Environmental justice is a globally recognized issue that the current generation of students needs to confront now in order to protect the future of our planet. Jesuit High School Sacramento’s Environmental Justice and Sustainability Club seeks to address this issue. 

The club aims to help the environment by spreading awareness for environmental justice among Jesuit students. 

“The environmental justice club seeks to enable students to become more involved and responsible in their community since it impacts all of us. We hope to bring light to existing programs which share this same goal, as well as develop how students make active efforts to minimize negative environmental impacts in their daily life,” said Club member Mitchell Sullivan ’25.

Club Moderator Dr. Nicole Jensen believes that there are multiple reasons to take care of the environment.

“The environment and taking care of the environment is important for so many different reasons,” Dr. Jensen said. “There are religious and social justice aspects, and it’s also a good way for students to be able to do hands-on activities that actually help them see results.”

While the main aim of the club is to target environmental issues on the Jesuit campus, club member Logan Nguyen ’25 appreciates the club’s ability to make a difference beyond the Jesuit campus.

“We are promoting environmental justice and sustainability specifically within Jesuit, while also branching out into the community.” Logan said. “One of my recent impactful experiences with environmentalism and sustainability was at the Monterey Bay Climate Change Summit where I did a day of seminars and developed projects in order to combat climate change. We will be attending the SMUD Youth Energy Summit next year to try to make plans for a real change in our community.” 

While the club has a significant impact on Jesuit, membership does not require a significant time commitment. Dr. Jensen appreciates everyone that joins the club – regardless of time commitment – because all the time they devote will be put to good use.

“It’s a low commitment club, but when you want to choose to participate – in river cleanups, tree plantings, or help with recycling on campus – there are a lot of opportunities to be involved and put your labor to good use to help our bigger picture environment,” Dr. Jensen said.

While improving the environment is the core reason behind everything that the club does, Mitchell believes that the efforts of the club also improve the student body and the campus as a whole.

“[Our] campus serves as a representation of who we are and how much we care,” Mitchell said. “If students neglect campus or see it as a problem that can’t be fixed, there’s no telling what they’ll think of the greater problem, one that isn’t here in their home.”

The Environmental Justice and Sustainability Club is making tremendous impacts on the Jesuit campus and Sacramento as a whole, and is a great way to make a difference as an individual. Every minute Jesuit students put into the environment is a minute spent well.