Sustainability & Our World
At Pine Street School, sustainability isn’t just taught—it’s lived. From eco-conscious operations to hands-on learning, students explore climate change, renewable energy, and food systems with purpose and curiosity. Through gardening, recycling, and service projects, they see how small choices create big impact. By modeling mindful consumption and responsible practices, we’re raising a generation of global citizens who live sustainably—and lead with intention.
We're Making an Impact...
Our coffee cups are corn-based polyactic acid (PLA) and biodegradable. Our clear cups are corn resin - compostable, petroleum-free, renewable and biodegradable - and are only used for events. For daily lunches, we use reusable cups.
For daily lunches, we rely on reusable plates to minimize waste. At events, we switch to 100% compostable plates made from sugarcane fiber—an eco-friendly option that returns to the earth, not the landfill.
Our sensor-activated faucets and low-flow push handles help us cut water usage by 50%—conserving a vital resource with every hand wash.
Our tote bags are 55% hemp, which needs no pesticides, removes carbon from the soil and requires less water and land than cotton. They are made by Econscious, a company committed to reversing global warming and ensuring that every step of production is earth- and human-friendly.
Made by Interface, a company with a mission to reverse global warming through mindful design and manufacturing practices. Our carpets are 100% carbon neutral.
Our floors are made of linoleum—a durable, all-natural material that’s nearly carbon neutral. It’s a sustainable choice that supports a healthier planet from the ground up.
Our disposable coffee pods are 100% compostable and made by Tayst, a company committed to being carbon neutral as well as supporting the communities that make the coffee. Better for the planet, one sip at a time.
At Pine Street School, even our lights are part of our commitment to the planet. With motion sensors and timed systems throughout the building, we’ve reduced our energy use by 50%—minimizing waste while maximizing efficiency.
Our paper towels are 60% recycled fiber (40% post-consumer). Our tissues are Green Seal Certified and 100% recycled content (90% post-consumer). Our wipes are compostable, plant-based and renewable.
Our t-shirts are designed with the planet in mind. Some are made from 100% organic cotton—grown without pesticides and using less water and land. Others blend organic cotton with 50% recycled plastic (RPET), giving new life to materials that would otherwise end up in landfills. Sustainable style, worn with purpose.
For everyday lunches, we use reusable cutlery to reduce waste. At events, our forks, knives, and spoons are made from cornstarch—not plastic—offering a compostable alternative that’s better for the planet.
Our hand and dish soaps are plant-based, biodegradable, and free of triclosan—a harmful chemical for waterways. We also use disinfectants that contain no chlorine, acids, or petroleum, keeping our spaces clean and our planet safe.
Even our garbage bags make a difference—each one is made from 50% recycled plastic, reducing our environmental footprint one bag at a time.
All of our paper materials are locally produced in upstate New York by Mohawk, a company committed to sustainable and carbon neutral practices. This paper is 100% recycled content, processed without chlorine or harm to forests and Greal Seal Certified.
All of our uneaten lunches are donated to Rescuing Leftover Cuisine, helping nourish those in need by delivering fresh food to local homeless shelters. It’s one more way we turn care into action.