But a lot of our readers may think, “I’m just a kid and can’t make a difference.”

They’re so wrong. Businesses bend over backward to find out what kids want. If kids demand green products, then we will have green products. That’s a huge power.

Are there other things that kids can do?

Think about how you can reuse things. Like, when I buy something, I save all the packaging—the little boxes, the plastic wrapping, the twist ties. To me it’s like a puzzle figuring out how to reuse them.

Any other advice?

Be selfish—it’s OK to want the best. You already want the best pair of sneakers, the best video game, the best bike. Why not the best oxygen, the best water, the best soil? You deserve it!

We have another idea how kids can help. We’re asking them to recycle their used sneakers, which will be recycled into athletic surfaces.

That’s a great idea! Instead of letting your shoes sit in a dump, you’re making them into something that kids all over the country can enjoy. You get to take all the fun and energy that those shoes gave you and put them back into the world. Can I ask a question?

Sure!

Can I be the first to donate my sneakers?