Young Activist Launches Reusable Cup Initiative in British Columbia

A 13-year-old student from Brentwood Bay, British Columbia, is making waves with her initiative to promote sustainability in local coffee shops. Abby Van Helvoirt, an eighth grader, has launched a program encouraging customers to bring their own reusable cups. This initiative not only aims to reduce waste but also fosters community partnerships and local business engagement.

After discussing her ideas with her mother, Abby approached two local coffee shops to introduce a punch card system for customers who used their own cups. For every five punches, customers entered a draw for gift cards donated by local businesses, including a nearby seafood shop and a butcher. In just two months, the program generated over 200 cards and led to eight winners. This collaboration resulted in cost savings for the coffee shops on disposable cups while promoting local brands.

Abby credits her teacher for inspiring her to bring sustainability into the classroom. Observing that many students disposed of plastic containers in the garbage, she encouraged her classmates to use recycling bins instead. With the support of her school, Abby introduced a new composting device called the Lomi, which has since become a common tool for waste management at her school. A video she created to explain the device was shown school-wide, demonstrating her commitment to educating her peers.

Looking ahead, Abby plans to further her efforts this fall by collaborating with friends at Thrifty Foods. They will provide customers with low-cost cloth bags as an eco-friendly alternative to plastic. “The manager is very supportive, and it will be fun!” she stated, highlighting the positive community engagement.

Abby’s environmental activism was inspired by renowned conservationist Jane Goodall. Since Grade 3, she has admired Goodall’s unwavering dedication to protecting animal habitats. As part of a leadership project for Girl Guides, Abby organized a bottle drive that raised over $250 for the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada. The experience culminated in an invitation to attend Goodall’s 90th birthday celebration in Vancouver, which further fueled her passion for environmental advocacy.

Despite her enthusiasm, Abby acknowledges that engaging the community in sustainability efforts can be challenging. “Changing habits is hard,” she admits. However, she remains hopeful, stating, “People can and do learn, and there is a wave of change happening.” Most individuals she encounters support her initiatives, reinforcing her belief in collective action.

Abby encourages other young people to take action, sharing her motto: “If we each do a little, we all do a lot.” She emphasizes the importance of collaboration, urging youth to pursue their passions alongside others to maintain motivation during challenging times. For older readers, she offers a simple yet powerful message: “It is never too late to learn.” She suggests discussing sustainability with friends and family, as it might resonate more when conveyed through personal connections.

Through her initiatives, Abby Van Helvoirt exemplifies the impact of grassroots activism and the importance of community involvement in the fight against climate change. Her projects serve as a reminder that every small action contributes to a larger movement toward sustainability.