Meet Leah Penny: The Youngest Voice in Beyond Plastics' Speakers Bureau
When Leah Penny attended a book talk for “The Problem With Plastic” at the Worcester Public Library in 2025, she didn't expect it would change the course of her environmental advocacy. But the event sparked something that had been growing in her for years—a desire to move beyond personal actions and become part of a larger movement for change.
Today, Leah is the youngest volunteer member of the Beyond Plastics Speakers Bureau in the Worcester, Massachusetts area, bringing her enthusiasm, optimism, and deep love of nature to audiences across her community.
An undergraduate majoring in Environmental Sciences at Quinsigamond Community College in Worcester, MA, Leah hopes to one day work as a Sustainability Specialist or Environmental Program Coordinator. She also dreams of opening a thrift shop, combining her passion for sustainability with her commitment to keeping usable items out of landfills.
For Leah, environmental advocacy isn't just an academic interest—it's a way of life. "I have always been rather green in living as much as possible," she says. "I consider a product's lifespan and environmental impact heavily during the buying process. I mostly buy environmentally friendly products. I only drive when necessary. I recycle. I spend time in nature. I exercise mostly outside instead of in a gym. I ride horses."
That lifelong connection to the natural world has only deepened as she's witnessed the effects of climate change over the years. "I feel connected to nature and have noticed the negative impacts of climate change in recent years and since being a kid," she says. "It's past time for a systematic overhaul, especially in plastic production."
Finding Beyond Plastics
Leah says she immediately connected with Beyond Plastics because its mission aligned so closely with her own values. "I fell in love with the organization when I attended the book talk for Judith Enck's The Problem With Plastic," she recalls.
Joining the Speakers Bureau was a natural next step. While she had already embraced sustainable habits in her own life, Leah realized that individual actions alone aren't enough to address the scale of the plastic pollution crisis. "My connection to and love of nature has always resided within me," she says. "I have tried to do my best personally, which only goes this far. More people need to take action and see that the planet's problems are our problems too. It's our home, and we need to care for it properly."
From Despair to Hope
One of the biggest surprises for Leah has been how working with Beyond Plastics has changed her perspective. "Being a part of Beyond Plastics has changed my mind from one of feeling despair about plastic pollution and other environmental crises," she says. "Now I have thoughts of hope and feel like maybe there's still time to change the environmentally destructive road we're on."
That sense of hope is one of the reasons she's excited to serve as a volunteer speaker. "What I'm most excited to experience is the ability to make a positive, enduring change for the planet and for people—to do something that really matters."
Speaking Up for Environmental Justice
While Leah cares deeply about every aspect of the plastic pollution crisis, one issue stands out. "I'm equally passionate about all plastic pollution issues," she says, "but maybe a little more heavily on how plastic production is dangerous and prevalent in poor communities." Her studies, experiences on campus, and lifelong love of nature have all reinforced her commitment to environmental protection and environmental justice.
Advice for the Next Generation
As one of the youngest members of the Speakers Bureau, Leah hopes her story encourages other young people to get involved, even if they don't feel like experts.
"I would tell them to go for it anyway," she says. "The only way to gain experience is to start somewhere."
She also believes there are countless ways for people to begin making a difference today. "I would encourage them to learn about Beyond Plastics and other environmental organizations," she says. "Read up on nature and environmental issues. Support thrift stores. Volunteer for a local cleanup. Do anything you can to start today. Be an example and a voice for the planet, because it's our home and it needs us to know how to care for it."
What’s next
When Leah thinks about the future, she's encouraged by the growing movement of people who refuse to stay silent. "The organization of Beyond Plastics and the many environmentally focused organizations locally and around the world give me hope," she says. "To see people having the courage to stand up to authorities who deny or ignore climate change—and to see them making positive change or even attempting to without giving up—gives me great hope."
Leah's journey is a reminder that meaningful advocacy doesn't begin with years of experience. It begins with caring enough to take the first step. We're proud to welcome Leah Penny to the Beyond Plastics Speakers Bureau. Her passion, thoughtfulness, and determination show that the next generation isn't waiting to lead—they're already doing it.
The Beyond Plastics Speakers Bureau
Our all-volunteer Speakers Bureau is about more than just sharing information — we aim to inspire and support advocacy and help empower communities to take action to stop plastic pollution. This growing network of trained, knowledgeable advocates plays an essential role in educating people, organizations, and policymakers about various aspects of plastic pollution and the solutions to this crisis. We are actively working to expand this network in every state so more communities can access local, informed voices.
If you’re interested in joining the Beyond Plastics Volunteer Speakers Bureau, please complete the form and we’ll be in touch.
