Make your teacher wish list eco-friendly by adding these books that focus on ways students of all ages can help take care of our environment. Books…
These four books are colorfully illustrated and easy for students in lower grades to read, understand, and apply in the real world. A summary of each…, Focusing on older students and their growing curiosity during their time in middle school, these books are perfect for exploring ways to help the…, Moving on to high school, the following books focus on more ways that students can make an impact even into adulthood. From small projects that reuse…, There are so many more books that are focused on eco-friendly habits that will make a true difference in the world. Learning these habits and…
Looking to make your home more energy efficient? Planting native trees is a great solution.
While adding trees to your landscape can be a big expense initially, it could turn into a great investment since they will increase your energy…, Strategically planting a combination of deciduous trees—trees that lose their leaves in the winter—and evergreen trees like the Texas Live Oak and…, Planting a tree is one of the easiest ways to improve air quality. All trees, especially fast growing and evergreen trees, significantly improve air…, Native trees like the Honey Mesquite and Bur Oak are oftentimes drought resistant making them an excellent choice for reducing your property's water…, Native trees provide food and shelter for native wildlife on your property. A great example of this is the Ashe Juniper tree, which provides habitat…, Evergreen trees provide interesting foliage all year round and add beauty to your yard. What's more, planting trees may increase the value of your…, After you've researched some native trees you like and you're ready to plant one or two, remember the cooler temperatures of fall are the best time…
Texas is well known for its sprawling highways and car-dependent nature, but for those looking for alternative transportation, the options aren't as…
Public transportation can be a great alternative to driving a personal vehicle, whether you live in a major city, suburb, or rural part of the state…, Three types of transportation districts exist in Texas—metropolitan, urban, and rural. There are eight Metropolitan Transportation Authorities (MTAs…, MTAs serve the most people at a given time. They are designed for travel within their city limits and are mainly comprised of buses and trains. Given…, Even though Texas' 32 urban transit districts are less expansive than those found in is metropolitan centers, they are still readily available for…, There are 36 rural districts spanning the great state of Texas. While it might seem counterintuitive given the size of Texas and the distance between…, Your options for transportation aren't just limited to local transit authorities and programs. There are many options for state-wide and national…, Whether you use public transit for travel, commutes, or day-to-day purposes, these options are readily available for your next trip! Anyone from big…
Fall is on the way and with that comes football season and, in Texas, that means one thing—tailgating. If you aren’t familiar with tailgating, it’s…
Let’s start at the beginning, going to the stadium. Meet your family and friends at someone’s house before heading out to the game and carpooling…, As you are packing up the car, include several bins to hold the recycling, compost, and trash. Avoid mix ups by clearly labeling each bin for their…, When thinking about utensils, plates, and cups, try opting for disposable or compostable options that will easily break down in a landfill or compost…, This tip is becoming more and more common but it's always good to remind your family and friends that the ideal item to bring is a reusable bottle.…, Speaking of drinks, let’s talk about a better way to bring your favorite refreshing drink without bringing in more packaging or trash. Many local…, Now that you have the utensils and growlers packed, it's time to look at the food options you are bringing to the tailgate. Tailgates are all about…, When getting ready to put that meat on the grill think about using a propane grill instead of charcoal. Compared to charcoal, propane produces…, In need of some napkins or cleaning cloths? Look no further than your closet. Take any team shirts, sweatshirts, or bandanas that are too small or…, Don’t forget to bring decorations that show your pride for your team. Instead of buying balloons or other plastic or paper decorations consider…, Finally, before heading out to the tailgate pack an extra cooler to hold any leftovers or other items that need to stay cool. The last thing you want…
You probably already know about the common ways to save electricity like turning off lights, unplugging unused appliances, and using ceiling fans. We…
The air inside your bathroom and kitchen cabinets or hallway closets doesn’t need to be cooled. Shut those doors when you’re not using them. This…, Turn off bright overhead lights and treat yourself to a romantic candlelit evening. While turning off your lights for one night might not save a huge…,
Your dryer vent is a direct open path from indoors to outdoors. If the vent cover isn’t well sealed, it is just like leaving a window partially…,
When was the last time you cleaned the back of your refrigerator? It’s one of those places we’re happy to ignore even when we deep clean. However…, Put the power of nature to work for YOU! Let the wind and Texas sun do the hard work of drying your clothes. Not only will it save the energy that…,
“A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.” – Greek Proverb
You don’t have to be an old…, This may seem more self-torturous than weird, but people actually do it. And they enjoy it! It takes a lot of energy to heat water. By taking a cold…, Whether you choose to save energy using conventional methods or with weird and wacky ways, conservation is always a good idea. Every kilowatt hour…
In today’s fast-paced world, finding sustainable solutions has become more important than ever. One area where many of us can make a meaningful…
To reduce waste, it's important to plan your lunches in advance. Take a few minutes each week to decide on your meals and create a shopping list…, When planning your no-waste lunches, choose ingredients that can be used in multiple meals. For example, if you buy a bunch of lettuce for a salad,…, Preparing your meals in bulk is not only a time-saver but also a great way to reduce waste. Consider cooking larger portions and dividing them into…, Invest in reusable, eco-friendly lunch containers and bags. By avoiding single-use plastic bags or disposable packaging, you significantly reduce…, Lastly, don’t forget about composting! Even when making no-waste lunches, you may still have some food scraps that can’t be used. Instead of throwing…
In today’s world, where environmental concerns are at the forefront, it is crucial to instill eco-consciousness in our future generations. One of the…
Teaching students the importance of the 3Rs—Reduce, Reuse, Recycle—is the foundation of sustainable practices. Encourage students to minimize waste…, The concept of teaching students about conserving energy may sound daunting but it doesn’t have to be. Get students involved with how they use energy…, Bringing nature into the classroom can foster a sense of responsibility and teach students the importance of sustainable food practices. Create a…, Incorporate environmental education into the curriculum, integrating concepts of sustainability into various subjects. You can visit our Take Care of…
We’ve all seen the "chasing arrows" symbol on soda bottles, food packaging, cleaner bottles, and plastic bags. When we see that symbol, we know what…
The numbers 1 through 7 in the middle of the 3-arrow icon is a resin identification code. In Texas, all plastic bottles and containers must contain…, PETE stands for Polyethylene Terephthalate. This symbol is commonly found on water and soda bottles, household products like cleaning and detergent…, HDPE is High Density Polyethylene. Products made with HDPE tend to be sturdier than PETE. Milk and water jugs; laundry, shampoo, and motor oil…,
Polyvinyl Chloride, or PVC, is widely recognized as it is used in PVC pipes and plumbing hardware. Medical equipment, electrical insulation,…, You probably encounter LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene) nearly every day. Single-use plastic bags (the ones you carry your groceries and other items…,
Polypropylene (PP) plastic is strong, very chemical resistant, and has a high melting point that makes it great for containing hot liquids. It can…, Polystyrene (PS) is also known as Styrofoam. It is commonly found in takeout food containers, disposable ice chests, and product packaging. Other…,
Plastics that don’t fit into categories 1 through 6 are lumped into category 7. These varied plastic resins include polycarbonate and bisphenol A…, While these codes are informative and useful, they don’t tell the whole story. (The intrigue continues!) If you see a “1” code on a plastic bag and…
In this section, you’ll find the public service announcements from Take Care of Texas. We're open to collaborating with other Texas talent, so reach…
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School gardens offer students multiple advantages while also introducing them to deeper environmental ideas and concerns. Gardening develops new…
There are many grant programs specifically for educators and schools. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center provides seed grants to Texas schools…, Evaluate your space, but do not start digging without contacting your school district's maintenance and operations department. The last thing you…, There are clever ways to tie lessons in science, math, and even English language arts to your wildflower garden. Science, of course, provides a wide…, Finally, now that you have your garden up and running, it is time to maintain it. If your school has a science club, ask them to create a watering…
When it comes to disposing of food waste, many of us have developed the habit of simply rinsing it down the kitchen sink. However, food items can…
Fats, oils, and grease (FOG) come from meat fats, shortening, butter, margarine, gravy, and condiments like mayonnaise, dressings, sauces, and sour…, While coffee grounds may appear harmless, they can clump together and create a thick sludge in your drains. Instead of pouring them down the sink,…, During the holidays, no single ingredient is used more than eggs. From every dish cooked to every dessert baked, and even for snacks in between, eggs…, Peels from fruits and vegetables may seem harmless, but they really are not. Instead, utilize these peels by incorporating them in recipes, making…, Curbing the habit of tossing everything down the drain is a great way to make sure your pipes are ready for the holiday season, but maintaining your…
Much like your vehicle, your HVAC system needs to be regularly maintained to perform at optimum efficiency. Doing so will not only make it run more…
Changing your air filter is probably the easiest and most important thing you can do to help keep your system running properly. If your filter is…, You may have closed some vents in your house over the summer to boost your cooling system in rooms where you needed it. Experts say you should open…,
Leaks in your ductwork will cause the heated air to disperse where it shouldn’t: in your attic above your ceiling. Again, this means your system…, Running a cup or two of bleach down your drain line clears it of any blockages that can cause clogs. Bacteria and mold grow inside and clog the line…, Professional furnace tuneups include a basic cleaning that removes the dust and debris in the system, improving air quality throughout your home. A…,
Don’t forget that your thermostat needs to be told that the weather is going to get colder and that your comfort level has changed. Here are some…, A little effort on your part will go a long way to improving your HVAC’s efficiency and lifespan. You’ll stay warmer for less money over the winter.…
Composting is a way to recycle organic waste generated at home and reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills. The Environmental Protection Agency…
Composting is an accelerated process of decomposition that converts organic materials, like food scraps and yard trimmings, into nutrient-rich…, Water – Necessary for microbial life in the pile.
Oxygen – Maintains aerobic (presence of dissolved oxygen) conditions.
Nitrogen – Materials rich in…,
, Tumbler
Compost tumblers are a simple way to compost food scraps and yard waste without taking up too much space. Tumblers are generally small,…, • Maintain a 3:1 ratio of browns to greens. About 25% of the pile should be nitrogen-rich greens and the other 75% should be dry,…, You’ll know your compost is done when it looks and feels like rich, dark soil and has an earthy smell. You can use your finished compost to bring…
Autumn is a great time to start getting your home ready for the winter months. Preparing now will reduce energy consumption, keep you warmer, and…
Change your HVAC filters regularly. Filters clogged with pet hair, dander, dust, and pollen cause the system to work harder. Obstructed filters lead…, There is a greater chance of house fires in the winter months. Be sure to test your smoke, fire, and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are…, Reversing your fan will help circulate warmer air. Many ceiling fans have a switch on one side that will reverse the blade direction. In the winter,…, Check the exterior of your home for cracks and small holes, particularly around doors and windows. These can be sealed with caulk or weather…, Keep your house warm by ensuring you have proper insulation. A quick way to survey your levels: if the insulation is below the attic floor joists (…, Take advantage of the cooler fall temperatures and knock out some necessary yard work. If you have any branches near your house, now’s the time to…, While you’re at it, disconnect outdoor hoses and cover any outside faucets to help prevent damage to pipework. Foam covers start at $5 and can save…, Gutters full of leave, debris, and water can freeze, causing damage to your gutter system and home. Gutters are not designed to hold additional…, Outdoor furniture, barbecue pits, and children’s playsets are often big expenditures. If you can’t bring outdoor furniture inside, invest in covers.…, Preparing for winter may not be at the top of your agenda, but starting now will help you make sure your home is ready for the unpredictable chilly…