Environmental sustainability — to many, this phrase evokes thoughts of the three R’s of sustainability: reduce, reuse, and recycle. To the Choate student, however, the general understanding of the subject exceeds these three words. It’s no secret that our school cares about the environment, often focusing on teaching students more about the natural world. From the numerous detailed posters on how to properly recycle to the recycling and compost bins strategically located around campus, Choate’s emphasis on sustainability is undeniable. This emphasis is sparked by incredible support from various student groups, including the Conservation Proctors (C-Proctors), Student Advocates for Environmentalism (SAFE), Environmental Action Coalition (EAC), and 350CRH. Everyone is encouraged to join these groups in order to raise awareness and take action both on campus and beyond.
From the very first moment we step foot onto campus, we are given the resources to support Choate’s mission. On the student portal, students can find a section with documents dedicated to sustainability at Choate. On the move-in checklist, one of the earliest documents new students receive, a statement can be found regarding the importance of being green. As the mission states, our school seeks to incorporate sustainability “in all aspects of life.” It seems only reasonable that this constant exposure and emphasis would encourage all students to develop a passion for environmental awareness.
There is a notable difference, however, in the dedication of select student groups compared to that of the rest of the student body. In a recent Eco Rep meeting, students were asked to give feedback on the effectiveness of facilitated dorm activities on environmental sustainability. In the past several weeks, the representatives produced and showed fun videos posing questions encouraging students to discuss their thoughts on environmental issues and the Recycling Challenge going on at the time. What came as a shock was the widespread agreement in the meeting: student reactions had mostly been apathetic.
Only a few students partook in active and engaged discussion when resources had been offered to them. Moreover, these discussions scarcely led to follow-up conversations or further inquiry on the subject. Some eco-reps stated that several of their friends had not even been aware of the recent school-wide Recycling Challenge. Others stated that the idea of receiving food as the prize for winning the challenge did not motivate their dorm-mates to put more of an effort into being mindful of how they organized their trash and recycling.
A potential reason for such a reaction could have been that students were simply too busy and stressed to be willing to discuss or work together on sustainability. The business of students’ lives at Choate shouldn’t be discounted. However, though the efforts of the environmental clubs and organizations on campus are valiant, Choate cannot truly tout itself as environmentally friendly if the remainder of the student body does not meet them halfway. In the busy schedules and lives of our students, perhaps a sliver of time in each day can be spent actively seeking out ways to help. Simply being conscious of the effect each one of us has in our communities and our world as a whole contributes to the cause.
The upcoming Green Cup, a challenge focusing on conserving energy in all areas on campus, will provide an opportunity for students to raise awareness and demonstrate excitement about our environment and the positive impact we can have on it. Choate consists of roughly 850 passionate, creative individuals; everyone’s dedicated efforts will not only reach our goal to help our school and our world, but it will exceed it.
