Last spring, the Corvallis High School Green Club hosted two student assemblies during the school day- this was the fourth annual- so all students would have the opportunity to learn about simple and sustainable actions that everyone can take.
According to Green Club leader Anabel Change, the annual assembly is an opportunity for club members to present facts about climate change, raise awareness, and encourage action. “We are not just saying the world is ending, we are showing students what they can do. There are little things that you can do every day such as knowing how to recycle or choosing to ride your bike to school rather than drive a car.” Anabel, joined the club as a sophomore and is now a senior. Anabel’s family is from Taiwan. “While Corvallis is educated in terms of climate change, we agree with the issue but don’t always take action. In Taiwan there is a very rigorous recycling program, it’s not an option. You can get fined if you don’t recycle. If you contrast us with other countries, we are very far behind.”
Elena Hart, another student leader, thinks that even the small actions matter. “Corvallis is pretty clearly ahead of a lot of communities. We are a well-educated community about climate change. We can all do small things to take action, including getting rid of plastic straws. I get annoyed with plastic straws. People don’t even think about it.” According to these student leaders, the best thing about Green Club is that they have driven change at CHS. Plastic forks were replaced in the cafeteria with reusable forks and after years of planning and fundraising, a 117 kw solar panel project is going to be installed on the CHS gym roof this year.
Once the fully-operational rooftop solar array is installed the district will purchase electricity produced by the solar electric system at rates guaranteed under the terms and conditions of a Power Purchase Agreement. This project is happening in partnership with the Oregon Clean Power Cooperative and Benton Electric. The district’s energy savings are estimated to be between $327,000 and $483,000 over the next 25 years. According to Anabel, “A lot of people don’t realize how easy it is to actually make a big impact. High school students don’t realize how much power they have to change things.”
CHS teacher Julie Williams is the club advisor and, according to students, she guides, prods, and encourages them to have big ideas and take action. The students have been fundraising for the CHS solar panel project by raking leaves in the rain last fall, working concessions at OSU games and events, and presenting the project at community meetings, including the Climate SOLutions Fair, hosted at CHS this spring. Donations are still being accepted for the solar project and can be made through the Corvallis Public Schools Foundation at www.corvallispublicschoolsfoundation.org, designate your gift to CHS Solar Project.