Saratoga David Marash-Whitman, 13, wanted to learn more about it.

As part of a school project two years ago, he decided to find out more about household pollutants that can damage creeks and the bay.

One of the first people he contacted was Cheri Donnelly, program manager for the West Valley Clean Water Program. She told him about the pollutants that were the most dangerous to the creeks. That project was completed a while ago, while David was at South Peninsula Hebrew Day School.

David has moved to Kehillah Jewish High School since then but he has continued with his mission of educating the public about the dangers of pollutants.

Last month, he won the International Young Eco-Hero Award from Action for Nature, a local ecology group, for his efforts. He is one of several youngsters worldwide chosen for their commitment to protecting the environment.

"I was horrified to learn how toxic residential products like paint-removers and pesticides can affect creeks," David said.

He said that he advocates his cause whenever he gets a chance. "My next project is to get kids to help clean up the local creeks," he said.

Donnelly said that David does a very professional job when he makes presentations to people. "People have no idea how litter has damaged our creeks," she said.

But advocates such as David are helping, she said.

B. Shimon Schwarzschild, the founder of Action for Nature, said that he is delighted with efforts made by young people all over the world.

"Individuals can make a difference," Scwarzschild said.