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The School Newspaper of Winston Churchill High School.

The Observer

The School Newspaper of Winston Churchill High School.

The Observer

The School Newspaper of Winston Churchill High School.

The Observer

While many students’ families compost at home, both the environment and economy would benefit from school wide composting.

Composting efforts should be used to improve MCPS’s footprint

By Leah Kreisler, Online Photo Mangager March 11, 2023

Every year, approximately 268 million tons of waste are produced in the United States alone. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), this means every American produces roughly 4.4...

A book is prepared to be wrapped to be given as a gift. This wrapping paper without plastic glitter or sparkles is more sustainable.

Sustainability tips for the holidays

By Ananya Pandit, Assistant Features Editor December 21, 2022

From twinkling rooftop lights that set streets alight, to the shimmery wrapping paper that leaves little silver specks in unreachable crevices, part of the holiday season’s charm is its excess. The holiday...

Composting programs are low-effort but high-yield. MCPS schools, including WCHS, need to take bigger steps to establish their own.

Waste not, want not: composting offers green solutions

By Ha-Yeon Jeon, Features Editor May 23, 2022

Composting, food waste and the environment: three buzzwords that are always linked together in vague speeches trying to convince everyone to compost. But what is composting really, and why should schools...

Junior Callie Burd poses in the dressing room of a thrift store with her new finds. Burd has been thrifting for almost three years and loves finding unique items and being eco-friendly.

Thrifting rises in popularity amongst teens

By Maya Bhattiprolu, Online Editor December 11, 2020

The thrill of buying new clothes, a so-called “shoppers high,” may have a short-term benefit on your mind, but is not always good for your pockets or the environment. With thrifting on the rise, consumers...

A venn diagram lays out what sustainability is all about: the necessary intersections of people, profit and our planet. As the holiday season comes, consumers must account for the world’s current existential climate crisis and shop sustainably within the vast green market.

How to shop sustainably for the holidays

By Quinn Cook, News Editor December 11, 2020

With the holiday gift season now in full swing and a pandemic accelerating, consumers are more likely than ever ready to shop online within the safety of their own homes. Meanwhile, the climate crisis’...

Wind farms like the one pictured are part of the future of clean energy. Soon, large corporations across the globe will use these to power stores, cell towers, and even homes.

Big businesses take action with clean energy initiatives

By Ryan Weiner, Assistant News Editor November 19, 2020

In an effort to slow climate change and lower carbon footprint, many big corporations from all industries such as Apple, Starbucks and Disney have created environmental initiatives. These initiatives range...

A couple climate activists of color attend and hold signs at a climate change march. One of the signs importantly states "Climate Justice IS Racial Justice!"

Climate change disproportionately discriminates against racial minorities

By Quinn Cook, News Editor June 23, 2020

In a time of increased awareness in America surrounding the abhorrently unjust conditions of systemic and institutionalized racism, it is important to shine light on the many issues that disproportionately...

Since everyone has been in lockdown during the coronavirus and is using less transportation, pollution in the sky has cleared.

Worldwide shutdown amidst pandemic allows Earth to breathe

By Melissa Redlich, Sports Editor May 21, 2020

For decades, a polluted cloud has loomed over China and murky waters have filled Venice’s canals. But recently, both the skies and the waterways have begun to clear up, leaving beautiful and clean cities....

The Walgreens in Potomac Woods Plaza has begun stocking the iconic chocolate heart boxes of Valentine's Day. Most of this chocolate will not be bought or eaten, and as displayed by the pile of boxes on the cart, creates waste. The quantity of candy available in early January also prompts thought on the fossil fuels necessary to make all of these products and transport all of them to thousands of stores throughout the country.

Valentine’s Day: not so sweet for the environment

By Victoria Park, Opinions Editor February 3, 2020

There is no better way to show how much you love someone than  presenting them with a bouquet of roses, a heart shaped box of chocolates and a plush teddy bear. But these flowers die in a week or so,...

Just outside the Capitol stands a group of WCHS juniors after walking out of school on Friday, Sept. 20, the day of the D.C. Climate Strike. Holding their handmade posters, they take their picture to commemorate the day they fought for environmental regulation, a controversy similar to that being fought in Brazil regarding the Amazon.

Lungs on fire: Amazon news encourage environmental action

By Hannah Zozobrado, Arts Editor October 11, 2019

The ongoing fires in the Amazon are a prime example of an environmental crisis that has been fueled by a political and economic agenda. As the Amazon is the most biodiverse area on earth and additionally...

In order to promote a “low-waste lifestyle” instead of a “zero-waste lifestyle,” students should be encouraged to carry reusable water bottles instead of plastic ones when at all possible.

Zero waste lifestyles are unrealistic

By Caitlyn Jennings, Staff Writer June 4, 2019

Taking care of the environment has become a new trend. This is a good thing because many nearby restaurants have started to hand out paper straws instead of plastic ones, and stores encourage customers...

"Fast fashion" stores are places that have quick turnaround time from runways to stores, leading to more affordable prices at the high cost of increased environmental harm.

Fast Fashion Leads to Environment Concerns

By Nora Holland, Opinions Editor November 26, 2018

Need a cheap yet fashionable outfit fast? Never fear! Look no further than Forever 21; it has everything you could possibly hope for and more, as long as you do not mind contributing to water pollution...

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