Young Leaders Taking Charge in Environmental Sustainability

Ed. Note: Champions of Change is a weekly initiative to highlight Americans who are making an impact in their communities and helping our country rise to meet the many challenges of the 21st century.

All across the country, young people are taking initiative in their schools and communities to teach others about the importance of environmental stewardship, energy conservation, and reducing waste. This past Friday, the White House honored a group of young leaders who have taken it upon themselves to do just that – educate and change their communities. These young people have taken the initiative to help green their schools and to inform other people, adults and youth alike, about the importance of living a more sustainable life. From teens teaching school-children about environmental issues, to primary school kids starting school gardens and encouraging kids to bring trash-free lunches, these Champions of Change are not only inspiring the adults around them by greening their schools, but they are making sustainability something ‘cool’ and interesting to the kids in their classes and communities.

I was fortunate enough to meet with these young leaders over a video chat from the Situation Room, and to hear their stories, successes, and struggles first hand. The strength of America’s clean energy future depends on the dedication and innovation of our future leaders, and after spending time with these outstanding individuals, I’m encouraged that this generation is taking it upon themselves to make changes that will help and sustain our world.  

Please visit the Champions of Change website to learn more about these young people and their work. We hope these Champions and their causes will inspire and energize you, no matter what your age, to educate yourself about sustainability, and to work to make a difference in your own communities.

Ashley Baia is Associate Director of the Office of Public Engagement