Earth Day is this Saturday (4/22), and we’re gearing up for it by sharing some stellar ways that young people are taking our planet’s future into their own hands (and how you can too!). DoSomething is a hub for youth activism, so we’re stoked to celebrate National Volunteer Week by offering some tangible volunteer actions to our members, including some fabulous ways to help the planet.
Gen-Z is the generation most fearful about climate change, so it’s no surprise they’re leading the charge on finding bold and truly sustainable solutions. Not only are they taking to the streets to demand action from lawmakers, but young people are single-handedly making sustainability cool. From making reusable Stanley Cups viral to becoming upcycling royalty and shifting the fashion paradigm to make thrifting popular, we love the way they’re meeting the moment in such a unique way.
We know that Gen-Zers feel like they’ve inherited earth-sized climate problems from generations before, and they’re not wrong! Thank goodness for more robust information and resources on climate change, amiright?
To support young climate trailblazers who are slaying environmentalism, we just launched our new program, Yasss, Green! Earth is mother and we are all about creating more sustainable habits that last beyond Earth Day. What better way to earn volunteer hours and celebrate National Volunteer Week? We’ll be out here picking up cigarette butts, hosting clothing swaps, and giving new life to veggie scraps, and we’re pumped for you to join us!
Let’s Do This! DoSomething |
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When it comes to protecting the environment, our members understood the assignment 🤓 Here are a few climate justice trailblazers who are killing it right now: |
“I'm president of the Environment club at my high school and we created a thrifting event for students to come and shop,” said DoSomething member MacKenzie K., 18. “Students came and donated clothes and then were able to shop second-hand from other students. We had over 300 pieces of clothing donated, and what wasn't sold we donated to Beaverton Clothes Closet, which is a clothing closet for those who can't afford clothing.” |
“The environment needs to be clean in order for us humans to have a better future. This campaign is important to me because it helps to become a protector for the environment. I am not just going to recycle just this few I got from two days ago. I will keep doing the same work because it’s never finished. The job is not done. Even a few cans recycled every day is better than not doing at all or just saying it’s enough or not important in the eyes of others. You need to do it for yourself first and not just for what others may think of you. Finally, the environment needs us today so tomorrow it can give us back the effort we did in the past. So, I will keep doing my best to encourage others around me to make a difference,” said DoSomething member Kendersley M., 21.
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DoSomething member Ericka M., 17 shared her vision for a greener future and said, “My vision for a greener future is for my community to raise awareness, support sustainable production, advocate for policy changes, protect natural resources, promote sustainable transportation, & reduce energy consumption. By working together as a community, we will be able to let upcoming generations strive for a sustainable future.” OB👏SESSED👏 |
Calling NYC-based members…Our friends at Young New Yorkers are hosting The Art x Tech x Justice Summit on May 4, and you’re invited! This free event supports Young New Yorker's mission of keeping young people out of jail through art and tech initiatives. This event is open to not only those impacted by the criminal justice system, but any young person passionate about criminal justice reform and using art as a tool for activism. Guests must be seventeen years or older. Save your spot today!
Look for the helpers… A sweet techy organization called Tab for a Cause just launched a chrome extension that allows you to support LGBTQ+ causes with every tab you open on your browser. With so much going on right now, this is a super easy way to help the LGBTQ+ community and provide gender-affirming care.
Yasss climate queen… Using drag to fight climate change, Pattie Gonia and VERA! will be hosting a drag show in honor of Earth Day tomorrow in San Francisco. This event is happening during a time of increased anti-trans and anti-drag legislation, and champions intersectional environmentalism in a bold and unapologetic way that we love to see.
ICYMI… Yesterday was the largest global gathering of indigenous leaders at the UN, with the main topic of conversation being climate change. It’s a groundbreaking event that will hopefully set the stage for more inclusion of indigenous perspectives and international collaboration against climate injustice. |
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Fastweb Opportunity
This list of environmental scholarships is Earth Day focused. Find an opportunity that will help our environment and you pay for college! |
CollegeXpress Spring has sprung, and our friends at CollegeXpress are working to ensure you have access to awesome scholarship opportunities…and all you have to do is answer one simple question! Complete a free profile on CollegeXpress and answer the following to be entered to earn a $1K scholarship: What is something you're doing to help de-stress this semester? |
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