Campaigning for world leaders to act on climate change since she was 15 years old.
Blue has always had a great admiration for the oceans and all they do for us, along with a passion for protecting them. When Blue was 14 years old and speaking to members of her community in Arkansas (a landlocked state in the USA), Blue was saddened to hear how many people thought that just because they didn’t live near the ocean, that meant they didn’t add to ocean pollution. In each conversation, Blue explained that no matter where you live, some plastic you use ends up in the oceans.
But Blue realised that single conversations alone would not be enough to spread awareness of the problem. So Blue decided to host a student art show and open mic night to spread awareness about ocean pollution. She wrote to local activists, a local environment organisation (OMNI Centre for Peace, Justice, & Ecology) and local businesses to get support and sponsorship for her event.
Next, she sorted through art to pick out pieces that best suited her vision. Once all her plans were in place, Blue was ready to spread the word about the event! She made posters with the date, time and location. She stuck them all over her community – on bus stops, supermarket billboards, doctors’ waiting rooms, you name it! Blue also reached out to local radio stations, newspapers and television channels and was able to get the event advertised on all three platforms!
With the help of friends and her grandma, Blue prepared refreshments and snacks. She had left no stone unturned! Before long, the event kicked off. Hundreds of people poured through the doors, wandered the gallery and engaged in meaningful discussions inspired by the art.
After an hour of viewing the art, local activists gave short presentations on ocean pollution and what steps people could take to prevent it. Finally, musicians shared music on the topic of ocean pollution, ending the evening with a sing along and a dance. The event was a huge success, opening many eyes to the problem of plastic pollution and raising over $600 (around £440).
Blue hopes to inspire others to use their voices to spread awareness about global problems. She says, ‘When a community unites behind a cause, no problem is too big to solve. Don’t be afraid to step forward and use your voice, you might be surprised by how many join in with you.’
Campaigning for access to clean water for Canada’s indigenous communities since she was 8 years old.
Raising awareness of the effects of the Syrian civil war and calling for peace since she was 6 years old.
Challenging the representation of girls and women in society since she was 11 years old.
Running a marathon in 10 days to raise money for homeless people when he was 7 years old.
Fundraising for the farmers whose incomes have been affected by drought in Australia since he was 11 years old.
Inspiring girls to learn about and aspire to work in science and technology subjects since she was 16 years old.
Creating and growing a bank that helps children save money by recycling since he was 12 years old.
Designing technology to supply electricity and water without emitting greenhouse gases since he was 15 years old.
Campaigning for the banning of plastic bags in Bali since they were 10 and 12 years old.
Designing a solar powered ironing cart to reduce charcoal burning in India since she was 12 years old.
Petitioning for schools to give children reusable water bottles since he was 7 years old.
Campaigning for people and businesses to stop using single-use plastics since they were 10 and 12 years old.
Set up organisations supporting cancer patients, people in poverty, and promoting golf in young black girls, since she was 10 years old.
Saving the lives of hundreds of hedgehogs in the UK since they were 9 years old.
Campaigning to promote proper battery disposal and recycling since he was 10 years old.
Campaigning for people and businesses to stop using single-use plastics since they were 10 and 12 years old.
The world’s youngest sustainability advocate – working to make the world a better place since she was 3 years old.
Solving the problem of water contamination using science and technology since she was 11 years old.
