Youth in Action: 16-Year-Old Creates Business to Reduce Plastic and Support Environmental Causes

Lucy Skelton, a 16-year-old from Melbourne, Australia, shifted her focus from becoming a vet to addressing climate change. She founded Be Happy Bags, a business that designs reusable bags, with 20% of profits supporting environmental causes. Lucy emphasizes the importance of combining business with environmental impact and encourages youth to take action now. Her work with Earth Echo and the Plastic Seas expedition highlights the power of art and business in raising environmental awareness.

What motivated Lucy Skelton to shift her focus from becoming a vet to environmental activism?

• Influence from her family

• A desire to travel the world

• The realization of climate change impacts

• Her love for animals

What is the primary goal of Lucy's business, 'Be Happy Bags'?

• To compete with other bag brands

• To make a profit

• To create fashionable bags

• To support environmental causes

How does 'Be Happy Bags' contribute to environmental causes?

• By using recycled materials

• By planting trees

• By donating 20% of profits

• By organizing clean-up events

What inspired the design of the special bag for the 'Plastic Seas' expedition?

• The connection between city and ocean

• The demand for new products

• The need for more colorful designs

• The beauty of the ocean

What message does Lucy Skelton want to convey to young people?

• Only adults can effect real change

• Focus on personal success first

• Small actions can lead to big changes

• Wait until adulthood to make a difference