by Marina Kiriakou -
Eight-year-old Daniel Colman, a third grader at F.E. Bellows Elementary School in Rye Neck, has become an environmental champion for his community. Every Thursday and Friday, during his 30-minute walk to school, Daniel collects trash along the way. This small but mighty act of care started in October after Daniel noticed the growing litter problem in his neighborhood.
“I’ve seen a lot of trash recently in Mamaroneck,” Daniel explained. “I don’t want to see that trash anymore. I just want it to be gone. I want to make this village and community a cleaner place.”
Daniel’s dedication to his mission is inspiring. Equipped with gloves, a picking pole, and a garbage bag, he tackles the streets with purpose. He and his mother, Fanny, team up for the clean-up walks, and she couldn’t be prouder. “He started asking me, ‘Mommy, let’s do it,’ and so we did.”
Daniel’s journey into activism began as an idea he dreamed up in second grade. Though he didn’t get started right away, this fall felt like the right time. When asked how cleaning up makes him feel, Daniel replied, “Grateful. Thankful.”
The young environmentalist has already inspired others. His school recognized his efforts during the morning announcements after his crossing guard, Ms. Clara, shared his story. He even wrote a speech for LMC Media, where he encouraged others to think twice about littering.
Daniel’s trash collection has turned up some odd finds. “I went to the community cleanup at Columbus Park, and we found a bowling ball in the water. Who would throw a bowling ball in there?” he wondered. On his daily route, he mostly picks up alcohol bottles, lottery tickets, and candy wrappers leftover from Halloween.
Though his work is solo for now, Daniel has a clear message for others: “If you see a piece of trash, don’t throw it on the street. Think twice about it. You should pick up, too. This is our home, and we want to keep it clean.”
While Daniel hasn’t yet recruited friends to join him, his vision for a cleaner community is unwavering. He even dreams of starting a nonprofit someday to expand his efforts.
Daniel Colman reminds us that caring for our environment starts with small actions. With determination, kindness, and a bag in hand, he’s proving that one person, even a third grader, can make a big difference.
As we all look for ways to better our world, Daniel’s advice is simple: “Pick up trash. Help keep our home clean.”
If you see Daniel on his route, give him a wave—or better yet, grab a bag and join him.
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