2015 Recipient

After taking an AP Environmental Science class, Matt felt so inspired he decided to take action by trying to decrease climate destruction in his hometown of Framingham.  Following the town of Concord’s lead, Matt worked tirelessly to educate the public regarding the harmful effects of consuming bottled water from plastic bottles.  He then worked to ban the sale of single use bottled water made out of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic bottles.  Bottled water from any composition is harmful to the environment, but Matt learned that consuming water from PET bottles over time causes the body to experience similar effects of consuming large amounts of estrogen.

While working on the town wide bottled water ban, Matt collected signatures, wrote the proposed bylaw, presented his proposal to various town government committees, and at the fall town meeting.  Although the bottled water ban did not pass, he raised awareness of the issue and procured a $4,000 grant to provide two water filling stations at his high school.  Matt demonstrated leadership and initiative by taking action on an important issue that impacts our environment.  We congratulate him and wish him the best as he continues his studies at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst this fall.