Environmental Club takes advantage of the school’s greenhouse to house hydroponics and grow vegetables. The vegetables will be donated to local food pantries.

The Environmental Club met on Sept. 26 to develop a Hydroponic system, a technique for growing plants without soil, to help people in the community as well as the environment.

“[Hydroponics is important] because they are cool and they help us out,” said senior Sophie Wong.

The Environmental Club was created to raise awareness of environmental issues, prevent eco-damaging behaviors, encourage immediate action in our environment, and explore gardening. Growing plants using hydroponics is one way to do that. Using Hydroponics helps conserve water, prevents soil depletion from over-farming, reduces the use of chemicals, and increases crop production making it more environmentally friendly.

“I like the environment and can meet like-minded people who share the same passion,” said Wong.

The club hopes to grow basil, tomatoes, lettuce, and other plants and vegetables using a nutrient-based water solution associated with hydroponics and traditional gardening.

“We always want people to be excited about nature and excited about doing things outside of school. This club is into gardening and understanding native plants to Missouri and understanding what grows here in Missouri,” said sponsor, science teacher Deborah Wyman

The Environmental Club along with Community Garden members are utilizing the school’s greenhouse to grow the plants and supply food for local food pantries.

“We like the idea of working with our community and helping out people who wouldn’t be able to have fresh vegetables…Not only do the food pantries get canned goods, cereal, and boxed things, they also get fresh vegetables,” said Wyman.

Not only is the Environmental Club helping the environment, it’s also benefiting the students in the club.

“You plant something and then you come back and you see the beautiful flowers and think, ‘Hey, I contributed to this,’” said Wyman.

Wong has learned and hopes others learn that “if you make a mistake, it’s okay. We’re all learning and so am I since I just started myself.”

Besides helping out the community and the club members involved, the club hopes to help North as well. Since Parkway North is undergoing construction and sometimes isn’t seen in the best light, the club hopes to bring some positivity to North.

“It’s kind of nice that we’re going to be able to showcase North…We are planning on doing some exciting work – landscaping around the school to make it look beautiful,” said Wyman.