Ideas Can Change the World

By Justin Sather

It was the book "What Do You Do With An Idea?" by Kobi Yamada that inspired me to create change. I have always loved frogs ever since I could remember. In kindergarten, I learned that one third of amphibians are getting sick and dying from pollution, pesticides, and people cutting down their homes. Frogs are sensitive to the environment because they breath and drink through their skin. Scientists say that frogs are indicator species and a decline in frogs is a sign that our planet needs our help.

I came up with the idea to help save my favorite froggy friends and help the planet too. In first grade, I started doing cleanups at our local community wetlands and over the years my idea grew bigger and bigger. In fourth grade, I raised enough money to protect 30 acres of rainforest in Ecuador. My goal is to keep going until 30% of the planet is protected by 2030 to help combat climate change and to find a solution to our world’s plastic pollution problem to help keep our lakes, rivers, ponds, and oceans safe and clean.

In addition, this year I am donating the book, “What Do You Do With An Idea?” to schools worldwide. I want to inspire other kids to come up with an idea to create a positive change in the world they envision for the future.

Justin is an 11 year-old from Carsbad, CA.