Fort Hamilton hosted its annual Earth Week from April 15 to 19. During this week, students were able to sign a pledge to improve the Earth in multiple ways, such as using recyclable bottles and wearing thrifted outfits. Students received prizes when they signed the pledge.
“The primary goal of this event is to celebrate Earth. Earth Day falls on April 22, and through Student Government and Leadership, we have organized an entire week of Earth Week activities to help students learn more about our planet and how to take care of it,” said Coordinator of Student Activities Diana De Paula. “Our school is facing a significant waste issue. As the second-largest high school in New York, we have a large carbon footprint, and everyone is concerned about how we can address it. We aim to inspire students to be more environmentally friendly.”
In the first half of the week, the school gave away reusable water bottles to those who signed the pledge in order to reduce the number of plastic water bottles being used. The following day, student government gave out tote bags to reduce the use of plastic bags. Throughout the week, student government encouraged the reduction of single-use plastics, as the pollution that occurs when the plastic is burned can have disastrous consequences for both the environment and human health, and distributed packets of seeds to students.
“Students were eager to take pictures of the Tiger Mascot and sign the Green Pledge…and to get Earth Week tote-bags, flower packets, t-shirts, and water bottles,” said Student Organization Secretary Devin Wong. “The event had a significant and positive impact on the students.”
