Mercy and many of its students celebrate the earth every day, whether big or small.  With Earth Day right around the corner (April 22), these actions, that normally go by unnoticed, deserve appreciation and attention.

The Mercy “Recycling Gurus,” as they are called, are a group of students that volunteer their time to empty the recycling bins throughout the school once every two weeks.  Run by media specialist Katy Koskela, the girls sort through the recycling bins and return as much as they can, with the money going to the Green Club.  The Green Club uses this money for their meetings and projects.

“The amount of returnable water bottles has actually decreased the past years because so many kids have refillable water bottles,” Koskela said.  On average, the Green Club earns $15 to $20 in returnables, which is about 150 to 200 bottles.

Moreover, the Green Club has materials all around the school that promote recycling and reusing, including informational posters, delicious bake sales, and bins found in religion teacher Allison Kline-Kator’s room to donate used and old cell phones or batteries.

Another big way to help the earth is by the vehicle you drive.  Junior Mackenzie Elkow “goes green” by driving a diesel-fueled car.

“The diesel fuel won’t deplete in the future,” Elkow said, “so it’s better than using normal gas.  Although it is more expensive, it lasts longer and is better for the environment.”

There are many other simple ways to go green, including purchasing a reusable water bottle, such as the very popular Camelbak, unplugging electronics that are not in use, or even going vegetarian once a week.

“Our planet is the greatest gift we have,” Elkow said.  “I don’t understand why we would want to harm it.”