I can think of no better reason to do everything to fight climate change than our next generation. Our youth will be on the front lines dealing with sky-high temperatures, super storms, droughts, and rising sea levels. Maybe that’s why our teens are taking big steps to fight against the damage that another generation actually caused. Here’s how our teens are taking on climate change.

1. Suing politicians over inaction on climate change.

Kelsey Juliana and her co-plaintiff Olivia Chernaik are both suing Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber (D) and the state for not doing enough to protect future generations from the devastating effects of climate change.

“This could be a landmark decision on the question: Does government, as trustee over our essential natural resources, have to protect it from carbon pollution and the impacts of climate disruption?” Julia Olson, executive director of the nonprofit Our Children’s Trust, and originator of a suite of youth-led lawsuits since 2011, said to Huffington Post.

2. Designing eco-friendly clothing at age 14.

Maya Penn founded Maya’s Ideas at age 8. Today, at age 14 she designs and handmakes eco-friendly clothing. She’s been taking bamboo, organic cotton, and leftover fabrics and creating designs that have been purchased all over the world. They’ve been worn by Michael Franti, Jasmine Guy, Sara Blakely, and Samuel L. Jackson. And she donates 10-20 percent of her profits to environmental charities.

3. Standing up for what’s right.

Xiuhtezcatl Martinez, the youth director of Earth Guardians believes its time to stand up for what’s right. His impassioned speech at a U.N. event on climate change left the audience in awe. He’s already organized youth crews to fight climate change on six continents. Here’s what he said to Rolling Stone:

“We inherited this way of thinking from past generations: conquer the earth, take ownership of it, dominate it. Right now, the world doesn’t see we’re a part of nature, that when we cut down the rainforest or blow apart a mountain to get the coal inside, or when we drill the Arctic, that’s tearing apart the only home we’ve got.”

4. Teens turning green.

The organization Teens Turning Green was initially started as Teens for Safe Cosmetics in 2005 to remove harmful ingredients from cosmetics. But today the organization has a number of pilot programs including Project Green Challenge for high school and college students, The Conscious Kitchen, to bring organic, non-GMO foods to schools, and Project Green Dorm, which provides teens with everything they need to live green in the dorms.

Teens are realizing that they will feel the brunt of climate change and taking action isn’t just a good idea, it’s a necessity. From climate activism to green businesses and even lawsuits, we love today’s teens for all the good work they’re doing.

Related on EcoSalon

Yes, White Privilege is Real and We Need to Talk About It

10 Green and Cheap Kitchen Remodel Ideas to Revamp Your Favorite Room

The Last Time Carbon Dioxide Levels Were This High, Humans Hadn’t Evolved

Image of happy teen group smiling from Shuttershock

The post 4 Incredible Teens Taking on Climate Change appeared first on EcoSalon.

Join Teens Turning Green and the Eileen Fisher sustainability team on Twitter today at 12:30 eastern to talk lunch, school lunch that is.

Eileen Fisher loves supporting women and girls and is hosting a Twitter Chat today (#EFCSRChat) on sustainable school lunches. The company has been hosting these Twitter chats as a vehicle for their Social Consciousness Team to talk about issues important to them and EF. In the few months since launching this monthly series, they’ve partnered with Not for Sale, Practically Green, Pop Culture Pirate and trended (in NYC) every single time.

This month they’re partnering with Teens Turning Green to shed some light on how to make school lunches healthier and engage  kids and communities to have an aggressive voice about the food choices they’re offered daily. EF’s Social Consciousness Team Leader Amy Hall will talk with TTG to help break down what sustainable food means, understand the GMO food issue and how it affects school lunch. They’ll also offer information about TTG’s education and advocacy work to get all stakeholders, including teens, involved in the change.

What: Live Twitter Chat #EFCSRChart
Topic: Sustainable School Lunch
When: Today, Wednesday, June 20th. 12:30 – 1:30 pm EST
Join us at #EFCSRChat on Twitter

EILEENFISHER on Twitter
teensturngreen on Twitter

Image: Teens Turning Green

The post Eileen Fisher Wants to Know What Your Kids Are Eating appeared first on EcoSalon.

I don’t know about you but on nights I graced the prom with all my sequins and chiffon I was more nervous about my date wearing a bad tux than organic flowers or paraben-free makeup.

Nowadays, teenagers are so much more equipped with green knowledge than we were growing up.

But maybe, just maybe there are teens who don’t know everything about well, everything.

So, just to encourage them further, Whole Foods Market and Teens Turning Green (a national coalition of teens educating peers and community members about eco-lifestyle choices) are launching Project Green Prom.

Project Green Prom hopes to engage teens in the train of thought that there are a number of ways they can green their big night.

From prom attire to flowers to transportation and make up, teens are encouraged to think outside the box and their egos to create a sustainable night.

The project is also offering an amazing opportunity for teenagers who make a unique and inspiring video  (three minutes or less on how they would green their own prom). Winners are flown to New York City and pampered with products and ideas they can use at their own prom as well as receiving an “Eco Teen Lounge” for their school’s big night.

Judged by a panel that includes such notables as Eva Chen, Beauty Editor of Teen Vogue, Jane Iredale, founder of A Skin Care Make Up and Summer Rayne Oakes, green activist, cause related model and author of Style Naturally – The Savvy Shopping Guide to Sustainable Fashion and Beauty, videos are in seasoned, professional hands.

Who knows how much of a carbon imprint they leave on the planet for one night of prom fun? Heck, I dare a high school student to try and measure that amount and we’ll post it here.

Good luck!

The post Proms: A Higher Cause Than Romance? appeared first on EcoSalon.