Green from the get-go. The “Guide to Green Living at Columbia” waiting on every bed. An energy-efficient light bulb from Columbia’s Eco-Reps. A plastic reusable beverage bottle to all students new to John Jay.

Check-in ’06 was full of reminders of Columbia’s commitment to the environment.

The “Guide to Green Living,” created over the summer by Anjana Sharma, CC ’06, is a companion piece – with its own glossy cover – to the “Guide to Living at Columbia.”

While the “Guide to Living” is part of the university’s official policy and procedures, the “Green Guide” advises students “how to be more solid citizens in practical simple terms. It’s trying to hit home where the students live,” said Scott Wright, Director of Housing and Dining.

At first-year check-in, about 10 Eco-Reps took turns staffing a new table, where they handed out the light bulbs. Each bulb was wrapped in a list titled “5 THINGS (plus one) STUDENTS CAN DO FOR THE ENVIRONMENT.” The list – for posting, and with a peel-off backing – asks students to turn off  unused computers; unplug unused chargers, microwaves, TV’s, etc.; recycle correctly; turn off unused lights, conserve water; and join an environmentally conscious student group.

Eco-Rep Julie Raskin, CC ’08, described student reaction to the light bulb distribution as “really positive.” Raskin said the effort “definitely caught the eye of a few students who already have a passion for the environment, and I took down a few names so we can get in touch with them. For the rest who were going through the motions of orientation, they thought the idea of a free light bulb that was energy efficient was great.”

Students on the Welcome Tour at John Jay each received a 16 oz., blue, reusable plastic beverage bottle with the inscription “Be Green.” Each of the 800 bottles contained a slip stating that although “your new school colors are blue and white, we’re asking you to be green this year! Fill up this bottle during your meals at John Jay and get 99-cent fountain sodas when you use your bottle at any other on-campus dining location.”

The bottles are part of the “Be Green Campaign,” an initiative begun this year by Housing and Dining. Its purpose is to coordinate green initiatives pertaining to Housing and Dining. What we have control over has more power if we bring it all together,” said Heather Tsonopoulos, marketing and communications manager.

Tsonopoulos said the suggestions about what students can do for the environment was part of Columbia’s “Green Umbrella” activity. The “Umbrella” comprises administrators, faculty, staff and students working in various ways on sustainability issues and possibilities at Columbia. The “5 THINGS” list was developed by students over the summer as part of a “Green Umbrella” request from Senior Executive Vice-President Robert Kasdin.