Do you have a big idea to protect or restore the environment? Do you have a vision for a more sustainable future and a strong track record of instigating change? Are you ready to rise up for all people and our climate? If so you, or someone you know, may have what it takes to become a Young Champion of the Earth.
Launched on Earth Day, April 22, “Young Champions of the Earth” is an exciting new initiative to identify young, talented people between the ages of 18 and 30 and to support their inspirations to create positive environmental impact. This platform will serve as a global stage to showcase technological inventions and innovative business models that will inspire others and improve the health of our planet and people around the world.
Beginning this year, six young people – one from each global region – will be named Young Champions of the Earth. The winners will receive seed funding of $15,000, intensive training, and tailored mentorship to help them bring their big environmental ideas to life.
For more information and to apply, please visit: www.unep.org/youngchampions
Support Clean Seas and join over 1 million people who demand a phase-out of single use plastic worldwide within the next five years.
Here are a few things you can do to help turn the tide on plastics:
- Attend a beach or shore clean-up near you, or organize one and
- Take a photo and enter the #CleanSeas Photo Challenge for a chance to win a trip to the 2018 International Marine Debris Conference in San Diego.
- Urge firms to cut single-use plastic packaging – take photos of unnecessary packaging and share them with the #CleanSeas hashtag.
- Spread the word! Ask your family and friends to reduce their plastic footprint and share ideas of how they can help reduce their plastic usage.
- Sign up for Clean Seas newsletter to stay up-to-date on the latest events and news on plastic pollution.
Simple ways to reduce your carbon footprint
- Air dry. Let your hair and clothes dry naturally instead of running a machine. If you do wash your clothes, make sure the load is full.
- Take short showers. Bathtubs require gallons more water than a 5-10 minute shower.
- Eat less meat, poultry, and fish. More resources are used to provide meat than plants
- Freeze fresh produce and leftovers if you don’t have the chance to eat them before they go bad. You can also do this with take-away or delivered food, if you know you will not feel like eating it the next day. You will save food and money.
- Compost—composting food scraps can reduce climate impact while also recycling nutrients.
- Recycling paper, plastic, glass & aluminium keeps landfills from growing.
- Buy minimally packaged goods.
- Avoid pre-heating the oven. Unless you need a precise baking temperature, start heating your food right when you turn on the oven.
- Plug air leaks in windows and doors to increase energy efficiency
- Adjust your thermostat, lower in winter, higher in summer
- Replace old appliances with energy efficient models and light bulbs
- If you have the option, install solar panels in your house. This will also reduce your electricity bill!
- Get a rug. Carpets and rugs keep your house warm and your thermostat low.
- Don’t rinse. If you use a dishwasher, stop rinsing your plates before you run the machine.
- Choose a better diaper option. Swaddle your baby in cloth diapers or a new, environmentally responsible disposable brand.
- Shovel snow manually. Avoid the noisy, exhaust-churning snow blower and get some exercise.
- Use cardboard matches. They don’t require any petroleum, unlike plastic gas-filled lighters.