Author: theconservationkid

I am 10 years old and doing everything I can to save our rivers and oceans. ~80% of ocean litter comes from land so we have to start thinking of freshwater first before our trash reaches the ocean. I host river clean-ups as well as environmental movie nights and speaking with school groups about plastic, litter and how small changes can make a huge impact.

Tennessee Environmental Network Show of the South

by theconservationkid

Last week, I was invited to the Tennessee Environmental Network Show of the South by Commissioner Salyers with TDEC (Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation).

This conference was attended by people in environmental and sustainability roles in large businesses, NGO’s, and government. Meeting and learning from these people was such an inspiring and uplifting because these are the people making real change in our state and region.

I was able to speak about recycling and NGO’s and how everyone can make a difference. We cannot rely on government entities to be the ones who care about our environment. It’s everyone’s job, including yours. What we do in a daily basis is what matters.

I met with not only local leaders but national leaders. People with the EPA know my name and my story. How amazing is that?!

40!!!!

by theconservationkid

If you’ve been following along with me for a while, you know I’ve been partnering with Tennessee State parks. Recently, I went to Tim’s Ford, Edgar Evans & Rock island state park and now officially have 40 monofilament receptacles out! I am so excited this program is really taking off and spreading across our state. Our watersheds will be a little safer from excess fishing line and now it can properly be taken care of and recycled.

Visit to Capital Hill

by theconservationkid

Rally day for homeschoolers was in Nashville last week. This is an amazing way for young people to see how our government works first hand and I had the best day!

Not only did I see how our legislative processes work but I was able to meet with so many of my states influential leaders. My State Representative, Greg Vital of district 29 took his whole day to show me around and introduce me to some of the wonderful people leading Tennessee.

I learned SO MUCH, not only about government but our state in general. A special thank you to Secretary of State, Speaker of the House, State Comptroller and TDEC (Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation) for taking time out of their busy day to have just another Tennessee kid share my love for our state!

Tennessee State Parks

by theconservationkid

Recently, I’ve been contacting Tennessee State Parks and have now partnered with 4 to place monofilament recycling bins. These 14 bins placed between Booker. T Washington, Fall Creek Falls, Harrison Bay, & South Cumberland State park will collect fishing line to reduce this waste in our rivers and landfills. So happy to be able to work on this project which is funded by a grant from Youth Serving America & Hillshire Farms. How special, all of these were placed on World Water Day!

GLOBAL RECYCLING DAY

by theconservationkid

GLOBAL RECYCLING DAY
This is my simple recycling concept in under 10 seconds!

You can change the world your own way. This is one way I feel liken making a difference and I have some super exciting news coming in a few weeks! So many more of these monofilament receptacles are going out with the help of individuals, grants and money I’ve made from recycling.

Kid of the Year

by theconservationkid

Although I didn’t win overall “Kid of the Year”, I feel extremely honored to have even made top 5 with so many amazing kids. There were thousands nominated and to be in the top for those kids, all trying to change the world in their one way and doing amazing things, was humbling.

I have never tried to gain attention for myself but just try to bring attention to our planet and what we need to do collectively to make a difference and heal our blue planet we call home. Everyone can make a difference, you have to decide if it’s good or bad.

Thank you to Time Magazine and Nickelodeon for considering me for such an award. Words can never express how grateful I am that the great state of Tennessee and the Tennessee River were brought nationwide attention that it so desperately needs.

Another Can Day

by theconservationkid

#146 pounds of crushed aluminum cans will fill up the back of a standard pickup truck. These cans can be new cans or new aluminum is 60-90 days and will FOREVER be recyclable. The beauty of aluminum is once it’s been separated and drawn from the earths crust is stable enough to last indefinitely. Plastic, on the other hand, is generally only recyclable once or twice then is destined for the landfill where it’s toxic chemicals and microplastics contaminate our soil, water, and even our air. Plastics shouldn’t really the go to option as far as packaging. We are just adding to landfill waste over time.

Kid of the Year!

by theconservationkid

The news is out and I am happy to announce I have been nominated and named in the top 5 for Time Magazine & Nickelodeon’s Kid of the Year! This is such a huge honor and I want to thank everyone who has taken time to help me along the way. I wouldn’t be here without my amazing family and friends who have always let me explore my passion and helped me in so many ways.

This won’t change my work or my motivation, actually, it will make me push even harder knowing people see what I’m doing and that I can make a difference.

Welcome to 2022!

by theconservationkid

January 1st, 2022, I hosted a cleanup with my good friend and State Representative, Greg Vital. I truly appreciate people who believe kids can make a difference!

Last year I met so many amazing people and have been so inspired that I know what I’m doing matters. I know my voice is being heard and my actions are being seen and they matter!

Starting the year off with a cleanup has become a family tradition for my family but being joined today by people who represent my state makes me so proud and happy!