Insight: Sustainability and Empathy for the Future

By Kip Wassink, Science Teacher & Environmental Club Sponsor 

I have a confession: I can’t walk on campus without putting rocks back in the landscaping beds, picking up trash, or thinking of ways to make things more efficient. These are small actions that reflect a larger philosophy: sustainability is an expression of empathy for the future. At EPS, we see sustainability not just as an initiative but as a responsibility to those who will inherit the world we leave behind. Every act of conservation, every effort to reduce our carbon footprint, is a message to future generations that we care about the world they will live in.

EPS is taking concrete steps to turn this philosophy into action. During Earth Week, the Environmental Club works to help the community become more aware of our environmental impact, sharing information about various projects such as carbon footprint audits, creek restoration, and sustainable transportation efforts. Additionally, working with the Accelerated Restoration Collaborative allows students and families to offset carbon emissions from travel, reinforcing our commitment to responsible stewardship beyond the classroom. These initiatives are not just about numbers and data; they are about instilling a mindset of care and accountability in our students.

Our campus itself is also evolving to better reflect our sustainability goals. We are analyzing utility data to evaluate our energy use, with plans to implement efficiency measures that will reduce our carbon footprint. Battery drives, creek restoration projects, and a deeper look at our overall emissions are all part of a broader effort to understand and minimize our environmental impact. Events like the October 19 Orca Recovery Day, where a group of community members worked together to remove invasive blackberries from the land near Cochran Springs, provide hands-on experiences that reinforce the connection between local ecosystems and global environmental health. By participating, students, staff, and parents contribute to tangible change while strengthening their understanding of the interconnectedness of environmental issues.

Education is central to this work. By sharing our sustainability initiatives at events like EagleCon and Middle School assemblies, we encourage ongoing engagement and reflection within our community. We hope these conversations will not only inspire participation but also deepen the understanding that sustainability is fundamentally an act of empathy. The choices we make today shape the experiences of future generations, and by making responsible environmental decisions now, we demonstrate that we value their well-being.

Looking ahead, EPS is committed to continuous improvement in sustainability. We envision a campus with more native landscaping, composting systems like worm bins and greywater recycling, and long-term strategies that significantly reduce our carbon footprint—striving for greater environmental responsibility. Each step we take, big or small, contributes to a culture of care—one that extends beyond our own lifetimes. By prioritizing sustainability, we are leaving a legacy that future generations can build upon, ensuring that empathy for the planet remains at the heart of our community.