The world is more polluted than ever and highschoolers are taking action. Juniors Gretta Hall and Bianca Mojica and sophomore Michael McDonald created a sustainability club at Benilde St. Margaret’s. The club is almost completely student run with Mr. Werden as the advisor. With many projects underway and plans for a more sustainable BSM, students are collaborating together to protect the environment. “We are hoping to spread awareness and educate people about sustainability,” Mojica said. .

Just within the past month sustainability club spiked an interest in students and currently has 36 members after starting with just five. Hall, McDonald, and Mojica are all taking strides for the betterment of the environment. “I am cutting down on water consumption and eliminating single use plastic to eventually live a plastic free life,” said Sophomore Mcdonald. What seem like small and simple changes makes such a big impact on the environment and more people are recognizing this. “My family got rid of plastic water bottles and has little to no single-use plastic in our house anymore,” Hall said. .

Students at BSM have had difficulty telling the difference between compost, recycling, and garbage. Sorting waste is a quick fix everyone can make together. Students in the club have made signs above waste cans as guidelines for which waste goes in each bin. Educating yourself is a great way to become more environmentally aware and sustainable. Student volunteers will be advising lunches beginning in October to help guide people with throwing away, recycling and composting their lunches. “There are a lot of little things we can do that as a sum can make a really big impact,” Mcdonald said.

President Greta Hall has big plans for spring of 2022 such as a tree grant from Hennepin County which will give anywhere from 1,000 to 15,000 trees for members to plant. Though many of these projects are involving members in the club, McDonald says, “We want to get more faculty and student involvement to make lasting changes in our school whether they are a part of the club or not”.

An alternative search engine for computers is Ecosia. It has the same abilities as google, but it plants a tree for every search made. Such a simple task with little effort is a step in the right direction to improving the environment. “Little things can make a big difference,” Hall said.

The Sustainability club knows we must protect our home before it is too late. This is critical not only for our generations but for generations to come. “It’s vital to spread awareness around the school and educate everyone on how to live more sustainable lives,” Mojica said.

Add ecosia to your web browser: https://www.ecosia.org