[Student Reporters] Taking time for Earth can mean gaining a future for humanity (and service hours)
By Woojin Park North Hollywood High School Grade 9
The continuous chain of hot-weather days is taking a toll on students not only causing massive perspiration but also driving them to speak up about global warming. Very recently students have given a way to environment-friendly activities in an attempt to keep mother Earth healthy while receiving numerous community service hours as well.
"Honestly taking action to conserve and restore our environment not only provides organisms a habitat but it also helps humans" says Anna Yegiyan the president of TreePeople Club at North Hollywood High School. "Along with planting trees and taking care of them we clean up beaches and rivers educate the public about how their actions impact the environment and help animals."
The TreePeople organization a non-profit environmental group recently sponsored the TreePeople Club at North Hollywood High School. Not only can students create affiliated organizations within their schools but they can also volunteer at the TreePeople headquarters in Beverly Hills.
Another group called 30-Minute Beach Cleanup cleans the beach together and receives community service hours at the same time. Organized by Justin Rudd a leading environmentalist in Los Angeles 30-Minute Beach Cleanup meets in Long Beach every third Saturday of every month to pick up trash on the beach.
Another way to make a difference is through Sustainable Works which trains students on campuses to incorporate sustainable practices into everyday lifestyles.
"When I used to be a member of the Sustainable Works group I really felt like I was making a difference" said Sarah Park a junior at UCLA. "This really changed the way I treated the planet I live on. Even now I always throw away bottles and cans in the recycling bin."