As concerns about climate change rise, Mater Dei students are beginning to question whether the school is doing enough to act sustainably. Go-Green, an ASB committee, was created to address climate change concerns by encouraging students to participate in environmental advocacy on campus. The club’s mission is to raise awareness, encourage sustainability, and promote environmental responsibility. Through campus initiatives and after-school activities, Go-Green offers students opportunities to participate in environmental action. Members of the Go-Green committee say small steps are being taken to protect the environment, but progress is slow. 

Senior Celiana Eaton describes the school’s attitude toward climate action as “okay,” noting that progress has been made but that there are still other important steps the school can take to improve its climate action. 

“I think it’s good that we have an environment committee that’s trying to help the campus stay healthy and clean,” Eaton said. “But I don’t think other people are doing as much as they should. A lot of [students] kind of brush off the recycling bins and don’t pay attention.”

Eaton believes students overlook the importance of recycling and environmental protection. 

“They think it’s not that serious,” Eaton said.

As a member of the Go-Green committee, Eaton sorts recycling and creates posters to spread awareness. She feels limited in her impact on preventing climate change and keeping a sustainable environment. 

“Because I am a student, there’s not much I can really do [to make a large impact],” Eaton said. 

She also noted that there have been no major changes on campus since recycling cans and refillable water stations were first introduced saying “It feels the same as it’s been.”

Eaton suggests using Mater Dei’s existing platforms, such as MDTV or Religious Studies classes, to raise awareness of climate action and promote the measures students can take to limit climate impacts.

“[Teachers] should try to educate [students] more,” Eaton said. 

Senior Preston Vu joined the Go-Green club out of concern for our Earth’s future. He serves as the club’s head commissioner, scheduling meetings and holding members accountable. 

“I joined Go-Green because I deeply care about fighting climate change, which is now threatening our future generations,” Vu said.

Vu explains that the club collaborates with teachers by delivering recycling bins to encourage an environmentally friendly environment. Their weekly recycling efforts and field trips keep their team motivated to keep working towards a sustainable environment at Mater Dei. Preston hopes the club’s influence will expand across the school in the foreseeable future. 

“We could see Go-Green being a bigger club and committee once more people acknowledge the growing threat of pollution and global warming,” Vu said. 

His long-term vision for the club is straightforward: he wants it to grow and make an impact on students so that more students can be involved and recognize the effects of climate change. 

“We want to grow our reputation and our collaboration with staff and the student body,” Vu said.

Go-Green continues its efforts, and members agree that the school community could be more involved to see progress among students on campus. The club serves as a reminder that with awareness and willingness to change, climate action can begin with us now.