What do dogs, plastic-free living, and local community engagement have in common? The answer lies at the heart of the ALX Dog Walk, a vibrant, volunteer-powered nonprofit that seeks to educate the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia region about sustainable, plastic-free living through the lens of an annual two-mile dog walk and community sustainability festival that brings together thousands of people, pets, nonprofits, and eco-conscious brands—all driven by one idea: that education works best when it’s fun.

At its core, the ALX Dog Walk uses the universal appeal of dogs and outdoor fun to start conversations about single-use plastic and how we can all reduce our environmental footprint—one behavior, one product swap, one inspired neighbor at a time. From microplastics in our water and land to food and bodies, the ALX Dog Walk believes that small-scale behavior change adds up—and that the best way to spark it is through positive, creative community events that offer real alternatives and real inspiration.

The ALX Dog Walk thrives thanks to an incredible volunteer crew of people who bring the event to life each April. From setting up tables before the sun rises to guiding participants along the walk route, these volunteers power every element of the event with enthusiasm. But the work doesn’t end there. After the dog walk, volunteers and funds raised go right back into the community, spreading awareness and solutions for plastic-free living at local schools, festivals, pet adoption events, and beyond.

Julie Chapman, founder of the ALX Dog Walk, shared, “As a voluntary nonprofit, we’re powered by an amazing team of 40-50 volunteers who get up at the crack of dawn on Walk Day—and they make the magic happen with great joy and pride.”

In 2026, the ALX Dog Walk will team up with the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria—uniting two beloved causes: sustainable living and animal welfare. Whether you’re a dog lover, an environmentalist, a nonprofit leader, or someone who just wants to learn how to live a little lighter on the earth, the ALX Dog Walk offers a place to start.

Learn more and get involved at https://alxdogwalk.com.