Meet the Litter Less Competition Winners

Co-written with Stephanee Passant, communications intern

This past year, we held our first ever Litter Less competition. The competition aims to engage and educate Canadian youth (ages 12-18) on the issues of litter and to encourage them to make positive choices for the environment. 

Last month, we announced the competition winners. (Take a look at their winning work!) As part of their prize, they will spend four days in Copenhagen, Denmark later this month. During their visit, they will have the opportunity to flex their creative muscles with mentoring from communications professionals, a visit to a waste management educational facility and a keynote speech from the founder of a global litter movement.

Here’s a bit of info about them:

Aliya Kamalia

After fast-tracking through her degree in Legal Studies, Aliya is nose to the books once again in an accelerated Public Administration program. Aliya’s inspiration behind her photo was all about the “shock factor” and raising awareness about littering and how it affects the environment. She encourages youth to act now to help find solutions to environmental issues and take care of our planet. On the upcoming adventure to Copenhagen, Aliya hopes to receive further insight into some of the environmental issues we are currently facing and solutions for the future. 

Becca Williams

As a senior in high school, Becca says her mission in creating her short film about veganism was to open the eyes, mind and stomach of her audience to an environmentally-friendly lifestyle choice. Becca is actively involved in an eco-friendly agenda by running vegan cooking classes, choosing organic and local produce, using eco-friendly personal care products, and biking whenever possible. In Copenhagen, she hopes that she will learn more about positive examples of environmental initiatives to provide hope for the future.

Jennifer Taylor

Jennifer Taylor, a Mining Engineering student at Queen’s University, was inspired to take a photo of a water bottle as it is a classic example of why environmental change is possible. That’s because water bottles can be easily made obsolete through the use of reusable bottles. She feels the decisions made today will be the legacy left to future generations. As a result, she’s a member of her campus green team while reducing her environmental impact through individual actions. In Copenhagen, she hopes to learn about different perspectives and approaches to the environmental movement so she can apply them in her own community. 

Kim Taylor

Kim Taylor, a Grade 12 student, has plans to pursue environmental science in order to see green space preservation well into the future. Her photo represents how litter is out of place in a natural environment. She believes youth should be more aware of their carbon footprints and play an active role in helping the environment. She promotes the three R’s, rides her bike, brings a litter-free lunch and purchases clothing from thrift stores. She is excited to visit eco-friendly Copenhagen with hopes to learn more on how she can spread the word about making the world a cleaner place.

Congratulations to our winners and enjoy Copenhagen!

Are you a youth who wants to get involved? We will be launching the 2013 Canada’s Next Green Journalist competition next week. Keep an eye out to find out how you can take part this year!