Best of 21 JSR - Student’s Take on The Lorax Project

A photo of wind turbines, a renewable source of energy alongside the Lorax. This photo was sent along with a letter written to a peer about renewable energy sources. Source: Author, Caroline Kim

The 22 JSR Fall Semester has officially began! But before we begin premiering the great written works of our new student reporter articles, we here at JSR wanted to take a look back at the best of the previous semester. We’ve had our reporters write about a range of topics from the events happening in their community to personal opinions pieces, to things happenings nationwide and around the world. Our student editors worked diligently in pressing out Editor’s Columns that covered a broad range of topics as well.

Caroline Kim, Grade 12 Crescenta Valley High School

Starting from the beginning of the 21 JSR Semester, these particular selections were made because they were prime examples of reporting within school and the community, making larger connections within society and internationally, and even introspection. It is our hope that the caliber of these articles are used as models of high performance that the student editors and reporters can strive towards.
We tip our hats to these editors and student reporters.

Student’s Take on The Lorax Project

This article was originally published on February 18, 2019

Climate Change is real, Global Warming is here, and yet the world stays silent. In the past century alone, carbon dioxide emissions have increased on a far greater level than predicted. Carbon Dioxide emissions are growing exponentially with increasing reliance on fossil fuels, consequential obliteration of forests, and irreversible consumption of natural resources. Just last week, Canada and the United States witnessed record breaking temperatures brought by the Polar Vortex. The cause of this deadly catastrophe was none other than the warming of sea temperatures that dragged arctic air down.

Sea levels are rising at an alarming rate threatening cities all over the world. According to the United Nations, “[We] still find ourselves in a situation where we are not doing nearly enough to save hundreds of millions of people from a miserable future... 275 million people worldwide live in areas that will eventually be flooded at 3C of global warming.” Upon learning about this world wide crisis, students at Crescenta Valley High School’s AP Environmental Class have participated in the Lorax Project.

The Lorax Project, based on one of Dr. Seuss’ famous books, deals with the negative effects of human consumption on the environment. The Lorax Project aims to raise awareness amongst students all over the United States by identifying environmentally positive and negative items in which they can discuss. Students are required to take their “Lorax” with them as they go on with their daily lives. After taking pictures, students are assigned to write letters to send to peers in different schools all over the world.

Disposable bags that were found at the grocery store photographed with the Lorax to be included in a letter to be sent to peers. Source: Author, Caroline Kim

A small excerpt of a letter I once wrote said, “last week I was out with my Lorax at my local supermarket when I came across the fresh fruit and vegetable section. Upon looking for healthy snacks for the following day’s lunch, I noticed apple slices that were individually packaged in plastic wrap and then further repackaged in a plastic container. I was flabbergasted by the unnecessary and excess use of plastic and instantly remembered last semester’s chapter on waste disposal and plastic usage”. And, by sending such a letter which also included statistical data about plastic usage, I became a small part of the solution.

Through the Lorax Project, I became more conscious of environmental aspects in my daily life. And, I believe that possible solutions to plastic usage can be biodegradable alternatives. In today’s world with ongoing Global warming and a growing throw-away society it is essential for individuals to be more conscious of the decisions they make. Although I fear the present day effects of global warming, I believe that conditions can be changed through environmentally friendly alternatives in energy sources, commercial products, and food choices.

Hopefully, more students participating in the Lorax Project can help raise awareness and make small contributions towards a better future.