Seventy-hundred-and-fifty miles, 31 days, six islands, and one woman on a mission.

Maui teacher and author Lindy Shapiro, founder of the Bodhi Education Project, is embarking on an ambitious, month-long coastal trek across the islands. Called “holoHI,” her goal is to inspire kids toward constructive change by raising awareness on a growing problem in Earth’s oceans–plastic.

A recent study estimates that over 250,000 tons of plastic are floating in oceans across the planet, endangering marine habitats and polluting food and water supplies. Shapiro believes that educating kids on the issue is the best way to create change, and credits children with inspiring her to do the event.

“The best hope we have for a happy, healthy planet Earth is kids who are empowered to take an active role, to create change, to teach the rest of us, and to lead in whatever field they choose… to face the world with huge brave hearts guided by huge wisdom,” Shapiro said. “I hope that my run will unite us in an effort to create sustainable, positive change for our youth, our environment, and our planet… and I believe this begins with inspired educational programming.”

During her journey, Shapiro will visit 20 schools on Hawai‘i Island, Lāna‘i, Moloka‘i, O‘ahu, Kaua‘i, and Maui, launching an educational initiative called “Bottles for Change (B4C),” a student-led conservation project challenging kids to reduce their–and their friends’–use of plastic bottles.

via Maui Teacher to Trek 750 Miles to Raise Environmental Awareness | Maui Now.