Young Activist Launches Reusable Cup Initiative to Reduce Waste

Thirteen-year-old Abby Van Helvoirt from Brentwood Bay, British Columbia, has initiated a reusable cup program at local coffee shops aimed at reducing waste. This effort is part of her broader commitment to environmental activism, which earned her the prestigious 2025 I-SEA National Youth Climate Activism Award.

Abby’s initiative began with a simple idea: she and her mother approached two coffee shops, proposing that they offer customers a punch card for bringing their own cups. After every five purchases, customers could enter a draw to win gift cards, which Abby secured from local businesses, including a seafood shop, a butcher, and a restaurant. Within two months, the program resulted in the issuance of 200 cards and the selection of eight winners. The coffee shops reported reduced costs on disposable cups, while participating businesses enjoyed increased brand visibility.

In addition to her work with coffee shops, Abby has influenced her school’s approach to recycling. She collaborated with her teacher to advocate for proper waste disposal, leading to a shift in student behavior. Instead of discarding plastic containers in garbage bins, students now use blue bins for recycling. The school also introduced a composting device called the Lomi, which Abby promoted through a video presentation. This initiative has made composting a common practice at her school.

This fall, Abby plans to extend her environmental efforts by partnering with two friends at the local Thrifty Foods grocery store. They will offer customers affordable cloth bags as an alternative to plastic. The store manager has expressed strong support for this initiative, which Abby describes as an engaging project.

Abby credits her inspiration to the renowned conservationist, Jane Goodall. Since the third grade, Abby has admired Goodall’s unwavering dedication to protecting animal habitats. In a leadership project for the Girl Guides, she organized a bottle drive that raised over $250 for the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada. Her efforts culminated in an invitation to attend Goodall’s 90th birthday celebration in Vancouver, a moment Abby describes as exhilarating.

Abby emphasizes the importance of community involvement in her initiatives, acknowledging that changing people’s habits can be difficult. Yet, she holds a hopeful outlook, saying, “People can and do learn, and there is a wave of change happening.” Most people she encounters support her efforts, which fuels her passion for environmental advocacy.

She encourages other young people to take action, stating her motto: “If we each do a little, we all do a lot.” Abby believes that working collaboratively amplifies impact and helps maintain motivation during challenging times. For older readers, she offers this advice: it is never too late to learn and engage in environmental issues. Conversations with friends and family can inspire change, especially when the message comes from someone they know.

Abby Van Helvoirt’s story exemplifies how young individuals can lead meaningful change in their communities. Through creativity, determination, and collaboration, she is making strides in the fight against waste and encouraging others to join her mission.