Full transcription available at http://heartsofgoldpodcast.com/ Jackie shares her inspiring journey of earning the Girl Scout Gold Award through her project titled "Single-Use Less Plastic." She discusses her advocacy against single-use plastic pollution, highlighting the importance of public policy, education, and art in driving change. Jackie reflects on how the COVID-19 lockdown prompted her to notice the overwhelming amount of plastic waste generated by her family, leading her to participate in the Plastic Free July challenge. She created an art curriculum inspired by artist Aurora Robson, teaching students to make collages from plastic debris. Jackie also founded her school's environmental club, where she organized assemblies and engaged with local officials to promote legislation against plastic straws. Throughout the episode, Jackie shares the challenges she faced during the project, including the transition to virtual learning, and the valuable lessons she learned about self-expression and advocacy. She discusses her current endeavors as an art and design major at the University of Michigan, where she has launched her clothing brand, Vinny, which focuses on environmental themes and donates a portion of profits to conservation efforts. Listeners will gain insights into the Gold Award process, the importance of creating a website for projects, and the impact of Girl Scout experiences on personal growth. Jackie encourages future Gold Award candidates to pursue their passions and reach out to others for support. More About Jacqueline: Jacqueline Vinson, 13 year Girl Scout earned her Gold Award through raising awareness of the environmental hazards of single use plastic and how we can take environmental action in our communities. Through her extensive work interviewing New York Council Members and artists, designing a curriculum and petitioning, she received the Girl Scouts of Greater New York Carmen Dubroc Scholarship in 2023. Jackie’s project made a difference in her community by raising awareness of Bill A90A, a law, banning plastic straws in NYC restaurants. She also successfully petitioned to end the use of plastic cutlery and plates in her school cafeteria. As a high school senior, her environmental art won a Scholastic Art and Writing Gold Key for her portfolio, “Single-Use Less Plastics”. She now studies Art and Design at the University of Michigan where she has continued to make environmental art. This summer, She started her own naturalist streetwear company, “VinNy”, selling shirts with her captivating geometric designs of nature and birds. VinNY’s aim is to connect urban life to the natural world, and 10% of the profits go to urban environmental conservation organizations including the NYC Bird Alliance.   https://singleuselessplastic.com https://www.vinnylabel.com   Key Takeaways from this episode: Advocacy against single-use plastics through art and education. The importance of community engagement and public policy. Personal growth and self-expression through creative projects.