No-waste November is a month-long global initiative encouraging individuals and institutions to reduce excess waste. This No-waste November we’re embracing our Zodiac signs to see which zero-waste habits we are most compatible with. Scroll down to find your No-waste November horoscope! 

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Aries 

(March 21-April 19)

• Considering Aries is the sign with the most fiery passion, this No-waste November, you’re most likely not to waste any excess carbon during your commute! Racing to catch the subway or speed walking past other commuters instead of driving is a perfect way to pair your competitive spirit without wasting carbon emissions! 

Taurus 

(April 20-May 20)

• Taurus’ are loyal, meaning you are loyal to the planet. This No-waste November, you’re most likely to use only reusable cutlery to cut down on excess waste. Plastic utensils can take up to 1,000 years to decompose, contributing to growing landfill waste and plastic pollution in many water sources.

Gemini

(May 21-June21)

• Geminis are incredibly curious and have an undeniable thirst for knowledge. This No-waste November, you’re most likely to research the recycling rules of NYC and your primary residential building. Familiarizing yourself with which items are recyclable and how to recycle them properly limits unnecessary landfill waste and CO2 emissions. 

Cancer 

(June 22-July 22)

• Cancers are known to be incredibly compassionate and great gift-givers. This No-waste November, you’re most likely to gift a loved one a memorable experience rather than a tangible object. Memorable experiences are not only low-waste options, but they also offer an opportunity to bond with your loved ones and enjoy the moment together! 

Leo 

(July 23-August 22) 

• As one of the most confident signs, you will rock this No-waste November by only using reusable bags. Eliminating plastic or paper bags from the garbage/recycling stream will not only help the planet but make you feel empowered! 

Virgo 

(August 23-September 22) 

• Virgos are particular and meticulous about their actions, making them good at making rational decisions. This No-waste November, you’re most likely to take a second and think before making any unnecessary purchases. If you probably won’t eat it, don’t need it, or can’t see yourself using it more than once, you probably won’t buy it to avoid producing unnecessary waste. 

Libra 

(September 23-October 23)

• Libras are often creative thinkers with a strong sense of style and taste. This No-waste November, you’re most likely to upcycle an article of clothing you have fallen out of love with. Upcycling garments is a great way to create new and unique pieces for your wardrobe without contributing to excess textile waste. 

Scorpio 

(October 24-November 21)

• Scorpios are adventurous and drawn to an investigation. This No-waste November, you’re most likely to hunt for the nearest composting drop-off site and familiarize yourself with what can and cannot be composted. Composting food scraps can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while creating nutrient-rich plant fertilizer.   

Sagittarius 

(November 22-December 21)

• Sagittarius are known for their spontaneity and willingness to try new things. This No-waste November, you’ll most likely make one sustainable swap in your morning routine. Whether swapping from a plastic toothbrush to a bamboo toothbrush or a body wash to a bar of soap, it’s always fun to switch things up! 

Capricorn

(December 22-January 19)

• Capricorns are goal-oriented and highly responsible, making you great at cutting down on food waste. This No-waste November, you’re most likely to make a grocery list before heading to the store to limit unnecessary food waste, one of the biggest contributors of greenhouse gasses. 

Aquarius 

(January 20-Feb 18)

• Aquarius’ are innovative and creative, making you great at experimentation. This No-waste November, you’re most likely to try and whip up a new dish using only the leftover food and scraps in your fridge. Using leftover food and scraps allows you to experiment with new food combinations you may have never considered while keeping organics out of the landfill. 

Pisces 

(Feb 19-March 20) 

• As a water sign, and the sign of the fish, you’re all about saving the oceans. This No-waste November, you’re most likely to drink only from reusable containers (even bringing a reusable cup to coffee shops) and avoid using plastic straws. 

NYU continues to develop pathways to achieve climate neutrality by 2040, through means like building electrification, student engagement, academic opportunities, and more. The university has recently committed to NYC’s Plant-Powered Carbon Challenge to reduce food-related greenhouse emissions and opened the doors to Rubin Hall, the largest Passive House retrofit in the United States. The Marron Institute recently received $20 million to help fund citywide sustainability goals, allowing the university to create positive change in the city.

Most recently, NYU held numerous Climate Week events to bring together students, faculty, and staff in championing change and sustainability initiatives. 

A big thank you to our community members for their efforts in advancing our sustainability goals and helping make NYU one of the greenest urban campuses!

 

Arianna Cooper, Director of Sustainability for Chartwells at NYU, will show the NYU community how to cook Summer Rolls with a Peanut-Free Dipping Sauce and Banana Bread in a Mug. Find the delicious recipes below, so that you can prepare them on your own!

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Vegetable Summer Roll

Summer Roll 16 oz firm tofu, drained, rinsed, and pressed 1 packed cup shredded Napa cabbage 1 packed cup shredded carrots ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro ¼ cup chopped fresh mint 2 cups cooked vermicelli noodles (or thin rice noodles) 12-15 rice paper wrappers

Dipping Sauce ¼ cup sunflower seed butter 3 tablespoons lime juice 2 teaspoons soy sauce 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce optional, adjust to taste 1 clove garlic finely minced 3-4 tablespoons hot water

Instructions

1. Cut vegetables in thin sticks, shred cabbage and slice carrots.
2. Add rice noodles to bowl of hot water, according to package directions.
3. Fill pie plates with warm water. Dip rice wrapper in warm water for 10-15 seconds, making sure to hold down edges so they don’t curl up. 
4. Remove wrapper and place on towel, gently pat slightly dry.
5. Add noodles and any vegetables you like to lower half of wrapper. 
6. Begin rolling by pulling wrapper over vegetables, fold in sides and roll tightly. 

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Banana Bread in a Mug

• ⅓ cup mashed bananas
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 tablespoon oat milk
• 1 tablespoon raw brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Pinch of sea salt
• Pinch of ground cinnamon½ teaspoon baking powder

Instructions

1. In a mug, add in the mashed banana, oil, milk and sugar. Whisk together for about 30 seconds to combine completely and banana is completely mashed. Add in the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
2. Stir to combine for about 20 more seconds to ensure it’s all incorporated, ensuring to get the bottom too.
3. Place in your microwave for about 80 seconds. Remove and let cool for about 3 minutes. Sprinkle some coarse sea salt on top and enjoy!