Torrey Pines student recognized for ‘green’ efforts in new book

By Sara Mark, intern

Devyn Howard, with “Girls Gone Green” book.

Dubbed the “Green Cheerleader,” RSF’s Devyn Howard, 17, has an enthusiasm and passion that extends much further than a football field and a pair of pom-poms. Since her freshman year at Torrey Pines High School, Devyn, now a senior, has been an active member of the school’s “Green Team,” a club that she says is “devoted to enlightening students about environmental preservation and consciousness.” Taking on the role of president, Devyn has headed the effort to make students throughout the district more aware of their natural surroundings.
“Right now we’re doing an energy competition with San Dieguito Academy in order to lower both schools’ use of electricity,” explained Devyn. “We’re going to compare the energy bills from February and March of last year to those of this year — whoever has the greater difference will be the winner.”
But her efforts to raise environmental awareness are hardly confined to a high school campus. For the past three years, Devyn has been going door-to-door in Carmel Valley neighborhoods selling and explaining the benefits of fluorescent light bulbs over regular bulbs.
“Most people don’t realize how much energy regular light bulbs waste by emitting heat. Fluorescent bulbs are not only more efficient, but safer and longer-lasting.”
Currently publicizing vegetarianism and hosting her own website aptly titled “Teen Green Scene,” it’s no wonder that Devyn was selected to be featured in Lynn Hirshfield’s book, Girls Gone Green. Focusing on the environmental efforts of girls throughout the country, the author’s main goal was to inspire the younger generation of women to change their habits and to take action for a cause that they care about. When Participant Media contacted Global Green USA, an organization that Devyn is both a benefactor and member of, asking for young women who showed great leadership in the environmental effort, Devyn seemed to be the perfect candidate. Showcased for her dedication and enthusiasm, Devyn’s efforts are proof that even the smallest change in your local neighborhood can go a long way.
With the Girls Gone Green for sale on Amazon.com and a desire to affect change, Devyn has plans to continue her efforts to raise awareness wherever she can. “Ultimately, I want to make it more common for people to be interested in environmental preservation.”
For more information on Devyn’s “green” efforts, go to http://www.myspace.com/global_green.