Compared to previous generations, young people today are much more aware of the problems our planet faces. More and more youngsters are willing to pitch in to make a difference. Driven by social and environmental concerns, they are determined to make our world a better place. * While at Quebec High School in 2008, Charlie-Élizabeth Nadeau was moved by a photograph portraying young Haitians proudly clutching notepads and pencils donated to them by the Canadian Army. She convinced fellow students collect unwanted pencils, schoolbags and books to be sent to Haiti, thus creating the Project pour la vie. * Social and environmental action is part of daily life for Catherine Gauthier. While at high school, she set up an environmental committee, and later in Montreal she took part in her first United Nations Conference on climate change, and pursued an international studies degree. * Many Canadian schools have embarked on environmental projects. Kelset School in British Columbia was awarded the ‘Greenest School’ title for its recuperation project. In three Québec schools, skipping ropes are made from recycled maple sap tubing; a second-hand store’s profits provide hot meals for needy pupils; and nesting boxes are made to save the Barrow’s Goldeneye. Also available in French: Développer les entreprises vertes