Every Tuesday after school, the Sacred Heart Sustainability Club meets to discuss current environmental issues and learn about the natural surroundings of the Sacred Heart Greenwich campus.  In 2021, the Sustainability Club introduced beekeeping to the school.  They continue to grow the apiary program, bringing in bees to pollinate the campus and produce honey during the spring and summer months.  Additionally, the club implemented composting bins for food scraps during lunch.  The goal is to encourage students to work to build a greener future.  Ms. Ellyn Stewart, Director of Media Studies and Design and Innovation at Sacred Heart, spoke about how this environmental leadership can transfer into future areas of work and study.  Dr. William Mottolese, Upper School English Teacher and seven-12 English Department Co-Chair, elaborated on the role of religion and prayer in advancing environmental stewardship.

The Sacred Heart Goals and Criteria are a guiding factor in the club’s efforts to protect natural resources.  The Sustainability Club uses “a social awareness which impels to action” as the basis of their work for bettering the Earth, through recognizing climate issues and seeking ways to improve the environment.  During a nature walk on the Tuesday meeting October 24, Dr. Mottolese led a meditation for students and faculty to help them be mindful of the environment and connect with the surrounding nature.  Dr. Mottolese discussed the Sacred Heart mission to care for the Earth, as portrayed through Goal Three.

“As we live into the 21st century on a planet in distress, as a Sacred Heart school, our mission and charism call us to understand our role as stewards to the earth and our place in the universe,” Dr. Mottolese said.  “As urged by Goal Three, our relationship with the earth should be harmonious, not dominant or oppressive.”

In September, the Sustainability Club continued the composting program in the cafeteria.  Students and teachers volunteer to assist in composting the food waste of fruit, vegetables, and bread.  By incorporating composting into the Sacred Heart community, students and teachers learned how and when to compost rather than letting food go to waste.  Every year, approximately 1.3 billion tons of food valued at $1 trillion go to waste.  This is enough to feed around three billion people, according to earth.org.  While 72% of people in the United States do not currently engage in composting at home, 67% expressed willingness to do so if it was more convenient, according to waste360.com.  The Sustainability Club aims to educate students and faculty on composting in order to reduce these numbers.

In addition to composting, the Sustainability Club manages three honeybee hives on campus to support the pollination of plants and honey production during the spring and summer.  During one Tuesday meeting, a group of students went down to the beehives and native meadow to check on the honeybees and the wildflowers that students and faculty planted earlier this year.  This practice promotes the health of plants and bees on campus while also educating students on beekeeping and honey.  Ms. Stewart emphasized how caring for the school’s campus aligns with the Goals and Criteria through Goal Three.

“As a Sacred Heart community, we are called to be good stewards of the earth,” Ms. Stewart said.  “In the Goals and Criteria, Goal Three, Criterion Four calls for all community members to accept accountability for God’s creation.  We are fortunate to have a beautiful 110-acre campus that provides us with an environment to learn and grow.”

In the fall of 2023, the Sustainability Club offered opportunities in Lower, Middle, and Upper School for students to take on leadership roles in sustainability through the Lower School’s Mustard Seed program, the Middle School’s newly established Sustainable Roots Club or the Upper School beekeeping program.  These programs engage students from all grades, integrating the Sacred Heart community in caring for the school’s environment through hands-on activities and teaching them about environmental care.  Ms. Stewart talked about how knowledge about the Earth and sustainability is beneficial for the future and can be useful in the workforce.

“I hope that the impact of this club will extend far beyond our campus,” Ms. Stewart said.  “I believe that the work our students are doing at 1177 King Street will sow seeds of change for the future.  Careers in sustainability are one of the fastest-growing areas of growth.  I look forward to seeing our students utilize their compassion, empathy, and problem-solving skills to become changemakers in the field of sustainability.”

Featured Image by Sofia Latrille ’25