Can Your Litter

“Save A Critter . . . Can Your Litter!” is the message being shared with children via a pleasing rhyme and a cast of fun, playful critters headed up by a mischievous raccoon named Rigsby in a new children’s book by the same name.

The story tells the tale of a greedy raccoon who gobbles up litter left behind by careless visitors until he happens across a wad of gooey bubble gum. In a desperate attempt to get unstuck, Rigsby searches the woodlands for a friend to help him out. The hitch is that the little raccoon finds each of his critter friends unable to assist because they’ve also been injured by litter. In trying to help himself, Rigsby discovers a much bigger problem -- litter.

In a passage from her book, Richmond area author and illustrator Jenny H. Bingham writes:

“As you will see real soon
When this short story ends,
He learned the harm litter does
And learned to help his friends.”

Bingham was inspired to join Virginia’s litter prevention effort last year after being exposed to DEQ’s “Litter. It Just Isn’t Natural.” campaign material. An employee with Henrico County media services and a former elementary school teacher, Bingham took pen in hand and added her own unique twist to the statewide campaign; one which would appeal to children in kindergarten through the third grade.

“Kids love animals. They will take ownership of that,” Bingham explained. As a former teacher, she understands her audience and the importance of providing educators with new teaching tools.

Bingham’s talents were just the exposure that DEQ’s statewide litter prevention campaign was looking for, said Keep Henrico Beautiful Executive Director Nancy Drumheller. Market research conducted by the Richmond consulting firm Siddall Inc. during the campaign’s development determined that target audiences most identified with the negative impacts of litter on Virginia’s wildlife.

As a direct tie-in with the “Litter. It Just Isn’t Natural.” campaign, the Rigsby educational materials were readily adopted by KHB. Since October, 5,000 girl scouts and elementary school children have enjoyed a puppet show featuring Rigsby and a cast of furry and feathered friends. Bingham also developed an activity book, puppet show script, compact disc, interactive website, video and bookmarks which accompany the book and reinforce the litter prevention message. Copies of the book and teaching materials have been distributed in each of Henrico’s 43 elementary schools, two private schools, 10 public libraries and numerous state agencies and community groups. The materials will be distributed statewide through KHB’s association with the Virginia Council for Litter Prevention and Recycling.