A young Alexandria resident is turning a passion for the environment into a creative tool for the next generation. An Alexandria teenager has created a coloring book designed to show children exactly where street litter ends up — sparking curiosity and environmental awareness in an age-appropriate, engaging way.

The project, highlighted this week by The Zebra, stands out as a homegrown effort to address a real community concern: litter in public spaces. Rather than lecturing, the teen chose the inviting format of a coloring book to walk young readers through the journey that a piece of trash takes after it hits the sidewalk — from storm drains to waterways and beyond.

It’s the kind of initiative that reminds neighbors what’s possible when young people channel their energy into solving local problems. By meeting kids at their level — with illustrations they can color in themselves — the project makes environmental stewardship feel accessible and even fun.

Alexandria has long been home to a vibrant community of young advocates, and this coloring book is a wonderful example of student-led civic engagement that doesn’t wait for someone else to take the first step. The teen’s work also complements broader community efforts to keep Alexandria’s streets, parks, and waterways clean.

Whether the coloring book finds its way into classrooms, libraries, or living rooms across the city, its message is clear: every piece of litter has a story, and understanding that story is the first step toward making better choices. Alexandria can be proud of the thoughtful young creator behind this colorful, impactful project.

Sources: thezebra.org