Sustainability is a pressing issue that needs involvement in order to reach progress. As COVID-19 begins to fade, many past issues like sustainability return to focus. In response, the World Cafe Event, which will be hosted by PHS on March 16, is one of many solutions to bring further awareness to students and the overall community.        

 Unlike February, where there was only an online presentation, the event will be an in-person discussion where participants will be able to share their ideas and find common themes behind everyone’s ideas. 

   “The format of the program is such that we will split into small groups, and have each group have a discussion … By the end, we can find common themes behind all the different pieces, all the different pieces of input,” said Jenny Ludmer, the Program Manager for Sustainable Princeton.

   Following up on the event, Ludmer hopes that the series of activities can bring many great ideas together. After all, the decisions and actions taken now are for the future of many students. 

   “If we could provide a forum where all of these ideas can come together, that could help the district prioritize moving forward plans to address some of these concerns that are out there,” Ludmer said.

   Ludmer believes that it is important to allow students to contribute to this act. By exposing many students to make an effort to change how energy can be sustained at an early age, they are more likely to continue this effort later on in their lives.

   “I think it's vital to educate students. You're inheriting the world as it is now. And you, many of you will hopefully contribute to the solutions to climate change. If I wanted to sum it up, you're the future. And unfortunately, the future is going to include climate change, so we're going to need as many hands on deck as possible to help us with this issue.” Ludmer said.

   There are also many students in PHS who feel the same way. As their futures are determined by the actions that are taken today, many want to step up to make a difference.

   “It is important because it is good to have awareness on what you do. It is still good to have general knowledge and information on issues that may surround us,” said Thomas Birge ‘24, a student in PHS. 

   Regardless of the current situation. Ludmer is very optimistic about this new opportunity to make a difference at PHS and in Princeton as a whole. Although the assembly being held this month may not be as significant, Ludmer believes that this is the right direction for PHS to change old habits into feasible and viable methods, explaining several advancements that Princeton is working on in order to reach a green future. 

   “I’m helping them with energy initiatives, transportation initiatives, natural resources management, and then resiliency, [which] is thinking about green infrastructure,” Ludmer said. 

   With so many broad topics, Ludmer has specific goals in mind, devising multiple methods and strategies to improve our environment ranging from clean, reusable energy, to transportation. 

   “We're looking at 2024 for solar to happen for all the schools … Those projects will likely start within the next six to nine months. It's a long process, it'll be a multi-year process. But it will, in the long run, be a very good thing for the high school,” Ludmer said.

   Despite difficulties lying ahead, change is in progress and students appreciate the effort from administrators and volunteers. 

   “I'm excited that the district has initiative now and wants to see it happen at the schools. In general, this is an important topic to address and inaction cannot be prolonged,” said Zach Guan 24’.