Ever since he was 6 years old, Josiah Colton has been determined to save the Earth.
Now 10, the New York-based fifth-grader has already started his own company. Through it, he collects recyclables from businesses and donates part of the proceeds to charity: water, a nonprofit that provides drinking water to people in developing nations.
Josiah is now a charity: water “Tiny Hero” who runs his company, J Go Green, from his home. He said his mission to reduce, reuse, and recycle while also providing clean drinking water started simply.
“Since I was six years old I have really been into animals,” he wrote on his website. “When I found out how much we hurt animals by the way we live, I made it my mission to find better ways to keep the earth clean.â€
Every Saturday, Josiah goes to local businesses and private homes to collect cans and bottles. He then takes these recyclables to a nearby redemption center, where he gets cash to donate to charity: water. In addition to doing the legwork, Josiah also offers practical tips for reducing waste and going green around the house on his Instagram page.
His advice includes ideas like replacing lightbulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs, planting your own garden, washing your clothing in eco-warm instead of hot water, buying cleaning products in bulk to reduce wasteful packaging, and more.
“PLEASE STOP USING PLASTIC STRAWS!” he pleads in one Instagram post. “I hate to see how they all end up in our oceans. Paper straw wills actually degrade over time! Switch over to paper straws!”
These simple tips are just one more way for Josiah to help the planet. His goals are all about cutting down the amount of plastic and non-perishable materials we use, reducing our carbon footprint, and helping people do their part to support the environment.
“I like giving money that I make from my recycling business because I think everyone in the world deserves clean water,” Josiah said. “Even a little bit of money can make a big difference. Everyone can help, no matter who you are or how old you are.”
Josiah said he feels really good about all that he’s accomplished so far, and he looks forward to making an even bigger impact in the future. This is one boy who is a terrific example to us all! You’re never too young to make a difference.
Share this story to support Josiah’s mission to help Mother Earth.
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