The SUNY New Paltz Environmental Task Force (ETF) was created in 2005 by faculty, students and staff members concerned about the serious environmental problems that we face in the world today. They seek to address these issues by moving towards ecological sustainabilitySustainability is the use of ecosystems and their resources in a manner that satisfies current needs without compromising the needs or options of future generations. on campus and by preparing students to address the global environmental challenges that lie ahead. 

Founding member, Brain Obach, and members of the task force have collaboratively come up with a way to enhance recyclingRecycling is the third R of the three R's: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Recycling means taking a product or material at the end of its useful life and turning it into a usable raw material to make another product. on campus and were instrumental in helping to develop the Environmental Studies Minor program. The program includes courses in social and natural sciences that are geared towards students with environmental interests.

The ETF also serves as the liaison between the campus and the Brook Farm Project, an educational farm that hosts class visits to educate students about sustainable agricultureSustainable agriculture refers to the ability of a farm to produce food indefinitely, without causing irreversible damage to ecosystem health. and community supported agricultureCommunity Supported Agriculture (CSA): consists of a community of individuals who pledge support to a farm operation so that the farmland becomes, either legally or spiritually, the community's farm, with the growers and consumers providing mutual support and sharing the risks and benefits of food production. Typically, members or "share-holders" of the farm or garden pledge in advance to cover the anticipated costs of the farm operation and farmer's salary. In return, they receive shares in the farm's bounty throughout the growing season..

In addition, the ETF has hosted a number of speakers and presented films on such topics as organic agricultureOrganic agriculture is when plants are cultivated without the use of artificial pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers and is produced by farmers who emphasize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations., green buildingGreen building - Green or sustainable building is the practice of creating healthier and more resource-efficient models of construction, renovation, operation, maintenance, and demolition. design, global warmingGlobal warming is the increase in the average temperature of the Earth's near-surface air and oceans since the mid-twentieth century and its projected continuation. The term is most often used to refer to the warming predicted to occur as a result of increased emissions of greenhouse gases. and alternative transportationAlternative Transportation includes modes of travel other than private cars, such as walking, bicycling, rollerblading, carpooling and transit.. These programs are designed to raise awareness about environmental problems and to inform individuals about how they can alter their lifestyles in ecologically beneficial ways.

For more information about the Environmental Task Force or to be placed on the e-mail list please call (845) 257-3447 or write to obachb@newpaltz.edu.