Skip to Main Content
New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

Exterior of an N.Y.U. building.

Opinion: NYU should be more transparent about its investments

Three out of five of the New York City Comptroller pension funds have divested from the fossil fuel industry. It’s not perfect, but at least it’s honest. NYU should follow their lead.
Clara Scholl, Arts Editor May 3, 2023

From 2040 Now to RA-hosted events, NYU’s sustainability efforts have come to the forefront of university news recently. When it comes to climate change, the university has no...

An illustration of the Washington Square Arch. Behind the arch sits gray and brown alternating high-rises. On the top right are the words “The Daybook” in an arched shape.

What to do this week: Plant a tree with President Hamilton and a Minecraft tournament

The Daybook is WSN’s weekly column listing in-person and online events at NYU and across New York City. This week: April 17-23.
Cora Snow, Deputy News Editor April 16, 2023

A paper straw with blue stripes in a plastic cup against a red wall.

Off-Third: The last straw: Dining hall paper straws turn students into climate deniers

Save the turtles — or don’t. Just give us our plastic straws back, climate-denying students say.
Naisha Roy, Deputy Opinion Editor March 29, 2023

After spending months grappling with dysfunctional paper straws, some NYU students are rejecting the university’s sustainability measures — and the idea of climate change as...

A boy and two girls stand side by side smiling at the camera. Each holds different styles of food shopping bags. Behind them, the green trees of Washington Square Park.

Gallatin first-years mobilize students to donate meal swipes to mutual aid

XR University NYC, revived in March, is challenging students to address issues ranging from climate change to food insecurity.
Tori Morales, Staff Writer May 2, 2022

It’s no secret that NYU has a food insecurity problem. The university’s Swipe it Forward program, which allows students to donate meal swipes that would otherwise go to waste,...

An open area on the westside of Washington Square Park surrounded by trees. People congregate around Extinction Rebellion NYC tables and banners.

Climate activists hold environmental justice festival in Washington Square Park

Extinction Rebellion NYC held an Earth Day festival in the park, calling on corporations and the government to act against the fossil fuel industry.
Ally Dickson, Contributing Writer April 25, 2022

Extinction Rebellion NYC, an organization that advocates for climate justice via civil disobedience, hosted an art and music festival in Washington Square Park from April 19-22...

Protestors march in Manhattan as part of a climate strike. Sustainability movements must recognize the need for intersectionality. (Staff Photo by Alexandra Chan)

Opinion: Let’s include voices of color into the sustainability movement

The sustainability movement needs to take strides to become more intersectional and community oriented.
Batoul Saleh, Staff Writer May 5, 2021

For the most part, Earth Day inspires people to post on social media with calls to action about the climate, the environment and how we, as individuals, can combat these changes....

How an NYU Tandon alumnus is growing the sustainable superfood spirulina

How an NYU Tandon alumnus is growing the sustainable superfood spirulina

Jonas Guenther is the co-founder of We Are the New Farmers, an urban farm that grows spirulina in Brooklyn. He talks about the sustainable properties of the product and how his time at NYU Tandon helped him achieve his goal to grow food that reduces the carbon footprint.
Gabby Lozano, Dining Editor April 22, 2021

With Earth Day just around the corner, climate activists across the globe have started to remind us of the individual actions we can take to address climate change, particularly...

Barrow Street Garden at St. Luke’s in the Fields is dressed in greenery and plant life. As Earth Day approaches, New York City can provide for those searching for nature and a seasonal spring atmosphere, despite being labeled as the "Concrete Jungle." (Staff Photo by Sabrina Choudhary)

Finding ways to connect with nature while living in a concrete jungle

As Earth Day approaches, a Vermont native reflects on how Manhattan’s surprising natural beauty has kept her going through the pandemic.
Sabrina Choudhary, Deputy Culture Editor April 21, 2021

On a rainy day, stepping into the Barrow Street Garden at St. Luke’s Church feels like stepping into another world. Cardinals and sparrows flit through the trees, their squawks...

On Tuesday at the Gallatin School of Individualized Study, writers and artists spoke about the different ways  to portray climate change in fiction. (via Wikimedia)

Authors Discuss Fiction’s Role in Climate Change Awareness

For Earth Day, authors and scholars discussed fiction writing's contribution to environmentalism.
Shanti Escalante, Contributing Writer April 23, 2019

To celebrate Earth Day, teachers, authors and artists discussed how fiction writing can enhance readers’ understanding of climate change in an event at the Gallatin School of...

NYU’s Skirball Center of the Performing Arts (via NYU).

A Starving Artist’s Guide to Arts Events This Weekend: April 19 to 21

Stay entertained this weekend for $20 or less.
Alex Cullina, Books & Theater Editor April 18, 2019

With 4/20, Easter and Earth Day all approaching back-to-back, I’m sure everyone’s weekend schedules are packed. But on the off chance you have some free time in the next few...

The New York Botanical Garden, which will be holding a special Earth Day Celebration at the end of its annual Orchid Show.

Find a Park to Celebrate Earth Day

Sherry Yan, Staff Writer April 19, 2018
Save the trees. Save the bees. Here's what you could be doing this Earth Day.
As Uber's IPO Uber and lyft drivers are striking

NYU Encourages Students To Go Car-Free, But Most Already Do — Here’s Why

Carlos Michael Rodriguez, Staff Writer April 26, 2016
NYU pledged to go car-free for Earth Day, when almost no NYU students use or own cars.