Sophia Yuan
USA, 17
She/Her
Project: Clean Choices Together (CCT)
Every shipment of handmade jewelry Sophia sent added to the plastic pollution problem — a realization that turned a teenage business into a mission. She founded Clean Choices Together (CCT) to help companies switch to sustainable packaging and give consumers the information to choose better. CCT's data-driven Waste Estimation Model has helped 480+ businesses in 11 countries prevent 880,000+ pounds of plastic waste, while its EcoAdvisor app lets them measure their impact and source sustainable alternatives. Because small businesses rarely have the resources to make the change alone, CCT provides free digital tools, builds tailored action plans, and raises their challenges through a global online interview series. The organization has mobilized youth volunteers in 19 countries, reached 6,130 small businesses, and educated 295,000+ shoppers. Sophia is now launching a student ambassador program to put CCT's tools into use worldwide.