The Environmental Action Clubs main focus is about “spreading information to other students, to encourage them to recycle and do activities outside of school and inside of school, that are healthy for the environment” says Tristan Ayts, a student at Wilsonville High, who has been a member of the club for two years. One of their main goals this year is to create a community within the school that promotes an environmental advocacy. They hope to spread the message to more people at the school who may not be as informed about this opportunity, but still want to be able to help. 

        Ainsley Mays, another student at Wilsonville High School, who has been a part of this program since the beginning of this year, explains that they believe in this so strongly because, “we are in the middle of a climate crisis at this point.”  

        Some things they hope to accomplish is, “as a whole, educate people in Wilsonville High School on how they can make more sustainable choices in their lifestyle, and be able to provide options for them,” says Ainsley. An example of how they do this, is last week they took inventory of all of the recycling bins in the school, so they could find where they’re needed and provide more resources for students. For example, they noticed the upper deck and the right wing lack  recycling bins for plastic and cans, and even have limited bins for paper. 

        Also, in the lunch room there is only one recycling bin for the whole school, says Tristan.  Some activities they have done recently during their meetings are they create borders to display around the school, and collect pieces of paper to spread awareness and encourage fellow classmates and administration.

        The Environmental Action Club also contributes to the community outside of school. They are planning on participating in the Friends of Trees program, which helps plan and care for trees in their area, and are planning a trail cleanup that is coming up soon. They also spread their message through their Instagram to showcase their activities and plans.

        People who are a part of this club say that, “it is a good experience, and overall it can be pretty fun with the activities we’re planning,” says Sophia Capetz, a Wilsonville High School student. This club is meant for people who care for the environment and who want to take action. 

        Want to learn more about the Environmental Action Club? Go to one of their meetings at room 104 during lunch on Tuesdays, or visit their Instagram account, @wvhs.environmentalclub.