The Elisabeth Haub School of Law Announces New Sustainability Measures To Move Toward A Plastic-Free Campus
WHITE PLAINS, NY – The Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University recently announced numerous measures that will make its White Plains, NY, campus one of the greenest in the region and nearly eliminate the use of plastic in its cafeteria and other areas of campus. Beginning in mid-August, the Law School will use paper straws instead of plastic and students will use china and metal flatware in the cafeteria. In addition, at all of its programs, the school will not use paper or plastic products and will provide water-filled bubblers rather than individual plastic water bottles.
“For decades, the Elisabeth Haub School of Law has been a pioneer in the field of environmental law and home to a nationally recognized environmental law program,” says Dean Horace Anderson. “I am so pleased that today, we are ensuring that we continue to lead the way by taking important measures to ensure that our campus is more sustainable than ever.”
“Plastic pollution is one of the most urgent environmental issues facing our planet. It is estimated that by 2050, there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish by weight,” says Gilbert and Sarah Kerlin, Distinguished Professor of Environmental Law Jason Czarnezki. “The Law School is taking a first and necessary step to help confront this crisis and enact more sustainable practices.”
Said John Calvelli, executive vce president of Public Affairs for the Wildlife Conservation Society and director of the Wildlife Conservation Society’s (WCS) Give a Sip Campaign, which supports legislation to eliminate single-use plastic straws in New York City: “Plastic pollution threatens marine wildlife worldwide, from whales and sea turtles, to marine birds and fish—and ultimately humans when we eat seafood that have consumed micro-plastics. WCS applauds the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University for taking a strong stance against plastic pollution and setting an excellent example in Westchester as well as the broader New York academic and legal community.”
In addition to reducing plastic, the Law School is using new energy efficient dishwashers to reduce the amount of water used by the school. New trash and recycling bins are also being installed with clearly marked components. Should members of the Law School community request a “to-go” container they will be given a paper container. By 2019, Pace University will convert all campus water fountains to water filling stations. Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to use their own reusable water bottles.
About Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University
Pace University’s Elisabeth Haub School of Law, (Pace Law) offers J.D. and Masters of Law degrees in both Environmental and International Law, as well as a series of joint degree programs including a Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) in Environmental Law. The school, housed on the University’s campus in White Plains, NY, opened its doors in 1976 and has over 8,000 alumni around the world. The school maintains a unique philosophy and approach to legal education that strikes an important balance between practice and theory. For more information visit http://law.pace.edu.