2-13-2024 11:59pm

Springboro High School Students Work Together To Offset The Carbon Emissions

Beth Callahan Editor

SPRINGBORO, OH -- Springboro High School juniors Mary Klene and Phoebe Matthew have been working together to offset the carbon emissions of the high school cafeteria. To do this they have partnered with the nonprofit organization Tree-Plenish and are selling saplings for $5 each.

"Tree-Plenish guides students through a structured process, empowering them to organize their own tree-planting event," explained Klene.

With the help of the biology teacher and advisor Beth Andrews, the students calculated their school’s energy usage and set a goal of 150 saplings to plant. "Our hope is to engage community residents to order saplings for planting in their yards and 150 saplings replaces 180 tons of carbon used," Klene said.

Klene explained that over the fall and early winter, she and Matthew meticulously planned their tree-planting event, and now, they are actively promoting the event to the community by encouraging residents to order saplings and volunteer to plant them on the designated day of April 28, 2024.

The saplings need to be purchased by March 28. And then on April 28, the event day, the purchased trees can be picked up in the Springboro High School parking lot between 11-4.

"We believe this event is important because one large tree can provide a day supply of oxygen for 4 people," she added.

Residents of the Springboro community can support the event by ordering saplings for $5 each by visiting the Tree-Plenish Springboro Event website. People have the option to choose from American Sycamore, Colorado Blue Spruce, and Eastern Redbud saplings. For those unable to participate directly, monetary contributions can be made on the Tree-Plenish website to support future tree-planting events.

"We take great pride in giving back to our community and making a positive impact on our environment. Planting these saplings helps offset our school’s energy consumption but also fosters a sense of community pride as we work towards a more sustainable future," noted Klene.

Tree-Plenish is a student-led 501(c)(3) non profit organization with the mission of empowering students to create a more sustainable and equitable future through community tree-planting. Together with students from Springboro High School, Tree-Plenish hopes to drive Springboro towards a sustainable future.