Yonkers, NY — October 25, 2025 — Students from Mount Vernon, New Rochelle, and Port Chester participating in the Environmental Leaders of Color (ELOC) Student Environmental Ambassador Program are making waves in Westchester County with their leadership in sustainability. On October 1, 2025, these young changemakers visited the Westchester County Recovery Plant in Yonkers as part of their groundbreaking “Don’t Strain Your Drain” initiative — a student-led campaign that educates residents on proper cooking oil disposal to protect local waterways and prevent clogged sewer systems.
The students’ visit went far beyond a typical field trip. They toured the recovery plant, interacted directly with facility experts, and saw firsthand how household waste is transformed into renewable energy. This experience provided a powerful lesson in environmental responsibility — connecting everyday household habits to the larger systems that support community health and environmental equity.
The ‘Don’t Strain Your Drain’ project helps our students understand how small actions—like disposing of cooking oil and other household hazards properly—can significantly impact our shared environment,” said Dr. Diana K. Williams, Executive Director of the Environmental Leaders of Color Program. “This experience brings classroom learning to life and shows students how they can make a tangible difference in their communities.
Earlier this year, the Environmental Leaders of Color program was recognized with the Eco Award from the Westchester County Department of Environmental Facilities for its outstanding community impact and environmental innovation.
Why It Matters for Black Communities
For Black and Brown communities across Westchester—especially in cities like Mount Vernon, Yonkers, and New Rochelle—environmental justice is more than just an idea; it’s a matter of public health and neighborhood safety. Many predominantly Black neighborhoods face aging infrastructure, poor drainage systems, and higher risks of flooding and contamination. Programs like ELOC help bridge this gap by empowering young leaders from these communities to understand, address, and advocate for sustainable environmental practices that directly impact their families and neighborhoods.
By linking environmental responsibility to real-world experiences, ELOC is cultivating a new generation of eco-conscious leaders who not only care about climate change but also recognize how environmental neglect unfairly affects communities of color. Their leadership demonstrates that sustainability begins at home — and in Westchester’s Black communities, it starts with education, empowerment, and collective action.
