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Green Team flourishes in on-going sustainability projects

Maddie Kimmel, Staff Writer

February 14, 2024

At John Carroll, the end of last school year brought the start of the “Green Team.”

This group’s goal is to work towards becoming a Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education (MAEOE) Green School. This committee joins teachers, staff, students and school leadership to empower the John Carroll community to reduce environmental impact, encourage sustainability and foster environmental literacy in any way possible.

As of late, the Green Team has a few ongoing projects that have done exponentially well. The “No-Mow Zone” project was approved, providing many benefits for the environment. The No-Mow Zone will provide sheltered areas where species can use camouflage to protect themselves from predators, serve as a breeding ground for native species, improve water quality by filtering pollutants, stabilize soil, and reduce spending on the cost of mowing and labor.

The Green Team has also continued the Trex Program. The Trex Program recycles plastic and household bags into Trex’s earth-friendly composite decking and railing. Additionally, plastic collected at the cafeteria is placed into a Trex container where they will be turned into something new.

Green Team Coordinator Mary Beth Cochran said, “One of the more recent projects we have been working on is the trout in the back of the classroom. It is a fully student-monitored project where they must keep the water’s pH correct, take care of the fish themselves, and learn the importance of preserving that ecosystem.”

As the year continues, the Green Team is planning many new events. For example, JC will hold its first Arbor Day celebration in April. This is also known as National Tree Day, where it is customary to plant trees in the community. The Green Team will be planting trees in a location to be determined.

As spring gets closer, the entire community will be involved with these events and help these projects thrive.

Ms. Cochran and the Green Team’s efforts to keep the school environmentally friendly are succeeding, but it all starts with the entire community of John Carroll.