Anders Ekstrom says that everyone can be green — they just have to start somewhere.

The Lakehill Preparatory School second-grader was recently recognized by the Lakewood Neighborhood Association as a grand prize winner in the group's second annual Green Home and Eggs contest.

Ekstrom entered the Just for Kids category, which was open to students aged 5 to 18. Entrants were asked to research their home's current energy use and to submit photos and an essay detailing their green efforts.

As the first-place category winner, Ekstrom received a certificate of achievement and a $100 gift card to Whole Foods.

"This contest honors those who are truly going above and beyond," said LNA's Allison Parker. "The committee felt that Anders truly embodied what we were looking for in our grand prize winner. He works to make his home more green, but he is also involved in the community, volunteering every month by cleaning up shoreline at White Rock Lake. We were also impressed by the organic vegetable garden he planted at his home."

"I think every kid counts — and that everyone can make a difference," Ekstrom said. "I make sure to turn off the lights whenever I leave my room, and I made a pledge in class to turn off the water every time I brush my teeth. Sometimes the small things all add up to make a big thing."

Photo by Special Contributor

Anders Ekstrom shows off a carrots he grew in his organic garden at home.

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