friendly processes.
2.Do we have an organic garden on campus?
Yes, the Student
Community Garden is located by the softball field behind
Donovan. All produce harvested from the garden is donated to St. John’s Bread and Life
soup kitchen.
3.How can I get involved?
There are many opportunities to
volunteer in the organic garden, especially through STJ Earth Club
where you can help plant, weed and harvest.
Compost
1.What is composting?
Composting is nature's process of
recycling. It is when organic materials are decomposed into a
nutrient rich soil known as compost. Through composting your
organic waste you are returning nutrients back into the
soil.
2.How is compost
made?
Three components are needed to make
compost. A source of nitrogen (such as grass clippings or
coffee grinds),a source of carbon (such as leaves and yard waste),
and vegetable or fruit matter. Compost is most commonly made
in a bin where materials and water are added (generally 60% leaves,
40% vegetable and grass waste). Lastly, the pile should be turned
so that the heat is evenly distributed. One other factor that is
important is temperature. Generally, a compost pile (in order to
kill pathogens and increase the production of good microorganisms)
should reach a temperature ranging from 105-140
degrees.
3.What are the benefits of
composting?
By recycling yard and food waste we
reduce the amount of waste put in landfills. Also food waste
releases methane when broken down; which is one of the three main
greenhouse gases. Overall, by using compost there is less of a
reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Compost also
improves soil condition therefore making a nutritious environment
to grow plants.
4. What types of composting do we have on the Queen
campus?
With the help of student sustainability
coordinators St. John's now has a large-scale O2 food composting
system. Pre-consumer food waste is collected from cafeterias on
campus, as well as coffee grinds from Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts and
the Law School Cafe. If you want to get involved email the Sustainability
Department or call at (718)990-5054.