Methodology
How did we choose what information to gather?
Establishing our boundaries was the first step in developing the specifics of what data we wanted to collect. We decided to choose data streams that were reflective of our desire to highlight the things Marlboro does well and change the things that Marlboro does poorly.
How did we gather the information we chose?
Most of our information was gathered through two primary methods-- personal interviews, and our survey data. The personal interviews were with different faculty members asking questions about a certain area we were working on. The survey (copied below) was created with the intention of providing information about personal habits that contribute to our environmental sustainability and impact as a community. Once receiving the information through the interviews and survey, we were able to provide the community with our assessment.
Survey
First release: Tuesday 23nd Nov. Reminder: 29th Nov.
Demographics
- Faculty/Staff/Student
- On-campus/Off-campus
- student: Class standing
- Gender
Transportation (for off-campus only)
How many days per week do you commute to campus?
How many days per week do you use the following modes of transportation:
- Walking
- Biking/Skiing
- Car (individual)
- Car (shared)
- MOOver or college van
- Other (please specify)
If you come by car, how many miles does your car travel to and from campus in a given day?
If you travel by car, what model is your car?
Inst Commitment and Ed
Faculty: Have you done any research in sustainability issues?
Check all of the following activities that you have participated in: Farm work, work day projects, OP or greenhouse building, campus sustainability work within a TM committee. Other similar activities.
Students: Have you incorporated any environmental studies related work in your academic work so far? Do you intend to before you graduate?
Other
Do you eat apples from college apple trees?
How often do you us the trails surrounding campus?
Do you consider environmental impacts when choosing food in the dining hall?
Where do you buy your books for class?
Where do you buy your class supplies, such as notepads, pens, etc.?
Do you make an effort to do any of the following when on campus? Check all that apply:
- Turning off the lights when leaving a room
- Recycling
- Composting in the dining hall
- Using a reusable cup, mug, or water bottle
- Keeping thermostats low
- Double-sided printing or printing on scrap paper
- Unplugging appliances when not in use
(For on campus students) Do you make an effort to do any of the following when on campus? Check all that apply:
- Conserving water when showering, brushing teeth, etc.
- Using clotheslines
- Closing windows overnight
- Using cold water for laundry
- Doing full loads of laundry rather than small loads
Perceptions
Please rate your level of agreement with the following statements:
- Marlboro College is more environmentally sustainable than other small, liberal arts colleges.
- There is a lot of grassroots environmental activism at Marlboro College.
- There is a strong institutional commitment to environmental issues at Marlboro College.
- The student body is knowledgeable about global environmental issues.
- I am knowledgeable about global environmental issues.
To what extent do you agree that Marlboro College makes effort towards environmental sustainability in the following areas?
- Waste
- Food
- Transportation
- Energy
- Materials and Purchasing
- Water
- Land Use
- Education
