Since the founding of our school in 1946, Besant Hill School has held close the importance of fostering a deep relationship with the natural world. Annie Besant’s vision to acquire 520 acres of undeveloped land in the Upper Ojai Valley has provided us the opportunity to interact with a wide variety of plant and animal species on a daily basis. Diversity, both in the biological and social sciences, is equated with strength and resiliency. Although the Sustainability program at Besant Hill focuses primarily on Environmental Sustainability, we continue to incorporate what are known as the Three Pillars of Sustainability: Environment, Social, and Economic. In assemblies, the classroom, around campus, and through community service opportunities, we come to understand the interconnection among the different types of sustainability, and to decide, as individuals and a community, how to support them.

Through our sustainability initiatives, all community members will have the knowledge, compassion, and ethos to remain environmentally influential in both their personal and professional lives.

Opportunities for Students and Staff (click on links to learn more)

• The Green Schools Alliance
• The Green Valley Project
• Ojai Trees
• Ojai Valley Land Conservancy
• Community Service
• Sustainability Committee and Club
• Bioneers

Ongoing Sustainability Initiatives at Besant Hill

• Recycling – Bottles, cans, paper, cardboard, plastics, and chip bags.
• Compost – Kitchen scraps and food waste.
• Meatless Monday – Every Monday at Lunch we eat meat-free, the kitchen staff works tirelessly to provide delicious options!
• Water – Drought tolerant landscaping, drip irrigation, water audit.
• Locally Grown Organic Produce
• Phasing out of single-use plastics – Examples: Plastic bags, straws, coffee stirrers, water bottles, and food packaging
• Sheep and Goat Grazing Program for Ecological Land Management