Earth Carnival Teaches Importance of Going Green

Earth's fate may be left to the next generation, but students at Chatham High School are making sure the planet is being left in good hands.

On a beautiful Saturday afternoon, the Chatham High School Environmental Club held its Earth Carnival. The Earth Carnival is an Environmental Club tradition, one that hopes to teach the youths of Chatham the simplicity of going green. Students taught eager children easy, green actions through fun games, awarding prizes to the most environmentally knowledgeable. 

"We came up with the idea a few years ago, and we've been doing it every year since," Environmental Club President Julie Messing said. "Our main goal is to get as many children here as we can so they can learn what they can do every day to help. We have game to try and teach them to turn out lights when they leave the room, or to turn off the water when they brush their teeth. Just the little things that make a big difference."

Students were not the only ones to join in the fun. Borough Council Member Leonard Resto and Township Environmental Commissioner Pat Collington spoke about going green with the kids.

"I've been amazed by the kids who've stopped by and how knowledgeable they are, more so than we are I think," Resto, a member of the Green Initiatives Committee for three years, said. "It's been very interesting." 

Resto and Collington also promoted the Take the Green Challenge. After taking a simple composting quiz, environmental-conscious residents have the opportunity to win their very own backyard composter. The prize composter takes household food waste and transforms it into nutrient-rich "black gold."

"Compost is rich, dark dirt which is good for your lawn, shrubs, trees, gardens, indoor plants," Collington said. "Compost is also very economical because you will buy less fertilizers and chemicals to supplement your garden and lawn care, and it also reduces the amount of water you need to use on your lawn."

Resident Jenny Moskowitz, excited by the prospect of a healthy and cheaper lawn, was quick to complete her quiz. 

"I feel like I waste so much, she said. "When I cut my melon, I throw my rind in the garbage. I know that can be used for compost. I've been wanting to do this for a while and it doesn't look hard. I started a garden last year and I want to do it again."

Ultimately, the day was meant for the children, and the carnival at least made a difference to one little girl.

"You can save energy and save the earth in a lot of different ways," Yumpso Bhum, a carnival guest said. "I'm gonna start composting more and turning off lights when I'm not using them to save energy."

Those who missed the Earth Carnival who would like to learn more about environmental issues can attend a screening of, "Turning the Tide" at the Library of the Chathams on May 12.