Student Reflections
Zach L and Maya D

 

In follow-up to last week's post, a few students from Southridge's Environmental Stewardship Committee share reflections on why they decided to get involved and how we can all make a difference.

 

Environmental Committee Student Member Reflection: 

Zach L, Grade 11

I decided to get involved in the environmental committee because I'm very passionate about the environment. Our school is a leader in academics, service, sports etc. I want to help the school pave the way to becoming a leader for a cleaner environment while engaging others to do so as well. I think that teaching others about the environment will help foster a desire to take care of our earth for better health and a better world. Hopefully with the committee's hard work, Southridge can aspire other schools to soar towards a cleaner world.

Green initiatives are so important for the earth because we only have one planet. Climate change is a threat to our health and livelihoods. We have seen how recorded heat destroys forests and crops or how our water is filled with microplastics because of our actions. Or how millions are at risk of becoming climate refugees due to rising sea levels. I think that it's important that Southridge promotes more green initiatives because we all don't want to see our kids grow up in a polluted world. I think that if we teach kids about the environment, we will be able to create more environmentally friendly habits for future generations that will pass on with time.

Every action helps make a difference. I think the best way people can make a difference is to reduce waste, recycle, and most importantly educate others about climate change. By educating the community on climate change, we can help unite towards the common goal of a better healthier planet and break down climate stigma because every action helps.

 

Environmental Committee Student Member Reflection:

Maya D, Grade 10

I was enthusiastic to be involved with this group because I thought it would be a great way for me to contribute to making our school more environmentally friendly. Also, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity for me to do my part in helping to reduce climate change. 

Green initiatives are important to me because they help to make people more aware of the climate issues that humanity is facing. All of the green initiatives that we carry out at school are helping students become more conscious of what can be done to help reduce climate change and will make an impact on future generations at the school. 

You can make a difference at school or at home by simply taking a second to think about which bin your waste goes in. If everyone does this small action, it will make a big difference because less waste will end up in the landfill. Another way that you can make a difference at school or at home is by using your own reusable water bottle, and having a litterless lunch. Together, we can make a difference”. 

Contributed by Zach L, Grade 11 Student and Maya Dusangh, Grade 10 Student
Originally published in Spirit Magazine - Fall 2021