Our daily lives are filled with environmental sustainability related events, for instance, Earth Day, which is coming up on the 22nd of April. As a result, it is our responsibility as citizens thriving in the beauty of our planet to take action even if it?s only in the matter of the aforementioned days. Whether it be in the scope of a household or even a larger community, every action is sure to hold boundless benefits.

Over the course of next week (April 17-21), our school?s Sustainability Council is holding Sustainability Week with an overarching theme of conservation. All in all, we hope to further meet the school?s mission statement in regards to promoting sustainable behaviors and involving our community in sustaining and safeguarding our environments. Each day focuses on a sub theme that not only targets the nature side of things but also society and person wellbeing. They are as follows:

Monday: Wellbeing

Tuesday: Energy

Wednesday: Waste

Thursday: Diversity

Friday: Transportation

In addition to informative videos spreading awareness of the topic playing in advisory class, suggestions on actions to be done, many on a scope so simple, it can be easily accomplished. However, one must note that no matter if it seems trivial, collectively as a community, the impact put together can be exponentially as large. Further action, for instance, community service events, or petitioning to resolve a pertinent issue, is just as welcome. Actions suggested by the Sustainability Council include in the respective above order, but are not limited to:

Do Random Acts of Kindness

Be grateful, create a gratitude list

Know your food, choose healthy, balanced options

Take time to breathe, appreciate your surroundings

Unplug devices to avoid overcharging

Be mindful of overall energy use

Participate in ISM Earth Hour

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Refuse (The latter focuses on saying no to the things you don?t need)

Bring your own container (The cafeteria offers discount if you do)

Conserve water

Participate in a school organized Recycled Art Competition (Look up: Upcycling)

Talk to someone new from a different background

Learn about your own heritage

Respect diversity, don?t discriminate

Carpool with a friend

Take the school bus

Walk instead of ride

In our society where the impact of our actions isn?t always on the back of our minds, it?s growing ever so important for the promotion of sustainable behaviors to stand out within communities. This is what we will target and if you wish to do so, keep track of our progress on Snapchat on ism_sc.