Making the Community Greener

In today’s world, climate change and pollution are serious problems. They will not solve themselves so it is up to students with the initiative and drive to make a change. Gabi Interian, a senior at Wethersfield High School, is one of those students. Gabi is treasurer of the Environmental Club, and along with President Isabella Schroeder, they are making a difference in our community. She has always been interested in the environment, trying to find different ways she could help. “I always tried to do little things around the house like; recycle, turning off the water when people brushed their teeth, and reducing garbage.”
While she never had participated in a large program for the environment, junior year she decided that the Environmental Club was a perfect fit. She had heard the goals of the club and was excited to be able to contribute. The club makes efforts every year to make a difference in the community, but this year, they are tackling a school rumor that has been spread around the school for years.

​Many people believe that the school janitors do not actually recycle, they just throw everything in the trash bins. The club has looked into this and confirmed that the janitors do in fact recycle what is in the recycle bins. Now, the club is ready to tackle the challenge of getting people in the habit of recycling. “Our plan is to remind people of what in fact can be recycled, and see if we are able to increase our recycling habits. By recycling we can decrease the waste we produced which will eventually get dumped in landfills, and instead reuse materials like plastic.”
    Another project they are working on is collecting donations for a local environmental organization through selling T-shirts for $10. If you are intrested in purchasing a T-shirt, you can visit Mrs. Norris in room 410. After that, there is nothing that is set in stone, but there are plans for a clean up in Wintergreen woods, a plant sale, and a walk in the woods to educate elementary kids about nature. The Environmental Club is making a difference in the community. They are educating students and staff on the importance of recycling and are working to change the way people think. “I believe that our work is helping people become aware of what they can do to help the environment. A large change starts with the smallest of efforts.”