Not only fueled by plants, but her passion for a green future, young environmentalist Alexi Lindeman (11) was inspired to take a step uncommon for people her age- taking on the vegan diet. Although, she has no plans of stopping there, she continues to strive to leave a smaller footprint on the earth daily.

   Lindeman got to work looking into environmental impacts as the project manager for Project Climate Change, a club she and her friends started at Heritage. She found that leading a plant-based diet was one of the most efficient ways for her to contribute in helping the environment.

   “The more I looked into plant-based diets, the more I was like wow, it is actually incredible how much it could help. That was really empowering to me as a youth because I can’t really choose what car I buy or get solar panels, so it was one thing I could do,” Lindeman exclaimed.

   Lindeman’s interest in a plant-based diet at such a young age, sparked concerns from her mother. She was concerned that Lindeman wouldn’t be intaking enough important nutrients from a plant-based diet. She now takes supplements to ensure she is still receiving the vital nutrient essential to her proper growth and health.

   “My mom was very worried because my older sister had some dietary problems and didn’t always get enough nutrients. So for her and I to become vegetarian and later vegan, she was worried if we wouldn’t get enough protein, or vitamins and calcium,” Lindeman explained.

   Through this, Lindeman feels she has learned a lot ever since starting her vegan diet. She has developed an enjoyment for getting creative in the kitchen, experimenting with foods, and trying new things. She has found a liking for new dishes ranging from eggplant parmesan to quinoa burgers, even transitioning her family over to a plant-based diet.

   “It definitely taught me how to cook more. [People] would be surprised by how good the food is. A lot of people said when I became a vegetarian, ‘oh you just eat salads all the time.’ I say no, it’s not just that. There are a lot of substitutes you can find out there, it is definitely not just salads all the time,” said Lindeman.

   Adding on to her contribution towards a greener earth, Lindeman has joined a local Contra Costa group called “Sustainable Leaders in Action,” promoting the “Cleaner Contra Costa Challenge,” as well as carrying the goals to go zero waste and ride more public transportation.

   As of right now, Lindeman is focused on going to college for Environmental Engineering, mixing her love for math and the environment. There, she plans to join any environmental groups she can, and find new ways to improve agriculture and energy technologies around the world.