Teenagers in Alaska, members of Alaska Youth for Environmental Action (AYEA), are actively engaged in trying to preserve the pristine Alaskan environment.
Amongst various environmental initiatives organised by these enterprising teenagers was the “Week Without Plastics” campaign which was the culmination of their “Rethink Plastics” campaign in 2008. The campaign was aimed at increasing the level of community awareness about the plastics problem and encouraging alternatives.
The organiser or chair of the Rethink Plastics campaign was Zoe Fuller, a 15 year old from Palmer, a city of around 8000 people situated 68km from Anchorage. Zoe was also responsible for producing educational materials for circulation in schools.
As part of their campaign to reduce the use of plastic bags a “Week Without Plastics Toolkit” was circulated to members to assist in their campaign to replace plastic bags with reusable bags. Members were encouraged to source reusable bags to give away as a replacement for plastic bags. Detailed instructions, educational information and statistics about plastic bag use were issued to assist campaigners.
Having contributed so much in 2008, now, in 2009, these active teenagers are busy working on their Renewable Energy campaign.
These teenagers have led the way and set a wonderful example for others regarding environmental consciousness and the use of reusable environmentally friendly bags.