As the weather and spirits begin to brighten, another Earth Day has come around for us to celebrate. Now is the time to show all your support for the environment, especially as the impacts of climate change continue to be felt globally.
Earth Day has been celebrated nationally on April 22 every year since 1970. While the day originated in the U.S., it has gained international popularity since then. The United Nations officially recognizes April 22 as International Mother Earth Day through a resolution adopted in 2009.
In the spirit of caring for the environment, Tualatin High School’s Climate Change Activism Club has been working harder than ever to make an impact. Climate Change Activism Club is dedicated to raising awareness for environmental problems and making the community’s climate a better place. Every year, the club participates in volunteer road cleanups of Canyon Creek Rd. in Wilsonville, as well as other volunteer activities. Club members have had a lot of fun giving lessons to the preschool at Tualatin on climate-related topics. Last year, they taught the preschoolers about recycling, helping them make their very own pieces of paper using recycled paper scraps.
Being a part of the club gives students a sense of empowerment in their ability to help the environment. Sophomore Jaqueline Jaquez, the social media manager for the Climate Change Activism Club, described why involvement matters to her.
“At first, I joined the club because one of my friends was in it, but then I realized I really liked being involved in the community and making it a better place,” she said. “I care about the environment because we need clean air, drinkable water and food, which are all affected by the environment.
Jaquez also discussed the activities she enjoys being a part of.
“One of my favorite projects to do is when we do lessons for preschool,” she said.
Though the club’s members will keep striving to care for the environment, you don’t have to be a part of a club to make an environmental impact. Anyone can contribute locally to help celebrate. The Tualatin City website encourages citizens eager to get involved on Earth Day to plant pollinator-friendly plants in their yard, volunteer to plant trees with one of their volunteer organizations and check out local organizations dedicated to trees and bees.
However, if you’re looking to make a broader impact in the community and at school, consider signing up for the Climate Change Activism Club next year.
