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Our Youth Speak Up

About This Collection

Let's hear from our children, and their advocates, on the social, environmental, cultural, and economic concerns around sustainability and the call to always act responsibly and with the next seven generations in mind. The collection will also feature, from time to time, adults who are speaking on behalf of children. 

To add to this collection email children@earthsayers.com.  Thank you.

 

 

Curated by mokiethecat

November 03, 2026

In Cuautlancingo, Mexico, Maritza Sanchez faced severe environmental pollution during her high school years, encountering trash and the foul smell of the contaminated Atoyac River. Her interest in solutions grew when she learned about microbial fuel cells, which use bacteria to break down pollutants while generating electricity.

Inspired, Sanchez developed a project utilizing local waste and river water, founding Aquayac Energy in 2025. As the lead in technical development, she designs and tests prototypes from recycled materials while studying chemistry in New Haven, Connecticut. Sanchez also engages her community in Cuautlancingo, aiming to produce 50 functional fuel cells by 2027.

Drone footage credit: Raul Rodriguez @Pixsport and El Sol de Puebla @ElSoldePuebla_OEM1 elsoldepuebla.com.mx

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