Ready to supercharge your zero waste journey? Transform your October into a Zero Waste SPRINT! Don't forget to sign up for the social media challenge and get started by heading over to zerowastemonth.org. We've got some amazing resources for you to get inspired, take action and share your creative solutions with the world on social media.
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Zero Waste Month: Youth-Led Community Advocacy
Think one person can’t make a difference? Think again. The 2025 Zero Waste Month weekly theme, Youth-Led Community Advocacy, is an exploration of how young people are standing up for their future and transforming their communities. From climate justice and food access to cleaner neighborhoods and more sustainable ways of living, youth everywhere are leading grassroots efforts that make a real difference in people’s lives.
Young people are refusing to be left out of decisions that shape their future. Increasingly, young people are calling foul on outdated policies, harmful products, and destructive behaviors that pollute and destroy the critical ecosystems necessary for life on this planet. They understand what is at stake more than any other generation because they will be living with the terrible consequences. They are demanding accountability and moving zero waste and sustainability forward.
What happens when youth take the lead and make the rules? Across the globe and right here at home, young people are rethinking how we live, consume, and protect our planet. Students are organizing cleanups that remove tons of litter in a single day and turning vacant lots into vibrant community gardens. Youth advocates are meeting with local officials, speaking at town halls, and pushing for laws that put people and the planet first. They are raising their voices and challenging corporate and government systems that continue to leave their generation out. By collaborating locally with schools, businesses, nonprofits, civic and faith-based groups, youth leaders are building partnerships that carry their impact far beyond a single moment. Watch these videos from the 2025 Zero Waste Forum to hear from two inspiring youth leaders about their campaigns: Lael Kylin Judson, Rural Roots Louisiana & Anagha Iyer, Broward Sierra Group Junior Team.
What would it mean to stand up for your future today? If you have ever felt like decisions are being made without you, now is the time to show up and shift the narrative. There are so many ways you can spark change, from educating your parents and peers about reducing waste and composting at home, to starting a zero waste club at school, to organizing pop-up events about plastic pollution or mini-protests for corporate responsibility, to speaking about your concerns at your city’s commission meeting. Have the courage to speak your mind and start small. Ask for support and participation from your friends and family. You will find that most people want to do the right thing and maybe you are the best person to help them understand how.
Your voice belongs in the room. Your ideas belong in the solution. Your leadership shapes the future.
Join us for Week 3 of the 2025 #Zero Waste Month Interview Series, Youth-Led Community Advocacy! Hear from youth leaders Lael Kylin Judson of Rural Roots Louisiana, Anagha Iyer of the Broward Sierra Group Junior Team, and Deepa Lama of the Kalpavaatika Society Nepal.
Zoom Registration Link: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tnas-JNQQd2y-c4x9kHxig#/registration
YouTube Live Link: https://www.youtube.com/live/GpVdeePPBoQ?si=ksj6nXLyJMzBhbmV
