Save fuel: pack your lunch. Reduce your emissions by eliminating the drive to your local eatery.
When people think of air quality, their first thought is usually outdoor air. But did you know that indoor air quality can impact your health just as…
In recent years, the Environmental Protection Agency and its Science Advisory Board have consistently ranked indoor air pollution among the top five…, Radon is a naturally-occurring gas created by the breakdown of uranium in soil, rocks, and water. It can leak into your home from underneath the…, Asbestos was commonly used in building materials and insulation in decades past, but by the 1980s and 1990s, was either severely restricted or banned…, Biological pollutants consist of pollens, mold, bacteria, viruses, pet dander, house dust, and insect parts. These contaminants trigger conditions…, Like radon, carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas, created from the incomplete combustion of hydrocarbon fuels. Carbon monoxide interferes…, Secondhand smoke is also known as environmental tobacco smoke (ETS). ETS is an indoor air pollutant and a universal asthma trigger. ETS has also been…, Formaldehyde is widely used in building materials. It can cause irritation of the skin, eyes, nose, and throat. High levels of exposure may cause…, Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are gases emitted from certain common household products like paints, varnishes, and wax solvents. Many cleaning,…
Looking for ways to save energy at home? Try insulating your hot water heater. This is an inexpensive project—the investment in parts will generally…
Heating water is the second highest use of energy in the home. Insulating the tank could save you seven to 16 percent each year in water heating…, If your hot water tank is new, it is likely already insulated. If you have an older hot water tank, check to see if it has insulation with an R-Value…, For step-by-step instructions on how to insulate your hot water tank, check out this brief video or keep reading below. Remote video URL , A helper Tape measure Marker Scissors Water heater insulating blanket kit Gloves and a dust mask Electrical or other tape (tape comes with most…, 1) Turn off the water heater.For electric water heaters, turn off the breaker at the electric panel. For gas water heaters, turn the gas valve to the…
Texas is a road tripper’s paradise. From the rolling Hill Country and the desert mountains of the west to the Eastern pine forests and the coastal…
Below, we’ve compiled some tips for saving gas and money while exploring the Lone Star State. , Properly inflated tires can improve your gas mileage by up to 4 percent. It’s recommended that you check your tire pressure once a month and…, No one wants to stop when they’re driving–we get in our cars to go! Certain stops are unavoidable, though; whether it’s for a train, waiting to pick…, If you drive around in a vehicle that needs repairs, you may be needlessly spending more on gas than you would otherwise. An out-of-tune vehicle,…, While vehicles have different fuel economies at varying speeds, gas mileage generally decreases sharply at speeds above 50 miles per hour. For each 5…, Changing your oil is important. It’s not only vital for keeping your engine cool, it improves your gas mileage as well. If you change your motor oil…, Several short trips, each one beginning with a cold start, can use twice as much fuel as one long trip covering the same distance. With a little bit…, Avoid hauling cargo on your roof. Due to aerodynamics, a large, blunt roof-top cargo box can reduce fuel economy by 2 to 8 percent in city driving, 6…
The next time you’re cleaning up after dinner, pay attention to what’s going down the drain. Sure, we all know not to dump bacon grease. But there…
Fats, oils, and grease—or FOG—is any food waste that should not go down the drain. This includes cooking oil, pan drippings, gravy, bacon grease,…, Communities spend billions of dollars every year unclogging or replacing blocked pipes, repairing pump stations, and cleaning up costly and illegal…, Learn more easy ways to protect our water.   Remote video URL
While Texans are proud of their state’s roadways and natural beauty, roadside litter is still a problem. Most Texans know that “Don’t Mess with Texas…
Litter is simply trash that is not disposed of in a trash can. It includes the obvious culprits, such as plastic bags, cans, fast food wrappers, etc…, Littering is against the law and there are hefty fines for violations. For trash less than or equal to five pounds or five gallons, fines can be up…, Since 1998, Don’t mess with Texas has been reporting on Texans’ attitudes and behavior towards littering, and the campaign recently released the…, According to the 2019 survey, visible litter is down by 17% on roads that TxDOT maintains. This success is happening despite an increase in drivers…
Find creative ways to drive less, especially for short trips and traveling alone.
An average American family uses more than 300 gallons of water daily—70 percent of which occurs indoors. The largest use of household water is to…
Older, inefficient toilets can use as much as three to six gallons per flush. Your household can help curb water use by fixing toilet leaks and/or…, Nearly half of the respondents indicated in a recent poll that they are interested in upgrading to a more water-efficient toilet. On May 26…, A leaky toilet can waste 200 gallons of water per day—that’s 73,000 gallons a year. While some leaks are audible with a toilet that is often “running…, In the Bathroom Conserve our Water
Now that Spring is here, the arrival of warmer weather and longer days means many Texans are spending more time outdoors enjoying and caring for our…
Mowing seems like the most basic and simple of all outdoor chores. But cutting your grass correctly will help keep it healthy, avoid common problems…, Download the infographic to share by email or on social media. Ask your friends and followers to do their part this spring to Take Care of…, Learn more about each tip in the infographic:How often you mow is the most important aspect of lawn care. Mow frequently enough so that you…