The Smithsonian's National Zoo and Friends of the National Zoo sponsored an Earth Day contest by asking children to come up with ideas on how to cut back on carbon monoxide emissions. A concept that has garnered a lot of publicity in recent years. The contest was appropriately called Stomp Out Carbon. When Shianne Freebairn saw it, she quickly signed up in the 11- to 14-year category, determined to make a difference.
And her entry won the national challenge. What she did was send out 10 letters to local firms that employ a fleet of vehicles during their daily operations and asked them to stop idling their cars and trucks in order to decrease emissions. Three of them replied to her inquiry and promised to work on limiting the idling time. They were FedEx, DHL and AWG Charter Services.
Her efforts won her a nice trip for four to Washington, D.C., a digital camera and a gift basket full of all sorts of eco-friendly articles. Besides doing the famous museums and monuments while out on the East coast, she also visited with her family the National Zoo where they incorporate earth-friendly materials in their exhibits.
"I think more people need to realize what's going on, and take action and help." That's Shianne's wish. I fully agree and congratulations.
Photo by jamesmcdonald
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