My name is Justin Sather. I am 12 years old and live in Carlsbad, California. I started Justin’s Frog Project to ensure our planet is healthy for my family, friends, future generations, and FROGS WORLDWIDE!

 

In kindergarten, I learned frogs were dying from pollution, pesticides, rising temperatures, and people cutting down their homes. When I discovered frogs are indicator species, I knew it was a clear sign that our planet needs help. Scientists say if we don’t change the way we treat our planet then our future will face some serious consequences.

 

My project started by cleaning and restoring the Ballona Wetlands in Los Angeles. Then in third grade, I learned almost half the rainforests have been destroyed and could disappear in 100 years.  Since then, my project has expanded to protecting the rainforests in Ecuador with Reserva Youth Land Trust. As a Junior Youth Council Member of Reserva, my role is to fundraise to create the first fully youth-funded reserve and bring awareness that children have a voice and can impact the future.  So far, I’ve raised enough money to protect 60 acres of land on the reserve. My next big goal is to protect 100 acres and my overall mission is to continue to protect land and ocean until 30% of the planet is protected by 2030.

 

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Another goal of Justin’s Frog Project is to protect the world’s rivers, oceans, and waterways.  Dr. Jane Goodall taught me the oceans are filling up with plastic pollution and there is only a short window of time before it is too late to fix it. I also learned there could be more plastic in the ocean than fish if we don’t change.  I started “The Parallel Projects Campaign” and I began working with my classmates and with students in Africa.

 

 

The Parallel Projects Campaign’s goal is to bring attention and create change to end the world’s plastic pollution problem. Our campaign started by upcycling over 8,000 plastic bottles with students worldwide. We turned them into treasures to bring attention to the harms of single use plastics. When The Ocean CleanUp reported 80% of plastic enters the ocean from 1,000 of the dirtiest rivers in the world, we teamed up with the founder of the Ocean Cleanup, Boyan Slat, and fundraised to get 700 pounds of trash out of the ocean.  In addition, we helped get the approval to launch the next Ocean Cleanup’s Interceptor Boat in the Ballona Creek in Los Angeles.

 

The Parallel Projects Campaign expanded when we learned 91% of plastic is NOT recycled.  We started a reusable water bottle project to teach help people create new habits with less plastic. I also created a JFP BUSINESS Stamp of Approval to award businesses, such as ECOS and their plastic free, liquidless laundry detergent that care about our planet and future.  My mission with The Parallel Projects campaign is to create change with scientists, businesses, and leaders by changing their minds and hearts to reduce and eliminate plastic in our environment.

 

 

My love for frogs keeps me inspired to stay motivated and determined to create positive changes for our planet!