Young people join together for Year of Green Action
Lord Gardiner meets with young environment advocates as part of the #iwill campaign.
Lord Gardiner at Kew Gardens
Over 50 young people from around the UK have today been announced as environment ambassadors as part of the run up to the government鈥檚 2019 鈥榊ear of Green Action鈥�.
The inspiring group, which includes two teenage sisters who founded to cut the single-use packaging, will encourage more young people to get involved in green projects through their school, youth group or local community.
The initiative, part of the #iwill campaign which aims to embed social action into the lives of 10-18 year olds, was formally launched at a celebratory event at . It comes as the government prepares for its 2019 Year of Green Action, a year-long drive to see more people from all backgrounds involved in projects to improve the natural world.
Defra Minister Lord Gardiner, at Kew Gardens today to congratulate the new ambassadors, said:
Our children and young people have a huge role to play in ensuring the next generation is motivated and equipped to protect the precious natural world.
It was inspiring to meet this group of young ambassadors who are so passionate about environmental protection and I look forward to seeing all they achieve over the coming year.
Launched in 2013, His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales is patron of , which coordinates the #iwill campaign. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has worked closely with the campaign team to develop the 2019 focus on the environment, which was outlined in the government鈥檚 25 Year Environment Plan.
Many of this year鈥檚 ambassadors have been selected because they are already involved in environmental projects.
Joining 15-year-old Amy Meek and her 13-year-old sister Ella, who together launched Kids Against Plastic to stem the global use of single use plastic, as an ambassador is Emily McDonald. The 18-year-old has been made an ambassador after she founded a Bio-Eco Society at her school, bringing together peers to take positive action against climate change.
Bradley Gwin-Barrett has also been selected as an ambassador after he helped create a community garden in Anfield and went on to become a Community Engagement Officer.