As the Mount Si High School Green Team, a group of Valley teens are spreading words and wisdom about ways to make their school more earth-friendly.

A year ago, a small group of friends approached biology teacher Andrew Rapin with an interest to start a club focusing on a more sustainable school. Today, the club has grown in numbers and is pushing to clean up garbage, remove invasive plants, bring in speakers and organize activities for Earth Week.

As advisor, Rapin is an appropriate choice — he holds a degree in environmental studies and a master’s degree in science education, again with an emphasis on the environment. Involving himself in planting and restoration work, he has always wanted to provide like-minded students with the same opportunities.

“It’s putting ideas into action, being able to affect the local community here and making the changes that need to happen,” he said.

This year, the club’s big push is to implement a Valley-wide composting program.

Efforts go beyond the high school to draw businesses in, too, said junior Mik Metzler.

Students of the club launched and introduced the program during Earth Week, April 19 to 22. They were given approval from the school board and members took time out of their spring break to go door to door to Valley businesses interested in teaming up to become more eco-friendly.

The program is based on a partnership with Cedar Grove Composting. If just two businesses sign up, the Valley could get its own composting pick-up route.

“It’s free for these businesses and it’ll cut down on money they spend on getting rid of garbage,” said Mount Si senior Craig Hauser. “They’ll also be added on a list of green businesses such as Albertson’s, Jones Soda and Cupcake Royale.

“We’re making big strides to become environmentally friendly,” Hasuer added. “With recycling and hopefully this composting program, we’re definitely trying and following through.”

• Businesses interested in composting with the Mount Si Green Team should e-mail Andrew Rapin at rapin@svsd10.org.