23 Days 'Til the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day: The Last Straw

Young Voices for the Planet is a film series that aims to share the success stories of the youth who are working to limit the negative effects of climate change. The goal is to address communities and society as a whole to make a difference for the planet. ​

This film is about a 9-year-old boy named Milo who goes on an international speaking tour to speak about his concern about the millions of plastic straws people use every day. He says, "It seems extremely wasteful to make a product that we will use for less than fifteen minutes, but will be here on Earth long after my own grandchildren are born." Watch how Milo used entrepreneurial thinking to create ways on limiting the use on plastic straws and improving our planet. 

The Last Straw from Young Voices for the Planet on Vimeo.

When he first started his journey, he was afraid that adults wouldn't listen to what he had to say. Milo's efforts lead him to being featured on local, national and international news. His project, Be Straw Free, strives to limit the use of disposable plastic straws.

Entrepreneurial Thinking

Milo's entrepreneurial thinking allowed his efforts to be successful. Teach your students how to think more creatively by asking them questions and challenging their mind!

What creative ideas did Milo have? What were his strategies? What do you think he could have done better? How would you limit the use of plastic straws? What were the challenges he faced? How do Milo's efforts align with the Sustainable Development Goals? Which goal would you help to achieve and how?

Milo did more than just telling people to not use straws. He convinced them and changed their minds by using creative entrepreneurial thinking. He went straight to the source of how the straws were being distributed (i.e. restaurant owners, mayors and governors) and created his own project. 

For resources on teaching sustainability with your students, visit our free-to-use resources page here for endless activities and lesson ideas!