Junior Ocean Ambassador, Mikaela Nichols could not let a year like 2020 get in the way in moving forwards with her goal. Firstly, her goal was to create an eco-friendly club. Making changes in our environment by spreading the message about the health of our planet. Secondly, to make this a group for kids, run by kids. This welcomed the creation of (Fernandina Beach) FB Goes Green.
Mikaela’s aim is to continue to evangelise environmental awareness, and feels this is a great way! Moreover, to uses it as a way to keep her peers engaged. The idea stems from making a positive impact on her community, where Mikaela’s peers could combine and organise their efforts. More importantly, the work created was contributed to by many people. Although FB Goes Green started small, the addition of every member was one more voice for our planet. Each new member takes the pledge of Mikaela, to do their part and leave no trace and commit to the “One piece at a time effort”.
The Pandemic Has Not Slowed FB Goes Green Down!
Using tools like Zoom, the team have been holding regular meetings to collaborate on ideas, teaching and planning ways to help their community. Each week they set weekly challenges. For instance, a challenge may be to go and find an eco-friendly company, complete research on the company and then report back to the group about what eco-actions the company is active in taking. Furthermore, each member creates an individual clean-up in their own area. Each week they show pictures and highlights in the zoom meeting.
SUP Kids Influence
The previous year, Mikaela was given a SUP Kids book from Starboard, where she learnt valuable lessons which she has shared with her peers. Once these ideas have been shared and spoken about, each person in the group becomes an official FB Goes Green Ambassador. As an Ambassador, each member takes the pledge to not only protect our environment but be an advocate and help raise awareness for the health of our planet.
Keep Nassau Beautiful
FB Goes Green has also joined forces with a local organization called Keep Nassau Beautiful. Through this organization, the group has been able to join the Adopt-A-Road program where the club is committed to keeping a particular area clean and trash free!
Peer Involvement & Action
Whether it’s beach cleanups or being an environmental advocate, FB Goes Green does positive things through peer involvement and action. How awesome would it be if every community had a youth-driven Goes Green club helping to spread the word? Furthermore, to be engaged in the community and of course stewards of the environment?
Be Brave – Mikaela Nichols – Starboard Ocean Ambassador
