Manhattan Country School Community Champions Sustainability at First Parent-Led Holiday Market

This year, MCS is hosting its first Sustainable Holiday Market, a shining example of the school’s commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement. Organized by two parent-led committees, the market highlights MCS’s leadership in reducing our collective environmental impact, especially now, at the height of the holiday season.

The Jam Committee, composed of parents who work together in making jam from raw ingredients — including some coming from the school’s farm, has teamed up with the Sustainability Committee in organizing the market. The Sustainability Committee raises the school community’s awareness about environmental challenges, and empowers everyone to address them. Together, they have created artisanal jams and beautifully designed handcrafted items, relying on as sustainable supply sources as possible, including second-hand or repurposed items.

The market also features homemade baked treats and hot beverages, thoughtfully served in reusable or paper-based packaging, underscoring MCS’s commitment to low-waste events.

As of December 13, the market has raised more than $9,000 in support of the school, thanks to volunteer bakers, crafters, and enthusiastic customers not only from the school, but also from our surrounding neighborhood.

There’s still time to participate! The final market session, on December 20, from 8.15 to 10.45 a.m. in the gym, will feature clothing, books, hot beverages, jams, baked goods, crafts, and a gift-wrapping station. Families and community members are encouraged to get a treat and last-minute presents for their loved ones and friends, all to support our school!

MCS’s dedication to sustainability extends well beyond this market. The school is renowned for its annual zero-waste street fair, the Farm Festival, the first of its kind in New York City, which was recently recognized by reputable national organizations such as Beyond Plastics and The Story of Stuff.

These initiatives reflect MCS’ mission to cultivate environmental awareness and action, and to  foster a culture of environmental responsibility, at both our school’s farm, upstate, as well as on our very own New York City campus.

Discover our school’s farm program and the various parent-led initiatives at MCS.
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