Syracuse Florence seeks to promote international education through sustainable living practices. We believe we can only help students grow to be more responsible citizens of a globalized world if we ourselves implement ecology-friendly practices and provide opportunities for students to engage in activities that contribute to environmental sustainability and multicultural engagement.
The Mary Jo Kitchen Garden
In response to a generous gift from program alumnae Mary Jo Weinig, Syracuse Florence inaugurated its first edible garden in July 2013. The project began in 2012 when Prof. Richard Ingersoll and a group of 14 students planted a small nomad garden, which has since become a large permanent garden. The tomatoes, eggplants, beans, chick peas, rocket greens, herbs, and cabbages are used for the preparation of fresh and delicious Tuscan dishes in Syracuse Florence’s professional kitchen.
Sustainability in the classroom
Syracuse Florence offers courses and experiential-learning opportunities that focus on sustainable living. These courses invite students to imagine the world and their relationship to it differently by learning to improve human well-being and preserve the life support systems of the planet.
Sustainability in the workplace
The staff and faculty are committed to making their work environment as ‘green’ as possible. That means we print double-sided documents, recycle bottles, turn off lights we’re not using and only turn on heating or cooling systems when absolutely necessary. However, we know there is always more room for improvement. Please let us know if you see anything we could be doing better to ensure our campus is as environmentally friendly as possible.
Mindful travel
While living in Europe, do as the Europeans do! Take a mindful approach to the travel that will be filling your free time by choosing the more sustainable options, such as riding a bike or taking a bus instead of a taxi; taking a train instead of a plane. Not only is it the responsible thing to do as an engaged global citizen, but it also tends to invite romance and adventure (think pedaling over the Arno as the sun sets, figuring out how to reach off-the-beaten-path destinations like a local, or writing in your journal as the Alps stretch beyond your train window).