The Green and Clean Club exemplifies Notre Dame’s Hallmark 3—educating for and acting on behalf of justice, peace and care for all creation—by celebrating World Soil Day. The club engaged the community with two impactful events: a seed-planting activity and an informative presentation on composting.  

The festivities began with a fun, hands-on seed-planting activity in Pardini Park to raise awareness about the importance of healthy soil. Students filled mini, compostable cups and jars with soil, planting winter vegetable seeds like tomato, lettuce and broccoli, all to the backdrop of festive music. Participants received Green and Clean stickers, and baked goods were offered as a sustainability incentive to anyone who brought their own jar. 

The following day, students were encouraged to wear brown or green tops to honor soil biodiversity. Russell Dover, parent of  Cat ’25, gave an insightful presentation on the environmental benefits of composting and shared tips on how to get started. He highlighted how composting helps reduce environmental damage caused by slash-and-burn tactics and manure-based fertilizers. Mr. Dover explained that nutrient-rich soil can be produced with one part green waste, two parts brown waste and one part water, emphasizing that patience is required, as composting can take six months to two years to yield results. A huge thank you to Mr. Dover for sharing his time and expertise with the ND community.

The Green and Clean Club’s World Soil Day celebration not only highlighted the importance of soil health but inspired the Notre Dame community to take meaningful steps toward sustainability. By combining education with hands-on activities, the club reinforced the vital role of environmental stewardship in everyday life. With their efforts, the Green and Clean Club continues to lead by example, fostering a culture of care for our planet and its resources.

Green and Clean Officers Sonali '25, Eva '25, Mohira '25, Rose '25, Leah '25 and Mr. Russll Dover

PC: Leah '25 and Thamra '25