Earth Day was founded in 1970. U.S. Senatory Gaylord Nelwo of Wisconsin called for a nationwide demonstration in the spring of 1970 aimed to raise awareness of environmental issues. It worked. The first national Earth Day was April 22, 1970.
New Employee Orientation included two sessions on sustainability. During past years over 250 employees participated in sustainability training as part of their orientation.
New employees learn from Michael Murphy, Senior Director of Maintenance and Engineering about the ongoing initiatives at Weill Cornell Medical College. Cardboard and paper recycling increases, LED light installations, and night setbacks in the Weill Greenberg Center are just a few examples. Many of the Medical College's initiatives will be featured on this site, and progress will be reported via new postings.
They also hear from Kristen Adams, Administrator, Department of Anesthesiology. During the "Seven Minutes to Save the Planet" presentation, new hires learn from a fellow employee how green teams across the campus are saving energy and reducing waste. Employee driven change starts one employee at a time.
Ordering recycled supplies, turning off computer monitors when not used, limiting copies and print-outs, and always using double sided copying are a few examples of what every employee can do to reduce the carbon footprint of our work. Some changes like using a reusable coffee mug save an employee's own money, as well as creating less garbage.
Upcoming events and new ideas are also reported here on the Sustainability Web Site. So what are you waiting for? Check out this site, start making some small changes, and contact us to get more involved.