Education Overview

DON’T MESS WITH TEXAS® OFFERS A RANGE OF FUN ACTIVITIES TO INSPIRE STUDENTS TO HELP KEEP THEIR COMMUNITIES LITTER-FREE.

Use your writing skills to win tuition money, showcase your creativity in our annual art contest and download our new educational curriculum! Learn more about how to get involved and make an impact.

Reusable Bag Art Contest 2022 - Don't Mess with Texas

Reusable Bag Contest

Young Texans were offered the chance to create the latest design for the official reusable bag for the iconic Don’t mess with Texas campaign. New in 2022, the Don’t mess with Texas Reusable Bag Art Contest aimed at inspiring younger generations of Texans to keep their home state litter-free.

Texas students, grades K-12, were invited to create original artwork that promoted the Don’t mess with Texas anti-litter message. The winning designs were featured on reusable bags and are being distributed at events across Texas. Take a look at the winners here!

Don't Litter - Don't Mess with Texas

Educational Materials

Now educators from across the state can access educational materials that help bring awareness about anti-litter into their classrooms.  Don’t mess with Texas has partnered with Texas educators to create lesson plans and corresponding collateral materials for Pre-K, Elementary, Middle and High School grade levels.  Click here to see the materials.

Finally, Some good Clean Fun - Don't mess with Texas

Campus Cleanup

Attention high school, college, and university students: It’s time to clean up the grounds. We’ll show you how.

Scholarships

2023 Scholarship

The Don’t mess with Texas® Scholarship Contest is now closed for 2023.  Check back for the winner!

Can you keep Texas clean? Play Darrel's Litter Catch Game

Darrel the Barrel Litter Catch Game

Oh No! Litter is flying everywhere! Can you help Darrel pick up the trash and keep Texas clean? Drag Darrel across the screen and help him catch the trash before it goes on the ground and becomes litter. The more trash you get, the more points you get. Once you’re done, share your score with your friends and see if they can beat you.

Enter The "Don't mess with Texas" Mural Contest

Mural Contest

The Don’t mess with Texas Mural Contest, recognizes Texans who are passionate about preventing litter in their community. Texas residents of Baytown, Houston, and San Angelo and the contiguous counties who are 18 years of age and older may apply. This includes residents in the following counties: Tom Green, Coke, Concho, Irion, Menard, Reagan, Runnels, Schleicher, Sterling, Harris, Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Liberty, Montgomery, and Waller. One winner will be selected from each of the three markets and will have their original artwork turned into a mural in their city. Winners will also receive a digital camera, an original Don’t mess with Texas® barrel with their winning artwork design, and Don’t mess with Texas swag, valued at approximately $1,100.

Darrel the Barrel sees Texas - Activity Book

Activity Books

Looking for a way to entertain your kids or students that doesn’t involve a tablet or the internet? We’ve got you covered! Our activity books are filled with fun puzzles, word searches and coloring pages that teach kids about keeping their state clean. Click here learn how to order a free box for your classroom or head to the Free Stuff page to download a free copy.