New Year, New Goals

Happy New Year! Welcome to 2022! It feels like it was just 2021…

In 2021, we accomplished some great things. With the help of the Caretta Research Project and people like you, we raised a stunning $1,452.48 to go above and beyond the goal of raising $10,000 for conservation efforts in the state of Georgia. This past year, we even tried a new way to raise money through a Read-A-Thon! I know I enjoyed spending time to sit down and read about ways to help turtles. Despite the ongoing pandemic, I was even able to read to some future conservationists at our local schools.  I honestly can’t be more appreciative of everyone who donated through their time or money to help this project.

Unfortunately, we also had to say goodbye this past year. Trash for Turtles was a great way to get people involved in the conservation of sea turtles (and sharks too), but like most everything it had to come to an end. The decision was a difficult one to make, but a necessary one. Trash for Turtles would come to a close in the hopes of inspiring new projects and becoming more involved in other issues. My hope for 2022 is to morph this site into an outlet for all my ideas involving change. I’ve inspired others for a long time, but I think it’s time to bring some of my newest ideas to life.

Below are some of my goals for 2022.

1. Climate Change Research
As the years continue to count up higher into the 2000’s, it’s become increasingly obvious climate change is a huge threat to not only the conservation of endangered animal species but also ourselves. I’ve wanted to discuss this for quite some time on this website, but I haven’t felt like I should share my opinions without exposing the facts first. That’s why in the coming year, I’m dedicating myself to reporting on our climate crisis. I want to research the causes and effects of the rapid change in our environment. I want to answer the pending question, “What can a 14-year-old in rural South Georgia do about climate change and its effects?” I hope to answer this question and many more along the way.

2. Clean Ups
Even though Trash for Turtles is complete, I plan to continue cleaning up my community. Clean ups are not a permanent way to solve the trash problem, but they directly remove pounds of trash from our environment. If all goes according to plan, I am going to do a clean up once a month so stay on the look out for these reminders if you plan to help. Also, message me at trash4turtles@gmail.com if you would like to be added to my monthly reminder email for these. Every person is a great help!

3. Social Media
Now more than ever, social media has become an outlet to distribute information in the blink-of-an-eye. Communication has become such a vital part of our everyday lives, and it’s the future of technology. In order to help advertise events and reach a wider audience, Earth Inspired Kids will soon have a Facebook and Instagram page!

4. Education
I hope everything I do inspires people of any age to learn about and help with conservation issues threatening animals and us. Education is a vital part of this process. I don’t currently have any talks planned for the coming year, but if you would like to have a program brought to your school as an educator or student, please contact me here. I enjoy speaking about my project and sharing with other people whether in-person or via zoom.

5. Stay Involved
I’m going to continue to do water monitoring samples and other miscellaneous activities related to conservation and sea turtles, so stay tuned for those as well.

I hope the new year brings with it new goals and a renewed commitment to taking care of our environment and each other. I am excited for you to be a part of my journey this year and see what we can do together!