This 10-year-old Westminster girl is already a powerful advocate. Here's what she's doing

Matt Garay, Gardner News
·3 min read

WESTMINSTER — When it comes to protecting the environment, it might be hard to find someone who is more dedicated than Audrianna Malloy.

The fourth-grader at Westminster Elementary School has had no trouble, even at a young age, of speaking out when it comes to protecting the planet. And she has backed up her words with action by organizing an Earth Day cleanup on May 2, encouraging her friends and classmates to take part.

“The environment needs help. And it’s not just important for me to do my part but encourage my friends as well,” Audrianna said.

The 10-year-old is not stopping at the cleanup. She is following her passion for environmental protection and climate change by working with RecycleWorks Inc., Mass. EPA and the Westminster DPW to create a framework and timeline to start a composting program within the school district.

Audrianna Malloy, far left in middle row, is shown with Westminster Elementary School classmates during the Earth Day cleanup that Malloy organized on May 2.
Audrianna Malloy, far left in middle row, is shown with Westminster Elementary School classmates during the Earth Day cleanup that Malloy organized on May 2.

“It has been fun and exciting. It has been a good opportunity to get outside and help the environment,” Audrianna said. “It has been interesting to learn about new ways to recycle and reduce food waste. I didn’t know Massachusetts had so many programs readily available to help with this issue.”

Audrianna said she is surprised that more schools are not composting and teaching the free education material that is available.

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“It would be beneficial for the town to practice food waste management more efficiently because then our generation will create less of a problem for our community in later years, especially the ones that stay in town,” she said.

Mother Brianne Malloy voiced great pride when talking about her daughter’s passion and dedication.

Audrianna Malloy of Westminster.
Audrianna Malloy of Westminster.

“I am so proud of her. Ever since I can remember, she would be the first to ask someone to pick up their trash,” Brianne said. “She is not shy at all when it comes to voicing her opinion about protecting her Earth.”

“She is such a kind and compassionate kid, it’s totally in her future,” Brianne continued. “She knew she wanted to help our community with this project of hers she has self-titled ‘Project Green’ when she noticed there was no recycling bin in the cafeteria. Then it spiraled from there. She started wondering how much waste is happening within the schools just from lunch.”

The next step for Audrianna’s Project Green is to meet with town officials next month and apply for state and federal grants that fund food waste management projects, like her proposed composting program.

With Massachusetts recently lowering regulations for disposal of commercial food waste from one ton per week to a half ton effective Nov. 1, Brianne said, Audrianna is presenting her proposal as a necessary solution.

“Massachusetts offers an RDP grant (Recycling Dividends Program) that will be the first one we apply for,” Brianne said. “Westminster historically has never applied, which is shocking. So, we will be excited to see what comes from that.”

This article originally appeared on Gardner News: Audrianna Malloy of Westminster devoted to protecting the environment