For some GS students the last thing on their mind is if they want to reduce, reuse or recycle.
    But some students, like the ones in Mr. Angelo Ross’ Ecology class, are in the process of learning exactly that. Ecology teaches students more about conserving and protecting the environment.
   “I’ve already benefited from this class in so many different ways,” senior Olivia Berry said. “I’ve already developed new habits that are less wasteful.”
   Simple tasks throughout a regular day can easily be done to help the environment.
   “There’s a lot of food that can be used for compost,” senior Kelsi Nicholson said. “It makes healthier soil.”
    One of the larger problems is drinking out of plastic bottles; this is a problem because plastic takes decades to decompose. A simple solution to this is drinking out of aluminum reusable water bottles. Plastic biodegrades (but takes much longer to do so) and aluminum can be recycled easily, so it’s more environmentally friendly.
    “I don’t even think students are blatantly neglecting our environment,” Ross said. “Turn your lights out, recycle and learn what it means to eat healthy.”
   All of the students are doing different things in the greenhouse, mostly what they choose.
   “I’m planting flowers, and Lacey [Neunlist] and I are composting,” Nicholson said. “We get the used coffee grounds in the library and some of the leftover food in the cafeteria; it’s actually really fun.”
    In the past nine years, Ross has been teaching ecology. One large project has been assigned each semester. Some past examples include the fair trade coffee in the library and the organic vending machine in the student lounge.
    “I basically turned the greenhouse over to my students at the beginning of the semester,” Ross said. “[I] told them that I wanted it to be run sustainably.”
   The students are still attempting to brainstorm ideas on what they’ll do.
    “We might just sell flowers around Christmas and Thanksgiving break,” Nicholson said. “Whatever money we make will go to a non-profit organization.”
   The students hope that they can spread the message as well as holiday cheer.
   “I hope by doing this project we can spread the idea of sustainability,” Berry said. “I hope that it shows that it’s easy to grow your own flowers and vegetables.”
   Though as insignificant as it may seem, doing small things to conserve energy and keep the planet clean will have a large impact in the long run.
    “It’s very important to [respect] the environment.” Nicholson said, “Why wouldn’t you? We live here.”