An important issue that needs to be addressed at Baruch is the lack of on-campus greenery. Not only has greenery provided an aesthetically pleasing atmosphere, but also has proven to significantly improve mental health, according to a study done by mental health experts at the University of Exeter medical school. It has been known to decrease stress levels and provide long term health benefits. We acknowledge that Baruch has limited campus space, but we can look to CCNY, a fellow CUNY school, for a model of incorporating greenery. Another school which is located in the city, NYU, has also emphasized bringing a more nature-oriented atmosphere.

Due to this lack of on-campus space, Baruch can consider alternatives such as adding small patches of grass and planting trees. In addition, we can bring some of the outdoors inside with the implementation of “green rooms.” If none of these options are spatially plausible, then partnering with nearby parks and environmental organizations is something worth looking into. For example, an organization called Four Seasons Greenery has worked with Boston universities in changing their free space into a space where people can care for plants, design landscape, and hold service events. Another organization is the New York Restoration Project, a non-profit organization that aims to create or restore green spaces in the city. It previously worked with St. John’s University to plant trees on it’s Queens and Staten Island campuses. Changing the scenery in environmentally friendly ways could result in having access to fresh air during times of high-stress, such as finals week.

Revamping Baruch to include a green space is expensive but possible. The administration has been successful in striving for the improvement of the Newman Vertical Campus as well as the Lawrence & Eris Building. Untouched since the 1930s, the Lawrence & Eris Building on 17th Lexington Avenue is receiving more than $90.4 million in renovation contributions. The Newman Library is receiving support as well. Renovating the Baruch College Plaza to a green scenery would require a similar effort. The reconstruction of the whole plaza will need a substantial amount of labor from planning and managing to manually working. Numberwise, the Baruch College Plaza is approximately 11,875 sq ft making the project a bit costly; changing the plaza would add up to $8,000 for sod placement and significantly more due to labor costs. Clearly the issue then is who will and how will this cost be covered by the administration.

If Baruch can’t provide us with greenery on campus, there are several alternatives. Union Square Park, for example, would serve as a great place for students to relax and study; it is approximately 12 blocks from the Vertical Campus and can be a cheaper, but viable option for access to greenery. There students can eat with friends, bring their computers and use the park’s free Wi-Fi while spending time outdoors. Baruch students would benefit in many positive ways from going on a stroll over to Union Square Park and just taking in the greenery.