Trinity Environmental Action Club (TEAC) focuses on educating the Trinity College School community and taking action towards a more healthy and sustainable planet. This year’s theme is “Climate Action,” which means we’re learning about what can be done to combat climate change.
In the past, we would gather in a classroom, but this year’s challenges have changed the way we run the club. We have transitioned to online meetings through Google Meet. It definitely is not the same as in-person, but we have found ways to take on different initiatives while still following the COVID-19 protocols.
Big Tree Plant
Every year, the School organizes a tree plant event during the fall season. It was so amazing that we were able to carry on this tradition. We had to separate the juniors (Grade 9/10) from seniors (Grade 11/12) of the Senior School but this gives an opportunity to have another tree plant in the spring. (Click here to read more about the fall tree plant.)
Trees are so important to the environment because they remove excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and release oxygen. Planting trees plays a big part in fighting climate change.
Campaigns
One of our biggest projects this term was to focus on how different types of waste affect the climate. Our campaign topics included: plastics, packaging, food, holiday waste and clothing.
To go along with the campaigns, we made social media challenges. For example, the challenge hashtag for plastic was #PlasticFreeSaveTheSea.
Students were encouraged to participate in challenges we posted on our Instagram page by tagging us (@tcs.teac).
We’d like to share some tips related to the campaigns on how to reduce your waste.
- Plastic pollution solutions: carry reusables when you go shopping or elsewhere (bags, containers, cutlery, cups); recycle properly; do beach clean-ups.
- Food waste solutions: compost; pay attention to “best by” labels to eat food before it expires; finish leftovers.
- Packaging pollution solutions: buy in bulk; consolidate online orders; shop locally instead of online.
- Holiday waste solutions: wrap gifts in eco-friendly wrapping (recyclable, reusable); decorate with natural items; shop locally; gift experiences rather than things.
- Fast fashion solutions: buy from thrift stores; buy from stores that make clothes in a sustainable/durable way; resell or donate old clothes.
MOGO Emails
MOGO means to do “More Good” for the planet. The School’s sustainability team sends out weekly emails that we have helped write. They include information about an issue affecting the environment, and how an individual or a group of people is doing something to tackle that problem.
- By Karina Lee (Grade 11) and Jade Barnard (Grade 10), TEAC leaders
