Hello
Hi, I’m Zach — and Zach’s Planet started when I was a kid who couldn’t stop wondering why we throw away so many things that still have value. What began as one small idea turned into a mission to give books, toys, and other everyday items a second life while helping people and the planet at the same time. Around here, we believe environmental change doesn’t have to be complicated — it just takes creativity, action, and a little determination.
My Story
Zach Hartman is a youth environmental leader and social impact advocate who believes that real change begins with one simple question: what happens to the things we throw away? At just seven years old, Zach began turning that question into action, launching what would grow into Zach’s Planet, a youth-led environmental initiative focused on reuse, sustainability, and community impact. What started as a small service project has evolved into a decade-long mission proving that young people can lead meaningful solutions that protect both the planet and their communities.
Through Zach’s Planet, Zach has helped redistribute more than 300,000 new and used books, reaching over 65,000 students through school partnerships and literacy programs while keeping valuable resources in circulation instead of landfills. His environmental initiatives have diverted an estimated 125,000 pounds of reusable materials from waste streams, stocked hundreds of Little Free Libraries across all 50 states, and mobilized youth volunteers through hands-on upcycling workshops that transformed gently used stuffed animals into more than 6,000 pet toys for shelters nationwide. By combining environmental stewardship with service, Zach’s work demonstrates how sustainability can be practical, community-centered, and scalable.
Today, Zach continues to expand Zach’s Planet through partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and youth organizations, empowering other students to lead projects rooted in action rather than awareness alone. His mission is to show that protecting the environment does not require waiting for adulthood or large resources — it begins with creativity, leadership, and the decision to see potential where others see waste. Through every project, Zach strives to inspire the next generation to believe that small, consistent actions can grow into lasting environmental impact.