Addressing environmental action is something that people are always thriving to do. The CHS Environmental Club successfully motivates teens to take part in environmental recognition.
Environmental Club spreads awareness about taking care of the environment on and near campus with events such as beach cleanups, awareness talks and plastic bag bins.
In recent years, the club has been able to install chilled, filtered water in campus fountains and eco-friendly features in the science classrooms. The club’s current projects include starting an organic garden and brainstorming ideas for an environmental-themed mural.
“I’m pretty stoked about it,” says science teacher Jason Maas-Baldwin, one of three Environmental Club advisers.
During the year, as the club organizes meetings and ways to approach their goals, they also get ready for the desert trip over spring break. The desert trip is a week-long journey to Joshua Tree National Park, where students get rid of all the comforts of home and spend time outdoors.
“A huge intent of that is to get people connected with nature, but also to get people connected with each other,” Maas-Baldwin says.
While gaining an understanding of the environment, the members truly make a difference in the community. This student-run club encourages students inside and outside the club to take action in getting involved with our community.
Senior Katy Anderson, first-year president, has been active in the environment since middle school. When Anderson was in eighth grade, she was responsible for Carmel Middle School starting an environmental club that is still going on today.
Being in Environmental Club is more than just picking up trash.
“So many possibilities open up,” says Anderson about how students can get involved. “I want members to discover that they have a tremendous voice on campus and how to use their voice to make change happen,” says Anderson about her motivations toward members.
Especially living in a place that suffers with a shortage of water and being so close to the ocean, the students motivate Carmel to take steps in ways to help. Recycling and reusing are some ways to lessen the trash rate–for example, separating trash and reusable materials and using stainless steel water bottles.
Different from other clubs, Environmental Club focuses on environmental action.
“It’s a way for like-minded people to get together,” Maas-Baldwin says.
“Environmental Club is the place to be!” Anderson adds.
The club meets every Monday in Room 2 during lunch and is still accepting new environmental enthusiasts.
-Claire Taagan