We usually recognize the youth of today as our future, so it is important to teach them how to be green. Yet at the same time, we often criticize teens for being idealistic, but Ally Maize is one teen to put her ideals into motion with GYM, the Green Youth Movement.
At the age of 15, Ally decided to make a difference after researching eco-friendly cars online. She started out small, switching to reusable grocery bags, and then having her parents use a tankless hot water system and add solar panels. Then, she decided to educate other kids on green issues.
Ally created GYM in hopes of raising the awareness of global warming and environmental issues among her peers as well as teaching them out to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle. GYM promotes such activities as using less heat and air conditioning, using less hot water, driving less, practicing the three R’s (recycle, reduce, and reuse), using energy efficient light bulbs and other energy efficient products, turning things off when not in use, planting a tree, and perhaps most importantly, spreading the word about conserving to others.
Since its inception a few years ago, GYM has made steps to educate youth by hosting student ambassadors at Los Angeles area schools including Archer School for Girls, Marquez Elementary School, Paul Revere Middle School, Beverly Vista, and the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising.
It is free to join GYM and students can join through the official web page or the GYM Facebook page. Students can also follow GYM activities and events on Twitter.
In joining, students pledge to recycle cans and bottles, turn the water off when brushing their teeth, turn the air conditioner off during at least part of the day, switch to energy efficient light bulbs, ride a bike or walk whenever possible, use reusable shopping bags, and unplug electronics when not in use.
Through making little changes, GYM hopes to show young people that they can help make a difference.