Donald M.Austin - Newark Academy

18
WWe have all grown accustomed to thinking about sustainability
primarily as environmental conservation, and, of
course, viable natural systems are crucial to the survival of
life on earth. But sustainability reaches far beyond merely
the environment. The concept embraces all the interrelated
systems that contribute to thriving societies, and includes
social and economic systems as well as natural systems.
RESHAPING OUR RELATIONSHIPS
In the past couple of years, we have seen the birth of many
new Newark Academy traditions, which together add up
to some significant progress in reshaping our relationships
to the natural world upon which we all depend.
• Passaic River clean-ups help remind us of the steady
stream of litter that flows through our back yards.
OUTREACH fall 2007
Living
Green
BY SAM HUBER
The Broadening Scope of Sustainability
• The NA vegetable garden helps to keep us aware of
where our food comes from.
• Upgrades in our heating and cooling systems as well
as our lighting systems, and controls, have helped us
save energy costs and reduce the school’s energy
consumption.
• The Middle School Environmental Club’s Eco Fest
spreads the word about global warming and a variety
of conservation and energy issues.
• The school’s chefs increasingly use locally grown
produce, have switched to hormone- and antibiotic-free
milk, and have eliminated trans-fats from all recipes.
• Our recycling programs for paper and beverage containers
are becoming increasingly efficient, and are managed by
a growing number of students.