Being the most coastal school in the district, La Jolla High needs to set an example when it comes to sustainability. As we continue to improve the school’s infrastructure, why don’t we work on improving our environmental impact as well?  The community of La Jolla cares immensely about conservation and preservation and our school should reflect those values. 

La Jolla High is only a couple blocks from the ocean, therefore it’s crucial that we’re aware of the negative impact we have on the environment. While carbon emissions from students commuting to and from school is inevitable, there are a few steps we can take to lessen our environmental footprint. With the addition of on campus bike racks we can encourage local students to bike, reducing emissions from transportation. Plastic pollution is also rampant on campus due to student litter. The quad can be seen engulfed in a sea of trash from careless students, leaving the custodians with hours of work that can be avoided. As La Jolla High does not implement recycling, it would be a simple start to place recycling bins around campus as well as increasing the amount of trash cans. “La Jolla High is on the ocean and the fact that we litter carelessly is shocking and disgusting. Recycling needs to become the norm on campus and students need to take more pride in keeping their community clean.”

Administration needs to be held accountable, and push for additional curriculum about the benefits of recycling. Senior and advocate for on campus recycling, Jesse Pearl, is frustrated with the lack of care, “La Jolla High is on the ocean and the fact that we litter carelessly is shocking and disgusting. Recycling needs to become the norm on campus and students need to take more pride in keeping their community clean.” While punishments for bad environmental behavior will have an effect, incentives for sustainability should also be encouraged. Senior Natalie Gettman agrees that our behavior is unforgivable, yet thinks we need to think bigger. “Yes, La Jolla High becoming more sustainable would be amazing, but we also need to hold the global conglomerates responsible for their detrimental environmental behavior.”  The time is now, and we are the change. Push for eco-friendly alternatives and do better.