The second week of every month will feature a column by IGov. It is an intergovernmental body consisting of two representatives from each of the village, public library park district, township and school districts 97 to 200. Luke Gilfillan, a high school student at OPRF High Schools, is the author of today’s column.
The OPRF Environmental Club aims to make sustainability a priority for the high school as well as its community. Students join the club to take part in our projects and become involved because they feel that the club represents the epicenter for environmental changes in Oak Park and River Forest. We meet every other week in a science class right after school. Here, we host environmental speakers and experts, brainstorm sustainability ideas, discuss climate-related world news, as well as work on projects that improve the school and community.
However, the Environmental Club wasn’t always focused on sustainability. The Environmental Club was established in 2003. It was initially called the Biology Club, but it did not focus on environmental issues. It wasn’t until 2006, when Ms. Jamie Bender (faculty member) changed the focus to make it the Bio/Environmental Club.
The Environmental Club has spearheaded many environmental changes at the school in recent times. The Zero Waste Cafeteria project was a long-running initiative that resulted, over the years, in compost bins being placed in all cafeterias. This also led to more sustainable practices such as compostable plates. We were part of the Strategic Energy Management cohort, which aimed to improve energy efficiency in schools and plan a native prairie garden. Oak Park River Forest Community Foundation grants were given to us to encourage stewardship of Thatcher Woods. They also removed invasive species in Cook County Forest Preserves. They also promoted village composting.
Students love the Environmental Club because they can get together with people who care deeply about the environment and share ideas on how to improve it. We believe OPRF promotes sustainable development by informing others of different activities.
COVID did nothing to stop the group providing unique opportunities for education. The club hosted a Zoom meeting last year with Dr. Virginia Burkett (climate researcher, United Nations International Panel on Climate Change Report), who won the Nobel Prize. FGM Architects, an architect firm that works on school construction projects, has advised us on our efforts to make OPRF an Illinois Green School. We are currently collaborating with FGM Architects to help OPRF students donate used clothes that will be later sold at a thrift store. All proceeds will go to a climate-related charity.
Sophie Ball, club vice president and senior, stated that we promote green habits and sustainable change to our school and community. We also lead projects that spread awareness about climate issues.
The Environmental Clubs mission educates high school students on sustainability, initiates environmentally sustainable efforts and provides a place for them to meet others who are concerned about sustainability. OPRF High school is the future of Oak Park, River Forest. The Environmental Club hopes to make our future clean by laying the foundation for a sustainable future. We hope all OPRF residents will follow our lead.
The Environmental Club Executive Board includes the following students; Luke Gilfillan, President; Sophie Ball, Vice President; Vedant Munhra, Treasurer; Elizabeth Bollinger Secretary; Eriana Bayron Media Relations Officer; Noah Schrodt Outreach Coordinator; Tallin Rao Project Leader; Leo Huppke Project Leader; Jonathan Hugh Project Leader.
