Going Green @ Haverford

As a proud charter participant of the Sustainability Tracking and Rating System(STARS©), Haverford College is pleased to announce that it has received a Bronze rating. Truly a campus wide endeavor that included 30 individuals from over 20 departments, we are pleased that we excelled in community service, community participation and in our community sustainability partnerships. The completion  of the STARS© survey provides a guide for future sustainability endeavors that will improve the well-being of our community and environment.

stars.aashe.org/institutions/haverford-college-pa/report/2011-07-28/.

I picked my first tomato yesterday.  I was a little over eager and it wasn’t quite ripe; currently it’s sitting in my window  looking very delicious.There’s something very satisfying about picking the first vegetable of the season. In April, I waited anxiously for the first pea pod. It was pure sugar.

I’m very fortunate to have vegetables growing here(at Haverford) and at home. It makes me feel sad for all the city and suburban  folk who select their vegetables from under misters at local supermarkets. Things are starting to change. The demand for fresh vegetable has spurred local farmers to set up mini markets all over the region. Just about every day during the growing season there is a fresh food stand somewhere.

With this in mind I collected a list of farmers selling local food. I think everyone one has heard of the Ardmore Farmer’s Market. Linvilla Orchards is a family fun day destination, complete with pick your own and petting zoo.  Farm to City is a Philadelphia- based program whose goal is to unite communities, families, and farmers year-round through good locally grown food. Their website,  www.farmtocity.org, has a list of local farmers markets.  The Food Trust’s mission (www.thefoodtrust.org/) is a little different. It strives to make healthy food available to all. Working with neighborhoods, schools, grocers, farmers and policymakers, it’s developed a comprehensive approach that combines nutrition education and greater availability of affordable, healthy food.

However, you decide to buy your fresh vegetables, meat and dairy you can’t go wrong supporting your local farmer. Even the local supermarkets are getting on board. Look for the Buy Fresh/Buy Local logo, you really can’t go wrong.

In the garden

Haverford College’s Sustainability Website “Greening Haverford”  is up and running.

Anything you ever wanted to know about Sustainability at Haverford is posted on the new site. Questions about recycling?? It’s there!  How about energy conservation or local food? We have information and links to relevant sites.

“Ask the Green Squirrel” will answer any obscure (and not so obscure) questions you may have and the suggestion box is awaiting any ideas.

Take a look, we think you’ll like it.

www.haverford.edu/greening_haverford/