Earth Day is, without a doubt, one of the most underappreciated holidays society celebrates today. It is a day to thank our planet and reflect upon the choices that have hurt the world we live in, and it is a time to make a new choice: one to help our Earth heal. Parkland High School sees this day as an opportunity to teach students about the actions they can take to help reverse the damage previously caused and to live greener, cleaner lives. 

On Monday, April 22nd, an event was held in the PHS library to celebrate the Earth and acknowledge it as our home. Mrs. Gannon, a science teacher at Parkland, commented on what students can do in their everyday lives to contribute to rehabilitating the planet simply by taking the time to recycle their plastic waste after meals, stating, “students have a great opportunity every day.”

From recycling to water waste, exhibits were stationed around the room depicting and explaining the different forms and preventions of pollution. Students were positioned around the displays to provide summaries and descriptions of their projects. In the back of the library, there were more hands-on activities available for students to take part in. 

At one station, students could create a small terrarium using a water bottle, which they cut in half and added a variety of soil and rocks too. They would then take a small part of a fern and plant it in the soil. This is a great way to reuse old plastic water bottles and grow more plant life.

At another station, students could cut up old shirts into strips and use them to create bags. These bags can be used for shopping, as purses, or as a school bag, saving material and reusing waste.

In the back of the makerspace, students could claim old shoes donated by teachers for free. The shoes were perfect for job interviews and dressy events and were a great way for students to be able to obtain formal wear.

The Earth is one of the most important things under human care, and it is the job of the people, as residents, to take care of it. Taking baby steps, one day at time, mankind can work to heal the planet and help it recover from the damage that has been caused through pollution and contamination.