TCEQ’s Small Business and Local Government Assistance section has a program designed for small organizations that need help complying with…
EnviroMentors can help with many different types of issues. Let’s say you need help bringing your wastewater treatment plant into compliance, but…, Organizations are matched with EnviroMentor volunteers on a case-by-case basis, but qualifying entities are generally:
businesses with 100…, Share your knowledge! If you’re a qualified professional with technical or legal expertise on environmental issues and are willing to volunteer up to…
Birds are an integral part of our ecosystem and building bird feeders in the spring is a wonderful way to get ready for them. Bird feeders not only…
While bird feeders have many benefits, it is important to know some risks that come with including these fixtures in your backyard. Bird feeders can…, This feeder is a quick and easy one that uses orange peels, seeds, and string. Grab an orange and use a knife to make a horizontal cut around the…, Keeping the fruit theme going, try this feeder with some sunflower seeds, an apple, and string. This feeder would be ideal for younger children with…, The frozen seed bird feeder is one of the easiest feeders to make on our list. However, it is also one that will not last long and may require…, The tin can bird feeder utilizes recyclable materials such as tin cans or glass jars and turns them into useful bird feeders. Make sure to clean out…, To make this feeder you only need a toilet paper roll, some seeds, and honey. Clean off the toilet roll paper to ensure there is no paper left on it…
We talk a lot about protecting our watersheds by using the right amount of fertilizer on your lawn and garden, but how do you know how much to use?…
Why test your soil?
Getting your soil tested is like checking the oil dipstick in your car. A soil test does the same thing for your lawn.…,
Take 10 to 15 soil samples from different areas. Using a shovel or a soil probe, get a sample of soil up to 6 inches deep. A soil probe is really…, Put your collected sample in a resealable, quart-sized freezer bag or in a soil sample bag available at many Texas A&M AgriLife Extension offices…,
You waited about 10 days and now you’ve received your soil report! What does it say?
Your report will give you measurements on the acidity,…, Find more information on soil testing from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.
Warmer weather brings more opportunities to take advantage of our beautiful Texas landscape. Hiking trails are prevalent in Texas, and with over 70…
As you’re enjoying the hiking trails, you will find many plants and flowers that decorate the area around you. While some, like bluebonnets, are not…, Just like plants, wildlife is all around you and requires space and respect. Spiders, scorpions, and snakes can be found all over Texas trails and…, Our last bit of advice is especially important to be aware of, and that is to check weather updates before going on your hike. Texans often say, “If…, Hiking in Texas during the spring offers opportunities to see wildlife in action, smell the aroma of freshly bloomed flowers, and enjoy the nature…
Millions of Texans participate in recycling each year by rolling recycling carts to the curb, taking materials to local drop-off stations, and…, There is no point in recycling, everything goes to the landfill.
It's natural to be a skeptic. After all, once you bring your recyclables to the…, Recycling is too expensive and is a drain on the economy.
Nothing is free, including managing our waste. Whether sending materials to landfills or…, If I'm not sure whether something is recyclable, or if I think it should be, I can put it in the recycling bin. It is better to guess than to throw…, If my plastic container has the "chasing arrows" symbol, then it's recyclable.
You've probably seen the "chasing arrows" symbol on plastic…, Recycling uses more energy or resources than it saves, so it is better to just throw everything away.
The question of whether recycling saves…
Enjoying the Texas outdoors is a terrific way to spend time with family, even our four-legged members. While most pets might not be well-suited for…
Most state parks in Texas allow dogs, but it’s always important to check the Texas Parks & Wildlife website to review any rules for the park you…, With a furry friend in tow, it is important to bring supplies that will cater to their needs as well as your own. Bringing an extra water bottle…, Some equipment you might consider bringing may require practice before your dog uses it on the hike. Texas trails can be rough and tumble, and many…, One of the biggest hazards you will face when hiking Texas trails with your pet is one you won’t see coming unless you know the signs—heat exhaustion…, It is always great to chat with a park ranger when entering a park, and that’s especially important if it is your first trip there with your pet.…
As temperatures rise and everyone gets ready to spend time outside, what better way to celebrate the start of summer than with an eco-friendly party…
Guests will get their first glimpse of your festivity from the invitations, so make them say “Wow!” and take advantage of technology to make a unique…, Next on the list is décor. Instead of the usual paper decorations, opt for bringing in color through the food you eat! Displaying large party trays…, If decorating with food is not in your wheelhouse, you can always use mother nature. Take some fallen leaves from the ground and, with a hole puncher…, Once the invites are out and the décor has been set, it is time to plan what guests will eat. Avoid food waste and ensure everyone likes what is…, This one seems like an easy decision to have a trash can outside for the party. However, we want to think eco-friendly, and we want it to be seamless…, One small treat that guests get to enjoy after the party are the favors sent home, so why not send them with something they are guaranteed to use…
With summer fast approaching, we've got some fun enviro-friendly vacay tips for you and your crew!
Whether it's a sunny beach retreat or an invigorating hiking excursion, summer vacation often entails traveling to a fun destination. Enviro-friendly…, Paper products, dishware, and some travel items such as camping gear are now made of recycled materials. Purchasing items that are made of recycled…, Whether it's a sub sandwich or a new pair of pool googles, some packaging may be recyclable. It is important to learn what can be recycled before…, If you're traveling by car, try the following to keep your car running smoothly and cleanly:
Reduce exhaust and improve air quality by keeping…, If you're looking for some enviro-forward games, check the options below to keep the whole family entertained!
Pass the time by playing Texas Travel…,
If a staycation is the name of your game, nuzzle-up to these environmentally friendly ideas at home.
Not everyone will be hitting the road to take…
As the school year winds down, learning does not have to end. Students can continue learning all summer long! Extending learning beyond the classroom…
Getting kids involved in hands-on activities is a great way to cure summer boredom and expand their knowledge during their summer break. Read on for…, These educational resources can be a great starting point to introduce your kids to the importance of conservation. They can learn about important…, Use the conservation cue cards activity during a rainy summer day and discuss the many ways we can conserve water and energy at home. Print the…, Another way to get kids involved is using chores to start discussions on conservation. When kids help with washing dishes, discuss turning off the…, Find ways to get your kids involved in gardening. Start by using the Guide to Yard Care to find helpful information and landscaping tips.
Start…, Teach your kids about the recycling process—and let them experience it for themselves—by making recycled paper! This is a fun project for kids and…, Send your kids on a field trip without leaving the house! Through this series of Virtual Field Trips, kids can follow along with scientists as they…
All Take Care of Texas Proud Partners receive the following benefits:
Proud Partner Seal: Display on your website, social media, and…
Through our Proud Partner Program, we offer three different tiers of partnership and engagement. Join us today in inspiring the next generation to…
When we think about recycling, we don't often think about textiles. Textiles are made from natural or synthetic fibers (or a blend), and are used to…
Although some textiles are considered difficult to recycle, it is important to address this growing waste stream. Textiles production has doubled…, A Second Life
When you donate your clothes or other items, you are helping those who need them most. Charitable thrift stores and organizations are…, Reducing waste is the highest priority in the waste management hierarchy, so remember to think before you buy. Consider supporting the circular…, Texas-Based Textile Recyclers
American Textile Recycling Service (Houston) hosts drop boxes for textiles and sorts textiles and other goods for reuse…
As Ernest Tubb famously sang, “I could waltz across Texas with you.” Just make sure you’re not carrying any invasive species with you while you do it…
They’re not from around these parts. They take up too much space, and get in the way when we’re trying to float the river. They use up our resources…, Giant Salvinia
Giant salvinia is a highly invasive species attacking Texas lakes and rivers. This free-floating aquatic fern is basically an…,
Invasive aquatic species like to hitch rides on your boat or trailer. That’s why if you own a boat, you have the responsibility to clean, drain,…, Did you know that when you go camping, the firewood you transport could be harmful to the environment? If your firewood contains certain tree-killing…,
These tree pests invade new areas through transported firewood. Even if you think your firewood is pest-free, never assume wood that “looks safe”…
Summertime is a wonderful time to catch up on some reading with your children and family. But what happens when you have read everything in your…
Do you have an old filing cabinet or grandfather clock collecting dust? How about an old bookcase or large plastic bin taking up some valuable space…, Appliances are often one item that many do not know how to recycle or reuse, however, a little library might be the perfect solution. Take note--…, As you can see from the items listed so far, almost anything can be recycled and used as a little library. That also includes things that you may not…, Your library doesn’t need to be in one place either! For example, using an old wagon or old cooler with wheels can allow you to take your library on…