On Earth Day, our teens demonstrated the power of youth leadership and environmental stewardship through the launch of their new initiative, the PUREbin project. Backed by a grant from the Youth Climate Action Fund, these young changemakers designed the PUREbin to help clean up the Bronx River and raise awareness about pollution in our local waterways.
The YMCA is proud to serve as the supporting organization for this innovative youth-led project. The initiative not only reflects the Y’s commitment to youth development and social responsibility, but it also underscores the incredible potential of teens to take the lead on important community issues.
The students unveiled the PUREbin during an Earth Day celebration and outreach event, where they spoke with members of the public—including White Plains Mayor Tom Roach, who stopped by to hear more about their efforts. The teens shared the goals of the project, demonstrated how the PUREbin works, and explained how it will be used to collect and track waste in the Bronx River.
“We’re incredibly proud of our teens for identifying a problem, creating a solution, and stepping up as leaders in our community,” said Shannon Sullivan, Director of Camp and Teen Services at the YMCA. “This is exactly the kind of impact we hope to inspire through our teen programs.”
The YMCA continues to empower young people to find their voice and take action. Projects like the PUREbin show that when teens are given the opportunity and the support, they don’t just dream of a better future—they build it.