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New York Times Features Mike Browne

Mike Browne was featured in a special education section of the paper on young people making a difference.  “Five Do-Gooders” interviewed teens from all over the country who found a problem and made a real difference in trying to solve it.

The article highlights the origins and success of Browne’s project and talks about his Aspergers.  Mike is happy that the “Get the Lead Out of Fishing” message is reaching an entirely new audience of educators and parents.  He hope that educators will be inspired to teach their classes about the hidden dangers of lead and that parents will teach their children and buy lead-free fishing weights.

Update: Browne has created a lesson plan for use in the classroom to teach students about the hidden dangers of lead. View and download the lesson plan.

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Get the Lead Out of Fishing at Whitman’s Pond Fishing Derby – Third Year!

I am happy that the Whitman’s Pond Association invited me back for my third year in a row. The organizers told me that fishing derby participants liked the project and felt that the information was very valuable – many  favorable comments.

I set up my tent and booth and handed out over 200 kits (containing a sample pack, a button, and a brochure) to participants.  It was blisteringly hot that day!

Another successful day of raising awareness!

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Buttons given away

Thanks to grants from Do Something and SeaWorld, I designed and had made new buttons as part of my “Get the Lead Out of Fishing” kits. The buttons have proven to be very popular at fishing derbies and educational events. They are colorful and provide a durable way to remind people to choose environmentally-friendly lead-free fishing gear.

Update: I have finally run out of buttons! Thanks to everyone who requested them. I will post here when I get a new supply in!

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Do Something Awards $500 Grant to Get the Lead Out of Fishing

Get the Lead Out of Fishing is proud to announce that Do Something has awarded $500 to me to continue his project.

Do Something believes you have the power to make a difference. It is our aim to inspire, support and celebrate a generation of doers: people who see the need to do something, believe in their ability to get it done, and then take action. At DoSomething.org we provide the tools and resources for you to convert your ideas and energy into positive action. Be part of a generation of doers.

I will use the money to provide additional unleaded fishing kits and public awareness.

Want to learn more about Do Something?

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New web site launched

Welcome to my new updated web site. I have added lots of new features.

You can view videos that explain the project. Check out the press. Learn more about what you can do to Get the Lead Out of Fishing!

Check out the news and announcements. I am proud that I have been able to make a difference.

And it all started with one question asked by me as a kid:
“What happens to all the lead fishing weights we lose when we go fishing?”

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EPA invites Get the Lead Out of Fishing to Annual Green Expo

For the second year in a row, I have participated in the EPA’s Green Expo in Boston.  I had the chance to meet with over 100 EPA employees, their families and members of the public.

 

Great group of exhibitors showing everything from green energy to organic food.  All about non-toxic, low impact lifestyles.  It was terrific to be able to continue to spread the word about non-lead fishing weights to a new audience.

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King of Sweden presents award to project

Mike Browne was honored by King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden who presented an award to Browne during his stop in Boston. Get the Lead Out of Fishing is one of the projects selected to receive an award. Browne was also selected as one of the Boston scouts to take part in an award ceremony when King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia presented a check to the World Scouting organization for a Gifts of Peace program. King Carl XVI Gustaf is the honorary chair of the World Scouting organization.

Executives from World Scouting also attended the event which took place the day before an event where Boston-area scouts were invited to attend a special event tied in with the Volvo Sailing Adventure tour.

Browne traveled to Sweden last year and saw Gothenburg and Stockholm.

“It’s a beautiful country,” said Browne.  “My team of fellow Scouts and I represented the United States at a United Nations environmental program where we presented my project before an international audience of about 1000 teens and environmentalists.”

While traveling in Sweden. Browne and his team were paired with host families who brought them into their home for dinner, giving them a chance to really get to know the Swedish way of life.

There is a video of the ceremony. Watch it here… Scroll to bottom of page.