Delaware's Youth Environmental Summit: Learning Solutions and Taking Action For Change

One of the many groups of students at the YES! Youth Environmental Summit in Delaware

Wow. I can't believe that it's been a month already since I was in Delaware. I guess dealing with the preparing and aftermath of a giant snowstorm will make time go a bit quicker. But the amazing experience I had there was one that I talk about regularly.

Well, what can I say? It was an honor to be a keynote speaker at the YES! Youth Environmental Summit in Wilmington. I was surrounded by hundreds of high school students who share hope, vision, and a passion for the future of the planet. I was so glad that my words resonated with not only the students, but exhibitors, teachers and others as well. And seeing dozens and dozens of people walking around literally wearing my REUSE! message and taking instant action, was so rewarding.

Cleon Cauley, from New Castle County, speaks at the Youth Environmental Summit in Delaware.

Before my morning talk, I listened to Cleon Cauley, the Public Works General Manager for New Castle County in Delaware. His talk set the day off on a great tone for me with his shared beliefs of community, working together to make a bigger impact, and even his similar experience of growing up with a very supportive and involved mother. And like me, he knows that having fun can be a part of your work.

My keynote talk to the students about reuse and responsibility definitely resonated with this group.

After my introductory talk, the event was filled with so many other great speakers that I was happy to share the bill with: Heidi Pan, Founder of the 1.5 Degrees Podcast, Congresswoman Sarah McBride, the sole member of Congress from Delaware, Secretary Greg Patterson from the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), and numerous student leaders from around the state.

After our talks, Cleon and I shared some quick fun stories at my table.

Logan Scott, a student leader for the YES! conference, was a huge help from start to finish.

In addition to speaking at the event, I was also an exhibitor and my brand made the event shirts. By collaborating with STAY VOCAL to print their event shirts on rescued garments, the Youth Environmental Summit saved 108,376 gallons of water. That's enough water for 590 people to drink for an entire YEAR!

Pam Bargren was slinging our collaboration T-Shirts at the Plastic Free Delaware booth.

One of my favorites from the batch of REUSE! Delaware T-Shirts.

Having worked with Nancy Downes from Oceana Massachusetts quite a bit, I had to introduce myself to John Weber. I guess this was before I added my stick figure themed signature to the sign.

While behind my booth or walking around visiting exhibitors, I was able to have so many great conversations and learn about so much good happening in Delaware when it comes to our shared planet. And yes, I already started making tentative plans for a return visit.

I'd like to send a big thank you to Dee Durham, Sherri Evans-Stanton and Logan Scott for making my visit a great one. Thank you for the invitation and I look forward to being involved in the YES! Conference again in the future!

And a special thanks to Sam Wilson for the many great photos!

The YES! team, student leaders, volunteers, and the conference's keynote speakers.

When the event was over, my time wasn't done with my work in Delaware. On Saturday morning before I left, I teamed up with Plastic Free Delaware to launch my new Escape The Waste Pop-Up series. Anyone who brought a reusable mug got their coffee for free, on me. It was a great time and I have more planned for sure. Big thanks to Mike and the Brew Ha Ha! team for hosting the test run!

If you own a coffee shop or work for an organization around New England (or beyond) that wants to team up, let's talk.

The flyer for my first FREE Coffee event.

Some of the people who I treated to coffee for avoiding single use cups.