Sustainability in Action

On Earth Day at Fay, students across all three divisions participated in a day of hands-on environmental learning to deepen their understanding of sustainability and stewardship. Upper School students selected three workshops from a diverse menu, with Primary and Lower School students participating in two sessions after lunch. Through skills-based workshops, they explored real-world challenges, built practical knowledge, and transformed their ideas into action, learning not just why caring for the planet matters but also how to actively advocate for it.

In the CC&D, students engaged in applied environmental science and engineering by exploring how design can reduce waste and support biodiversity. Through hands-on projects, they upcycled textile waste into new clothing, examining the environmental impact of fast fashion, and constructed bat boxes to better understand habitat conservation and local ecosystems. Mike Bruny P’29 led a sustainable fashion workshop, teaching students how to repurpose leftover fabric into functional items, such as pocket squares, while reinforcing principles of reuse and resourcefulness.

The focus on sustainable systems continued through agricultural, culinary, and beauty workshops. Students explored the entire food cycle, from planting greenhouse herbs and seeds and studying sustainable agriculture to baking treats with natural dyes and crafting handmade pizzas topped with fresh microgreens. Primary School students learned about the essential role of earthworms in soil health, and Lower and Upper School students created safe and natural skincare products.

Putting civic responsibility into practice, students also worked to revitalize campus spaces. By prepping the greenhouse and courtyard for the growing season and planting spring flowers, they fostered a shared sense of pride in our community. 

Earth Day at Fay is truly an all-community event, and throughout the day, students were mentored and inspired by parents, alumni, and friends of Fay who shared their knowledge and expertise. Students in Lower and Upper School also had the opportunity to make an impact in the local community, visiting local farms and community groups to learn and build relationships through service.