We love to talk about climate change at Lexington High School. We have compost bins in the cafeteria, aluminum water bottles, and posters reminding us to recycle. But here is the part we often avoid talking about: not everyone at our school can be “sustainable” in the same way, even at a school as wealthy as ours, and honestly, that really matters.
Learning about the inclusivity of climate activism is how I started paying attention to an incredible environmental activist, Leah Thomas. She founded Intersectional Environmentalist, a groundbreaking non-profit and resource hub that pioneered the idea that environmental and social injustices are interconnected, allowing for the inclusion of marginalized communities and the creation of more holistic, comprehensive solutions. Thomas believes that caring for the planet should also mean caring for the people who are most affected by pollution and climate change. Like she says, “We should care about the protection of people as much as we care about the protection of our planet. To me, these fights are the same.”
Thomas’ ideas made me think: even in a school where many students can afford fancy reusable water bottles and trendy clothing, sustainability efforts still leave people out. Metal water bottles, eco-friendly clothing, and organic food cost money. Environmental club meetings after school can be unfeasible if you are a busy individual. It is not that people do not care about the environment; some just lack the time, support, or effort to show it. Sustainability feels like a privilege, because it often takes extra money, time, and access to resources that not everyone has.
To be fair, LHS is truly doing a lot of good. Our composting systems, trash pick-ups, and clubs such as the ECO club are true efforts. But real change does not only come from the loudest voices or the trendiest sustainability efforts. It starts with thinking about everyone, not just the people who already have a seat at the table.
If we want to truly protect our planet, we have to make sure everyone can be a part of the solution! I think our school should follow Leah Thomas’s ideas by making sustainability more inclusive through in-school projects, donation drives, and efforts that connect environmental action with social equity.
If we want our climate activism to truly matter, we also need to ask the harder questions: Who is not in the room? Who feels like environmentalism is not in their timespace, and who is left out, even when they want to help?
