Clean Water Action is proud to welcome our first ever Zero Emissions Intern. This internship program is all about providing hands-on experience in grassroots organizing, environmental justice, and zero emission policy advocacy in NJ Goods Movement Industry. Led by Tolani Taylor, our Zero Emission & Warehouse Organizer in New Jersey, this internship is meant to equip participants with the tools needed to advocate for zero emission solutions in NJ Goods Movement Industry using multimedia forums. It will also help to confront environmental and public health and worker inequities through community-driven and digital solutions.
Welcoming David to the Team!
We’re grateful to have David join our team as our 2026 Zero Emission Intern. David will be supporting important campaigns focused on advocating for Kids Clean Air Zone Local Ordinances (truck-rerouting policy (from community, centers, schools, parks, etc.) and statewide policy like the NJ ISR (Indirect Source Review Bill).
Introduction
Hi, my name is David France. I’m a recent graduate of Bloomfield College of Montclair State University with a bachelor's degree in creative arts and technology. I am so excited to be interning at Clean Water Action as the Zero Emissions Intern under the supervision of Tolani Taylor and Marta Young. Below are some of what brought me here as an intern and the opportunities it presents to make an impact on communities through advocacy work, support environmental justice, collaborate with organizers who are driving real change, and support my professional growth while letting me contribute creatively to a mission that protects public health and the future of New Jersey communities.
How My Environmental Journey Began
My environmental journey began with a growing awareness of how everyday choices create real, lasting impacts. It began with paying attention to waste, noticing pollution in local spaces, and realizing how often people overlook environmental issues. Over time, projects like building my Earth model covered in single‑use plastics made me understand the problem more. That idea came from working with Marta on her own advocacy campaign, Skip the Stuff. Seeing how quickly the planet's surface disappeared under layers of trash made the issue feel real. That moment sparked my commitment to environmental advocacy and set me on the path that led to interning with Clean Water Action.
Bringing This Awareness To My Audience
Bringing this awareness to my audience on Capstone Night was the most meaningful part of my project. I tabled my Earth model display with three types of "Skip the Stuff" advocacy stickers, each being different than the other but all carrying the same message. Choose to Reuse merchandise went along with it, a series of key-fact flashcards, "Nutritional Facts" signs about plastic forks and spoons, and various Skip the Stuff posters so people could feel the weight of environmental issues the same way I did while constructing the Earth model and setting up the table. Presenting the Earth-covered model in person, where my classmates and their families could see the planet's surface disappear under layers of trash, created a moment of reflection and helped my audience understand that environmental responsibility begins with the choices we make every day. Sharing that message publicly made my advocacy feel real and reminded me why this work matters.
What I’ve Learned So Far at Clean Water Action
At Clean Water Action, I’ve seen that honest communication is most impactful when it truly connects with community needs. It has taught me how environmental issues affect daily life and the importance of clear, relatable messages that help communities understand and pay attention. I’ve learned how campaigns are created, how teamwork functions, and how design and visuals can boost engagement and make messages more effective. This experience is helping me understand not just the organization, but also the significant role I can play by using my skills to create meaningful, positive change.
Going forward, I plan to contribute more alongside Tolani and other staff members of Clean Water Action while strengthening my commitment to environmental justice and my design skills to support real community impact.
