Zander, 19, USA

Basic need(s):

Environment

Project:

Turtle Talks

Zander has loved turtles for as long as he can remember.  As he grew older, he noticed that there were fewer and fewer nests on the beach each year.  As troubling as that was, it was the lack of awareness of the issue that really got to him. To ensure that his peers learned about it he created his project “Turtle Talks,” an environmental eco-literacy road show.  Contrary to the name, “Turtle Talks” is not exclusively devoted to turtle issues, but rather the many problems that all of marine life experiences such as climate change, the ecosystem, etc.  Through his efforts, Zander has mobilized a group of teens to participate in the “Adopt-A-Shore” program, which allows the contingent to adopt its local water channel.  It is responsible for putting out fires, pulling any floating trash out and fixing or scrapping any derelict crab traps.  “Turtle Talks” received an award from “Do Something,” a national not-for-profit youth organization dedicated to making a difference through young people.  “Do Something” placed Turtle Talks imprints on the back of Doritos bags nationwide.  Zander is excited about what he has accomplished in the past 8 years, but he is more thrilled about what the future holds.  “I want to be a part of the eco-tourism movement.  I want to be on the team of people who are working to create a tourist industry for remote, emerging countries.  The sustainability of the planet depends on the success of humans and resources.”