Hello GW, We hope you all had a great Earth Day! If you missed last week's special Earth Day newsletter, you can still check it out here .  As this semester’s virtual classes are coming to an end, it means finals are starting up. Though everything else feels different, the stress during the end of semester push remains constant. In this newsletter, you’ll find some tips for managing test anxiety and studying, along with some fun sustainability ideas. And don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with a few quality distractions too. We want to keep in touch with you even after the semester ends, so we hope to send out newsletters throughout the summer. Let us know if there is anything you would like to see in particular by filling out this form . In addition, if you know someone who would like to start receiving the newsletter, please share this sign-up link with them. Be sure to follow us on social media and tag us in any sustainable activities you’re doing! And, of course, good luck on your exams - you’ve got this! We hope that you are able to stay safe and healthy, and please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with questions or concerns. Sincerely, The Campaign GW Team

happening this week: Facilities Master Plan Meetings

The next step of the Facilities Master Plan workshops take place this week. GW wants your input as they redesign the layout of campus, gathering spaces, and buildings. By tuning into one or more of these Zoom meetings, you can help shape the future of GW . If you are interested in sustainability, accessibility, diversity, and community building, you don’t want to miss this (and you can learn more here ).

Here are the dates and times for the upcoming Master Plan calls: Undergraduate Student Planning Workshop, Session 1 April 29th, 6 - 7:30pm (Eastern Time) Undergraduate Student Planning Workshop, Session 2 April 30th, 1:30 - 3:00pm (Eastern Time) Mount Vernon Campus Planning Workshop May 1st, 6 - 7:30pm (Eastern Time) Alternate Date/Make-Up Workshop May 2nd, 1:30 - 3pm (Eastern Time) In order to get access to these Zoom calls, you’ll need to register for the session(s) you plan to attend. Click here to register , and we’ll see you there!

sustainability tips

Earth Day may be over, but the sustainability grind never stops. C lick here for a great article full of ideas for practicing sustainability during the pandemic. Try to use this time to cultivate good habits-- and during retail therapy, shop sustainably and mindfully. Look below for some additional tips!

Even if you missed our discussion, you can still watch Hasan Minhaj’s Patriot Act episode, "The Ugly Truth of Fast Fashion." The textile industry produces tons of waste and pollution, but what can you do when you can’t go to thrift stores? Watch on Netflix or here for free on Youtube and find out.

If you're on the lookout for a new pair of shoes, there’s a great sneaker brand called Cariuma based in Brazil that uses ethical labor practices, recycled & all-natural materials, and carbon neutral shipping.

In need of new activewear? Talla produces items in a way that significantly cuts water usage, plastic waste, chemicals, and emissions. If you are looking for sustainable, recycled, and affordable workout clothes, look no further!

When searching for gifts or household items, Etsy is a great place! Many of the creators on Etsy are currently not working their day jobs, so this is a fantastic way to support small businesses. Plus, Etsy was the first online shopping site to go completely carbon neutral.

how to deal with finals

The semester is about to end, and we honestly can’t decide if it has been the longest semester ever or the shortest. Either way, finals are coming up, so it’s time to get studying!

PREPARING FOR ONLINE FINALS

Start by making sure you know when everything is happening. Some professors might have moved the date/time of the final exam due to time zones and other circumstances, so make sure you double check when your exams and papers are due. Test out whatever software you might need before the day of your exam. If your professors are using any kind of lockdown browser or monitor for your exam, it’s a good idea to try running the program now to check that everything is working okay.  Take breaks when studying. It’s easy to lock yourself in your room for six hours and become completely engrossed in memorizing redox reactions, but this isn’t the most effective way to study. You’re likely to burn yourself out trying to focus for hours on end, so it’s better to take breaks every hour or so. Go through your old notes and find the topics you struggle with the most. You’ll be able to study much faster if you pick a handful of subjects to focus on rather than trying to memorize everything you’ve learned all semester. And lastly, but perhaps most importantly, talk to your professors. If you’re struggling with the content or need some kind of accommodation because of the current circumstances, your best bet is to ask your professor. They understand that no one was prepared for this and are being encouraged to be as accommodating as possible. Advocate for yourself!

STAYING SANE

Things are really stressful for a lot of us right now, so here are some ideas for how to take care of yourself:

Make comfort food Read (not the news!!) Watch a funny movie Call or text a friend Stretch or do some exercises Listen to your favorite tunes Write in a gratitude journal Sit outside, or at least open your window Try meditation Doodle, draw, or paint

And remember, you can always take a break and get some rest. It’s okay to not be productive every second of the day; you’re allowed to do what makes you happy. Do what you can, take care of yourselves, and reach out to others if you need help.

thanks for sticking with us. In case you missed the previous newsletter, you can check it out here. We want this newsletter to serve as a central point for our community while our eco reps are scattered around the world, and we welcome your thoughts and ideas . In addition, if you know someone who would like to start receiving the newsletter, please share this sign up link with them. We are a student organization under the umbrella of Facilities at GW with a focus on sustainability and student outreach. As we navigate this challenging time, CGW wants to provide a resource to help get us all through the remainder of the semester. Our Instagram , Twitter , and Facebook will continue to be updated with remote events, activities, and news. We hope that you are able to stay safe and healthy, and please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with questions or concerns.

See you soon,