Green Project: Ready to Start Growing
by Samantha Rathbun
With climate change becoming more apparent, it is time that people come together to make a change. Two students from Cape Cod Community College (4Cs) have decided they can no longer sit back and watch while people continuously impact the Earth negatively.
Green Project is a newly formed club this spring at 4Cs. The club, founded by Madison Medeiros and Hana Zayatz, works to educate the community about sustainability and its impact on the environment.
When asked why they formed this club, Medeiros said, “I don’t think climate change can be up for debate much longer and I truly feel it’s vital that everyone does their part.”
Climate change is a subject that is often disregarded. The change in climate, however, is causing an enormous amount of damage to the environment and cannot be ignored any longer. Medeiros and Zayatz hope to raise awareness of the subject, making the discussion a normality.
According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, “the planet’s average surface temperature has risen about 1.62 degrees Fahrenheit (0.9 degrees Celsius) since the late 19th century.” Humans seem to have an inability to understand their impact on the environment, thus the need to encourage recognition of climate change.
The main mission of the club is “to encourage sustainability and environmentally friendly practices on and off campus,” said Zayatz. Green Project creates a welcoming environment where ideas are encouraged, but is also “a great and easy way to complete volunteer and community service hours,” Zayatz said.
Although the club has just begun, having had their first meeting on January 30, it already has huge aspirations for their future impact on and off campus.
“Our focus right now is clearing out the green house, gaining a stronger on-campus presence, and arranging Earth Week in April, which will be our biggest event,” Medeiros said.
Green Project, just like any newly formed club, will need a kick start on campus in order for their ideas to be expressed. Medeiros acknowledges the fact that it will be difficult, but entirely worth it.
“The Club’s biggest challenge will be lifting off the ground. If we all came together, we could really create something lasting on this campus, or even in the community,” said Medeiros.
Green Project has plans for upcoming campus events that will allow students to experience the atmosphere that the club has to offer, as well as express their own passion for protecting the Earth.
Monthly trash clean-ups on campus as well as a handful of activities set for Earth Week this April, are just a few of the upcoming events that the Green Project is planning.
The club will be hosting its first event on February 20 in collaboration with the Economics Club. Dr. Madhavi Venkatesan, executive director of the non-profit Sustainable Practices will be the guest speaker.
“Along with events we have planned, we want to use the [campus] greenhouse as a fun way to connect with other students. Anyone is welcome to join us and play in the dirt,” Zayatz said.
Not only will the Green Project allow students to do their part and make an impact on the environment, but it will allow them to form a sense of community with others on campus who have the same passion for the betterment of the planet.
Green Project meetings are held on Wednesdays from 2 PM until 4 PM in room G-2 of the Science Building. Anyone interested can learn more information by contacting Medeiros and Zayatz through the club’s Facebook page: “4Cs Green Project.”
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