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Earth Day AwardAnuj Sisodiya Q&As

Anuj Sisodiya, Trumbull, ConnecticutTrumbull High School, 2016

Anuj Sisodiya, Trumbull, ConnecticutTrumbull High School, 2016

As a sophomore, Anuj created “Light It, But Time It,” a community-based, energy-saving project. During holiday seasons, he suggested that each household use a timer when using their festive, electronic décor. Anuj created a website and employed social media, public canvassing, grocery store booths, and door-to-door campaigning to distribute free electrical light timers and to promote energy conservation. Anuj worked with energy company managers, town leaders, and vendors to further his initiative. He has also launched “Measure, Monitor, and Save Energy (M2SE)” to use technology and apps to conserve energy. Anuj recently implemented “Energy Savings and Awareness Week (E-SAW)” in his high school. He is the recipient of the Prudential Spirit of Community Service Award, the Action for Nature International Eco Hero Award, and the President Environmental Youth Award. Anuj is also a four-year member of the Debate Team, the Spanish Club, and the varsity tennis team.

1. Tell us about how you became interested in energy conservation.

1. Tell us about how you became interested in energy conservation

My passion to help the environment developed in elementary school when I started a campaign to recycle polythene bags and also pushed for the use of reusable bags. My campaign collected thousands of polythene bags which were then recycled in the proper way instead of being thrown into the garbage and harming the environment. In the past, I have also studied, researched and shared other energy related issues by writing essays, articles etc. for local newspapers. Then, in middle school I read an article that said my generation would live without trees, oil, or fresh water if we continued to harm the environment. I knew I had to make a difference.

2. If there were one thing you could predict about the future of science, what would it be?

2. If there were one thing you could predict about the future of science, what would it be?

I think that we are going to enter a lifestyle that is completely revolutionized by technology within the next 50 years. I think that a lot of this technology will be implemented out of sheer necessity due to non renewable resources running out. We can already see this happening with the development of the Tesla motorcar and solar roads.

3. If there were one thing you could have in the classroom that you don’t currently, what would it be?

3. If there were one thing you could have in the classroom that you don’t currently, what would it be?

Have technology be more involved in the classroom like using computers for notes.

4. Tell us about your favorite teacher, how have they supported or inspired you?

4. Tell us about your favorite teacher, how have they supported or inspired you?

It is very difficult to pick a favorite, I think all my teachers have helped me learn different things and they all give me a unique learning experience. They all encouraged me to work hard and follow what I believe in, my environmental work.

5. What is your fondest memory related to your “Light It, But Time It,” Project?

5. What is your fondest memory related to your “Light It, But Time It,” Project?

My fondest memory about my campaign is definitely how I first got inspired to launch this project. It was the holiday season and I loved looking at all the holiday lights on outside. However, I noticed that my neighbors lights were on 24//7 and thought that was such a waste because you could only enjoy the lights from around 5:30-10pm. The other hours they were barely visible. I looked into how to solve that problem and purchased a light timer for him. After that I started to notice that a lot of people left their lights on throughout the day and that’s how the campaign was born.

6. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

6. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Hopefully running my own business that deals with alternative energy sources and come up with a revolutionary environmental product.

7. What do you plan to study in college?

7. What do you plan to study in college?

I plan to study Finance with a concentration in energy trends.

8. What do you hope for this year’s incoming High School Freshman class?

8. What do you hope for this year’s incoming High School Freshman class?

I hope that they get involved in their communities. My community work has taught me so much, introduced me to so many people and given me countless opportunities. I really hope people follow what they are passionate about and take action.

9. Outside of your environmental advocacy involvement, what has been your favorite / most enjoyable aspect of high school?

9. Outside of your environmental advocacy involvement, what has been your favorite / most enjoyable aspect of high school?

All the friendships I have made and activities I got involved in like going to school games or business competitions.

10. What do you do to stay organized / focused?

10. What do you do to stay organized / focused?

To stay organized I usually use my phone to its full extent in terms of keeping track of things. It’s definitely a blessing and a curse. And to stay focused I listen to music and sort of motivate myself to finish a task at a time.

11. How do you relax? What’s your favorite hobby?

11. How do you relax? What’s your favorite hobby?

I relax usually by going outside and longboarding or shooting hoops. I also like hanging out with friends and just driving around listening to music. My favorite hobby is rock climbing.

12. Do you have a motto? If so, what is it?

12. Do you have a motto? If so, what is it?

Do your best and forget the rest.

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