Two hundred thirty-four. A VHS student goes to refill their water bottle. Two hundred thirty-five. A sea turtle is saved from plastic pollution.

With the installment of the water bottle refilling station, VHS students have been taking baby steps towards reducing their ecological footprint. These steps have taken students to the Environmental Science classroom and Marine Biology Club, Environmental Club, and Girls Learn International meetings.

The Environmental Science classes have taken steps all around the world in the form of environmental documentaries, which stress the reality of climate change. Teachers show students the unseen effects of their lifestyle and food choices. Most importantly, they provide methods in which students can reduce their ecological footprint on an individual level. These practices are then brought to club meetings to be implemented.

The Marine Biology Club has taken steps to the Jersey Shore for beach cleanups and to the Learning Commons for speakers to educate students on the pressing environmental issues of ocean pollution and global warming. Members aim to create a sea turtle visual made up of recyclables because, unfortunately, some sea organisms are filled with these wastes.

The Environmental Club has taken steps to the greenhouse and courtyard. Members contributed to the opening of the courtyard for all students, so all could take a break from the school day and have Mother Nature reduce their stress. Through the annual Green Poster Contest, members plant the seed in future generations to continue the growth of environmental awareness.

The Girls Learn International club has taken steps through virtual trips to less-developed countries. Speakers educate students on the importance of girls’ education, and they share that an environmental benefit of the education of girls is that the more educated the girls are, they fewer children they will have. This will help plateau the exponentially growing human population, which is the primary contributor to human made environmental disasters.

Classes and clubs have educated the students of Verona High School on the pressing environmental issues and methods to reduce their ecological footprint. It is now the students responsibility to take action in the Green Revolution.

Current bottle number: 2017, and counting!