Kids Launch "Green My Parents" to Save the World

Can kids save the world?

The kids who founded GreenMyParents sure think so!

This youth-led movement is officially launching on Earth Day with a plan to inspire peers, parents and millions of American families to go green.

In the process, they aim to save $100 Million by this time next year. How? It will start with 100 "youth champions." Each of them plans to recruit 100 more kids, then train them to promote easy, everyday steps that protect the environment and save money, too, at least $100 per family. It’s hoped each of those kids will recruit another 100, and another 100, and another 100, until tens of thousands or even millions are involved.

The program kicks off April 22 at 1 p.m. EST with a youth-led webinar  via The National Wildlife Federation's SchoolTube.com, plus the downloadable publication of the Green Your Parents book.

But don't wait until then to learn more about the amazing kids behind this initiative. They include:

•   Adora Svitak, a 12-year-old who is a published author and was the youngest speaker at the TED 2010 conference. 
•   Jordan Howard, 17, a senior at Environmental Charter High in LA, Green Ambassador Youth leader, and prolific speaker and blogger who inspires at her blog jordaninspires.com;
•   Alec Loorz, a 14-year-old who founded Kids Against Global Warming as a 12-year-old. He is  the youngest trained presenter with The Climate Project.
•   Ally Maize, who three years ago, as a 15-year-old started the Green Youth Movement and
•   Erin Schrode, a freshman at Columbia University and founder of Teens Turning Green  

Said Adora at the TED conference recently, “We kids still dream about perfection. Our audacity to imagine helps push the boundaries of reality.” Adora, could you deliver that message to members of Congress, please?!!!

Though GreenMyParents begins on Earth Day, it doesn’t end there. The group’s organizers plan to run the program for at least a year with the hopes of creating chapters in every school in America.

Here’s how you can learn more or get on their mailing list.

Comments

[Sandra May Smith]

Diane.....your efforts are amazing! I still have your "365 Ways to Save the Planet" front and center on my bookshelf. I am doing my own "green" thing with an antique shop and blog. Recycling what we already have in new and old ways helps preserve a part of our history without adding to landfills. Need a new table? Why not buy an old one and paint it with environmentally friendly paint to update it! There are so many new and fun ways to use things that have history! Keep up your fantastic work!
Sandy

[Andrew Brynjulson]

I watched Adora's TED talk and was blown away. I love this idea of a groundswell, ground up movement of change. Instead of convincing adults to change for their children, it's a matter of getting the children to change for themselves. After all, they directly have a stake in where the world goes since they will be inhabiting it. And we should never under estimate the power for children to motivate themselves and each other. People like you and I need only step aside and help where we can.

Just discovered this blog, wish I had sooner. Thanks so much, and I'll check back soon.

[Julipino]

I think it's great that so many kids are taking interest in the environment. My co-worker's son makes his dad take a reusable water bottle to work every day. He totally weened him off bottled water. Very cool!

[Levinson & Axelrod]

This is a very inspirational post. It's nice to see that children understand how important it is to take care of the Earth and themselves.

Great ideas and speeches from everyone.

[Janet]

Another great book is the Tickle Me Plant Book. They show you how to easily grow a real plant that MOVES when you Tickle It! The leaves instantly fold and even the branches droop when you Tickle It
Men and woman love to play with this plant that seems to love affection
(Http://tiny.cc/Ticklemeplant) See the video if you need a fun gift or a green party favor. You won't believe your eyes. The TickleMe Plant is more like a pet then a plant!

[Zee @GreenBlossoms]

Wow I'm so impressed with these kids! What on earth was I doing when I was these kids' ages? lol I'm heading on over to TED to listen to Adora. I'm a fan of TED TAlks, but I've never listened to a kid speaker before! The concept is great and these kids are simply amazing! Now if only every family -- parents and kids would actively take part in helping preserve the environment in their own little ways, we'd definitely have a brighter future. :)