CASH DANIELS – THE CONSERVATION KID

Cash Daniels is passionate about protecting freshwater ecosystems and has removed more than 46,000 pounds of trash from the Tennessee River, the world’s most microplastics-polluted river.

After seeing a plastic straw on the beach at only 7 years old, he was inspired to do something to help, starting with small family cleanups and expanding to monthly river cleanups attended by many members of his community.

He has also partnered with Tennessee State Parks to place 150 fishing line collection bins across the state, protecting waterways and the animals who easily become entangled in the line. Cash funds his collection bins with money earned by recycling aluminum cans. Dubbed The Conservation Kid, Cash frequently presents to community groups and schools about the need to protect freshwater ecosystems. He has spoken to over 15,000 young people, reminding them that “Kids may be a small part of the population, but we are 100% of the future!”

Cash was a 2024 winner of the Barron Prize.

IYH Behind the Scenes

We captured Cash’s story in the Chattanooga, TN area. We didn’t let the spring rain stop us from getting out on the river!