Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Cities and metropolitan areas are powerhouses of economic growth—contributing about 60 per cent of global GDP. However, they also account for about 70 per cent of global carbon emissions and over 60 per cent of resource use. Learn more at un.org.
What We’re Doing
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FreeNew & FreeStore Promotes Reuse
Campus community can donate salvageable possessions such as furniture, clothing, office supplies, etc. for student use -
Mobile Food Pantry
Once a month, in partnership with Feeding Westchester, a Mobile Pantry will visit campus to bring fresh protein, dairy, produce, and grains to campus community members in need. -
Transportation Services Offered to Campus
Purchase has various forms of public transportation services, some free to campus members, to help community get to local metropolitan areas. -
Creating Space for the Birds: Nest Boxes
The Environmental Studies department is using bird nest boxes to monitor and conserve bird species in our area.
Ways to Get Involved
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Donate funds to the Make an Impact Award
- Participate in a Purchase Alternative Service Trip (PAST)
- Volunteer or work at the Purchase Food Pantry
- Get involved with student organizations such as the Civic Actions Committee, Disabled Students’ Union, NYPIRG, UNICEF among others
Academics
- Purchase offers classes related to sustainable cities. Check out courses in Liberal Studies, Gender Studies, Sociology, Anthropology, Political Science to learn more*
*Contact us if you want your department course page listed
What Else We’re Doing
- The Make an Impact Fund/Award provides emergency financial assistance to students when no other funding sources are available.
- Bike storage is available to students in some residential buildings.
- EOP/MAP offers free summer housing to students in their summer program.
- Facilities maintain green spaces on campus, including public infrastructure (benches, seating, tables) to promote outdoor activity.
- Emergency Blue Light Phones are located in various areas on campus to be put in direct contact with UPD in case of emergencies.
- Purchase policies ensure documents, websites and resources are all ADA accessible.
- Under Executive Orders and Facilities Management policies, waste management practices are safe and environmentally-responsible.
- Purchase implemented teleworking and video conferencing systems for all students and faculty.
- CTS managed a print initiative to remove wasteful hardware and curb wasteful printing practices.