Newton Teen Making A Difference At Ocean River Institute

NEWTON, MA — A 19-year old Newton resident is spending his summer following his passion for improving the environment by interning for nonprofit Ocean River Institute (ORI).

Zeke Cochin, a Sustainable Community Development major at UMass Amherst, is in charge of coordinating tabling events in Newton, Brookline, and Watertown for ORI’s Natural Lawn Care for Healthy Soils Challenge, designed to urge people to restore the ecological functioning of grass lawns by not spreading fertilizer or harsh chemicals.

“I remember from a very young age having a passion for improving the environment,” Cochin said in a statement. “I was always taught that we are responsible for taking care of the earth. I distinctly remember going on runs with my mom where she would push me in a running stroller and she’d always stop to pick up trash along our path. I think the reason this passion continued is because of my love of the outdoors and not wanting future generations to miss out on the experience of going on a mountain hike or walk through the woods.”

“Zeke is a welcome addition to ORI and will be a great help with our Natural Lawn Care for
Healthy Soils Challenge initiate,” ORI President & Executive Dr. Rob Moir said in a statement. “It’s so encouraging to see young people like Zeke take such an interest in the environment.”

Launched in 2007, Ocean River Institute provides expertise, services, resources, and information
unavailable on a localized level to support efforts of environmental organizations. For more information, visit www.oceanriver.org.