Nadia Sparkes, 13, or “Trash Girl,” has made waves for picking up litter on her two-mile walk to school.
Local children bullied Sparkes who proudly wore her given title, Trash Girl.
“I’m doing something to protect the world they also live in. It’s everyone’s job. We are all responsible for keeping this world safe, instead of believing that it’s always someone else’s job.” Sparkes posted to Instagram.
For a few months, the bullying died down — soon after the article went viral.
But it unfortunately, started up again.
Nadia shared that sadly, her school did not support her efforts.
She was especially upset when one of the teachers suggested that she give up litter picking to ease off the bullies.
Nadia continued to stick to her gut and pick up litter, and has since garnered a massive following on Instagram and Facebook for her conservation efforts.
Nadia eventually went on to open a Facebook group titled Team Trash Girl to help everyone do their part, saying:
“Hello Everyone, I also wanted to find a way to help everyone support one another. To help fix the planets problems before it becomes unfixable. So, please try to pick up 3 pieces of litter today. Show us what you have found. Let’s all support each other to make the world a better place.”
Just last year, Nadia was gifted with time in a newsroom, sharing with folks the importance of recycling.
She shared the following points about how you can help with conservation efforts in your area:
Most recently, Trash Girl called out the practice of releasing balloons in New Zealand, urging kids to celebrate in a different way:
“I was shocked to hear this weekend that New Zealand, a beautiful country we think of as high on the list of environmentally aware and responsible countries has a tradition that most school leavers release balloons to celebrate leaving their school! This is so opposite to the ethos of “Take only memories and leave only footprints” that I learnt when I was there. Being in New Zealand was a part of the beginning of my journey into trying to make the world better and to clean up what I can. Even biodegradable balloons can take up to 4 years to break down, I’ve collected so many of them here and many councils in the UK will now not allow balloon releases because of the danger to animals. It is simply littering because what goes up, must come down… In that time it takes them to break down the damage is done. Please Kiwi Kids! Find a new way to celebrate!”
Nadia has since left her old school and is planning to start at Reepham High School — a place known for being very eco-conscious.
Nadia says she is “very excited about the move” and is looking forward to spreading her message at the school.
Nadia is slated to collect the Points of Light award granted by Theresa May, Prime Minister, in London.
She has also been chosen as one of the 16 under 16 young environmentalists.
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