<b>At Millbrook, Green is Golden</b>
Did you know that "being green" is nothing new at Millbrook? We're not just hopping on the green bandwagon; rather, we've proudly led the way by following the tenets established by Edward Pulling when Millbrook was founded in 1931. Our mission is to help students lead a life of curiosity, integrity, respect, service and environmental stewardship - in fact, our mission encompasses what "being green" is truly all about and living that mission has made Millbrook a green leader:
- Our new Math & Science Center (MASC) opened in the spring of 2008. This building was designed to achieve the gold level of LEED certification (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) with features that include sustainable design, water efficiency, energy efficiency, efficient use of resources, indoor environmental quality, and innovative design. Read more about what makes MASC sustainable.
- Our Trevor Zoo is perhaps the best example of our oldest and most enduring commitment to being stewards of the natural world. This one-of-a-kind AZA-accredited zoo is home to more than 180 exotic and indigenous animals, including 7 endangered species; through our community service program over 40 students volunteer daily to care for the animals.
- In the classroom Millbrook students have every opportunity to learn more about caring for our environment. Environmental Science and Biodiversity are two science courses which make extensive use of the living resources of the Trevor Zoo as well as the outdoor natural resources of the campus; additionally, marsh mucking expeditions in Biology, energy efficiency lessons in Physics, environmental pollutants study in Chemistry, English electives such as "Literature and the Land in America", and much more are offered in disciplines across the curriculum.
- Students are involved daily in energy conversation and environmental stewardship, taking a leadership role in the establishment of SCAPE (Students Concerned About Planet Earth), which is focused on both off-campus and on-campus projects such as protecting amphibian populations, reducing the use of plastic water bottles, organizing a compost center, and promoting a "no-idling bus" policy on campus.
- Faculty, staff and students make up our Environmental Council (EC) which focuses on what we can do at Millbrook as individuals and as an institution to better live our core value of environmental stewardship. Minutes (which include action items) for all EC meetings are posted on our website.
- Located in the Trevor Zoo's Education Building, the Conservation Action Center was established many years ago with the specific goal of teaching environmental conservation. It is presided over by a full-time director and faculty member who maintains this center for conservation information and advocacy for the 23,000 visitors to the zoo annually.
- The National Association of Independent Schools has recognized Millbrook as an outstanding educational leader in the effort to achieve environmental sustainability. The NAIS has published a comprehensive overview of the programs and plans that are continually evolving here - from recycling and energy and resource conservation to long-term plans and operating goals to education in and out of the classroom.
- Our dining hall staff and community service Green Team are constantly looking for and implementing new ways to positively impact the environment: from buying local produce, meat, and dairy to using compostable napkins to helping to plant a new organic garden on campus. Most recently, efforts to go trayless in the dining hall are contributing to a reduction of 30 lbs. of food waste per day.
- Extracurricular programs encourage students to become actively involved in the environment outside of the classroom - student/faculty trips have included scientific research in Mongolia, the Galapagos Islands/Upper Amazon Basin, and north shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
- The Recycling Community Service was established in 1988 and is undoubtedly a model program among peer schools; its 28 current student members and 3 faculty members work daily to manage recycling on campus, from batteries, waste oil, computers, and printer cartridges to paper, cardboard, plastics, glass, metal, and more.
- Every year we honor Earth Day, whether by picking up trash, feasting on locally grown organic food, or planting new trees (done extensively at Millbrook in 1970 in honor of the very first Earth Day). Follow these links for coverage of our most recent Earth Day celebrations: 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011.
- Millbrook School was winner of the 2007 Green Cup Challenge and featured school of the GSA after reducing our energy consumption on campus by over 16%. Read more about the power of community which led to our win in 2007 and how we fared in the 2008 Green Cup Challenge.
- As a charter member of the Green Schools Alliance, Millbrook is committed to being an active participant in global efforts to conserve energy and resources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and prepare citizens to think and act in new and creative ways. Read more about the GSA and our commitment.
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