The thought that some animals could disappear from the planet in the next few decades made an eight-year-old girl from Ipswich start her litter-picking duty.
Millie Grayling is one of the youngest Suffolk environmentalists who puts her whole heart into saving the planet.
Her mum, Hannah Burgess, said: “A couple of years ago, we went down to Clacton to see a live performance of dinosaurs, and they were talking about how in ten years' time we wouldn't then have any orangutans because of the litter and the global warming, and Millie has just been hooked on that since then.
“She is very interested in saving the wildlife and decided to start litter picking around the Ipswich area.”
Millie's mum added that one time they only went for a mile walk from their home and collected two full bags of rubbish.
Ms Burgess added: “One day I asked Millie if she would rather go to the zoo, Jimmy’s Farm, or just a park to have some fun.
“She responded, ‘Can we go litter picking?’
“It's always her idea to go. Sometimes, on a nice afternoon, I would suggest we pop out for a little bit, and she is always up for it.
“It just fills my heart with joy.”
Another 10-year-old Ipswich environmentalist, Zach Hindle, has been clearing the area around the school he attends, Morland Primary School, and Orwell Country Park, during walks with his grandma Suzanne.
He added: "We have little wins here and there, but littering is still a growing problem, and we need to try and address it.
"We also need to continue with awareness campaigns and education, particularly with kids."
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