This year’s Sustainability Showcase at Trinity College School put the focus on taking action for a healthy future for people and the planet. Throughout the week of November 29th to December 3rd, students and staff visited Cirne Commons to learn about a host of environmental issues, hear practical actions we can all take to lower our carbon footprint and pledge to do “MOGO” (“more good”) for the people and planet in a host of ways. The week was co-hosted by the sustainability office, TEAC (the student-run Trinity Environmental Action Club), the TCS Trailblazers service learning group and sustainability steward, Sarah Deleeuw.
Day one began with the theme of “Ditch the Disposables” and students were able to pick up free, personalized labels for their reusable water bottles and other containers as a way to encourage everyone to avoid single-use products, including plastic ones.
On Tuesday, students and staff had the chance to tell everyone how they are doing “MOGO” for the Earth, writing out actions on hand-held whiteboards, such as joining an environmental group like Trinity Environmental Action Club, shopping locally and giving reused/vintage gifts this holiday season, or simple steps like turning off lights to save energy.
Students were encouraged to tour the many displays in the commons on day three, learning about topics such as food sustainability and the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference, as well as programs like our TCS Green Cup Challenge and the School’s certification process through EcoSchools.
Water was in the spotlight on Thursday, as the TCS Trailblazers hosted a bake sale in the commons with a portion of proceeds benefiting Team Seas’ efforts to rid our seas of trash.
Finally, on Friday, students had the opportunity to sign petitions to show their support for various environmental causes, from protecting Indigenous land in Canada to helping prevent the extinction of Pacific Northwest salmon (an initiative championed by former TCS student Srijan Velamuri ’23).
Throughout the week, the goal was to have students and staff think about how they can personally make choices and take actions that, combined with the efforts of others, will create tangible change for a sustainable future. Thank you to all who contributed to our collective learning throughout the week.
