Greener Horizons

ISB celebrates Earth Week

                Taking place from the 26th to the 30th of April, Earth Week is a week specifically created to encourage environmental awareness and safety. Celebrated all over the world, it is no surprise that it is also celebrated at ISB. Organized by ISB’s own environmentalist group, The Green Panthers, this year's Earth Week is full of diverse activities that will aid the Earth. From fund raisers to visiting eco-guests, Earth Week is ISB's ultimate campaign to protect the environment.

                Earth Week began with Earth Day, April 22. The first Earth Day took place in 1970, created by American senator Gaylord Nelson. It was an immediate success, spawning the modern environmental movement. It was eventually felt that one day would not be enough time to achieve Earth Day's goals, so numerous places extend Earth Day to one week, April 16th to April 22nd. Now enjoying its fortieth anniversary, Earth Week is the most celebrated non-religious holiday in the world.

                Earth Week was chock full of activities and things to do. Tickets could be earned through participating in the Earth Week events, where the tickets could then be exchanged for prizes. You could earn tickets by riding your bike to school, wearing Green Panthers t-shirts, donating old materials and recycling.

                Every day was full of events to promote eco-friendliness. On Monday, a tree was put in the middle of the cafeteria. You could gain a ticket for each time you pledge to the tree that you will do something Eco-friendly. Tuesday had eco games set up in the cafeteria; tickets could be earned by playing the games. Vegetarian Day was Wednesday; no meat was served in the cafeteria. The food that was served was cooked from recipes sent by students. Bringing your own bottle could have nabbed you a ticket or two on Thursday. Finally, on Friday, it was possible to sign up for various environmental campaigns and gain a ticket.

                Mr. Dyke, ISB's Environmental Coordinator, had this to say on Earth Week, "It is a week where the goal is to get more and more students to focus on the environment and actually take personal action to make a small difference.  Some learn something they never knew, some might develop an interest which could later lead to that person doing much more in this area.  We try to focus on the main themes of transportation (ride your bike) waste (bring own water bottle, recycle items, reuse (donate) clothes, etc), water and food (eating less meat, reduce Co2)."

            This year's Earth Week was sure to be a success after the positive outcome of V-Day. It really does show that people care for the environment. Mr. Dyke left us with his overall feelings on Earth Week and its effects, "My feelings are mixed.  On one side it's good to celebrate it as it brings attention to certain problems and solutions and allows people to take action.  On the other side some people don't participate at all and others take action for that week and then go back to their old habits.  This is not the point.  The point is to learn something and then continue to make a difference.  Every day should be earth day so to speak.  I try to incorporate an eco attitude in my regular life; not just for a week.   I prefer projects like banning plastic bags at Villa as this has a much larger impact.  Once you get used to not wasting water, paper or electricity it becomes easy.  Carry a water bottle, don't take a plastic bag, etc.  Going vegetarian is something I always struggle with though.  I would prefer to see everyone make a few changes in their daily life rather than a big Earth Week.  However, as I said it is to bring a focused attention to the problems, solutions and actions."

By Michael Perry (ISB)