Environmental activist, Chairman of the Captain Planet Foundation and daughter of media magnate Ted Turner (Founder, CNN) today launched the Ghana Chapter of the Captain Planet Foundation. Hosted by His Royal Highness Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, the Okyehene of the Akyem Abuakwa Kingdom and Edward Boateng, Executive Chairman of Global Media Alliance, Laura Turner Seydel met with planeteers, made up of young environmental activists for an open forum discussion on environmental protection and health related issues and officially launch the Captain Planet Foundation at the African Regent Hotel in Accra.
The mission of the Captain Planet Foundation is to fund and support hands-on environmental projects for children and youths. The Foundation’s objective is to encourage innovative programmes that empower children and youth around the world to work individually and collectively to solve environmental problems in their neighborhoods and communities.
For Laura, living an eco-sensitive lifestyle has always been a priority and she believes respecting nature’s resources, taking care of the environment and the undeniable connection between the health of our planet and our own welfare must be taken seriously now more than ever. The environmental activist and eco-living expert says the path to sustainable future can be made possible through a collective effort. She aims to inspire families, youths, and individuals to do their part by educating them on the benefits and opportunities of earth-friendly living.
In his welcome address, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin challenged the youth to speak now about their future. He urged them to be more environmentally conscious and challenge policy makers to consider any decisions they take. “A good investment in the future of our children is to protect the environment. Young people are now empowered than before so they must take responsibility and make sure things are done right as far as the environment is concerned.” he said.
The world is nothing if we do not take care of God’s property – the environment. The water, the trees and animals all have life to be protected. When we protect these, we are protecting our own lives. Every little contribution you make matters” Osagyefo added.
Laura urged the young planeteers to take up the mantle and speak for the environment. “You are the eyes and ears of the environment. The power is yours” she said.
As an extension of her environmental upbringing and sustainable message, Laura and her husband built their home EcoManor (www.ecomanor.com), the first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environment Design) certified residence in the Southeast. The home is a showcase for healthy living and energy-efficient design and serves as educational tool for builders, architects, interior designers, landscapers and homeowners to promote green living conservation options and improved residential building practices. Ultimately through EcoManro, Laura is able to demonstrate real-world applications and offer hands-on experiences to further support her healthy home message.
Laura Turner Seydel is a national environmental activist and an eco-living expert in Atlanta, USA. She plays an integral role in environmental movements and spearheads community initiatives to spread environmental protection messages. Together with her husband Rutherford, she co-founded the Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper (UCR) to secure measurable improvements in the health and future of the river. Through years of advocacy and fundraising, in 2008 Laura witnessed a major milestone for the organization with the completion of an integral component of the West CSO Tunnel, a $4 billion project to improve Atlanta’s antiquated sewer systems, on time and under budget.
Among other leadership responsibilities, Laura Turner Seydel chairs the Captain Planet Foundation. She is also the co-founder of Mothers & Others for Clean Air, an organization dedicated to creating awareness about the connection between asthma and air pollution. Laura is also a Trustee to the Turner Foundation and the Jane Smith Turner Foundation, whose funding priorities include children’s health and the arts. She also serves as an Advisory Board Member of Georgia Conservancy. Laura is the Eco Editor of the Southern Seasons Magazine where she writes a regular column “Going Green”.
Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin is Ghana’s foremost environmentalist who is known for his devoted advocacy about environmental issues across the country and even beyond.
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