On Thursday, June 26, 2025, the Environmental Leaders of Color (ELOC) celebrated the graduation of student participants from its Student Environmental Ambassador Program, hosted at the Westchester Community College annex in Mount Vernon. This event marked a significant milestone in the innovative “Don’t Strain Your Drain” campaign—a youth-led initiative aimed at reducing water pollution and sewer issues through the proper disposal of used cooking oil.
The program originated in 2023 through ELOC’s Student Summer Energy and Environmental Program for Teens (SSEPT), when a team representing Mount Vernon’s YCOP proposed the “Don’t Strain Your Drain” concept. Since then, the ELOC Student Environmental Ambassador Program has empowered students from across Mount Vernon, Port Chester, and New Rochelle to become advocates for environmental action in their communities.
In recognition of their efforts:
- Students presented to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) in January 2025, supported by NYS Assemblyman Gary Pretlow.
- The team received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Westchester County Board of Legislators in February.
- They won Third Prize at the Bedford 2030 Greenlight Award in April.
- In May, they were awarded the Westchester County ECO Award by the Environmental Facilities Department.
Through local outreach and two collection sites in Mount Vernon, the students helped divert 200 gallons—nearly 1,400 pounds—of used cooking oil from businesses and residents, promoting cleaner water systems and environmental sustainability.
During the graduation ceremony, monetary awards were announced for students who collected the most significant amounts of oil in their communities, honoring their hands-on contributions to environmental protection.
“We are incredibly proud of what these young leaders have achieved,” said Marvin Church, Associate Program Director at ELOC. “This initiative shows how education, advocacy, and local action can come together to make a real environmental impact.”
ELOC also announced the opening of its new office at the Westchester Community College annex in Mount Vernon, made possible through the generous support of the college administration and the Westchester County Legislators.
For more information about the Don’t Strain Your Drain initiative or how to get involved, visit www.eloc.earth or contact info@eloc.earth.
