Download free lesson plans and student worksheets geared towards environmental topics around Air, Water, and Waste. Using insights and data…
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March 3, 2024
With over 4,400 entries in the Take Care of Texas Kids Art Contest, three students will be taking home new laptops to celebrate the way they shared…
Grass clippings are a common byproduct of lawn maintenance, but did you know they have several surprising uses? Instead of tossing them in the trash…
Grass clippings make excellent mulch as they help retain soil moisture, suppress weed growth, and regulate soil temperature. To use them as mulch,…, Grass clippings are a fantastic addition to your compost pile. Rich in nitrogen, they accelerate decomposition and provide valuable nutrients to your…, Create a nutrient-rich liquid fertilizer by making grass clippings tea. Simply soak a bag of clippings in a large, water-filled container for a few…, Grass clippings can serve as a supplement to the diet of certain animals. Herbivores like rabbits and guinea pigs can enjoy fresh, pesticide-free…, If you have a vermiculture system or a worm bin, grass clippings make ideal bedding material for your composting worms. If you don’t have a worm bin…, Create a “lasagna” gardening bed by layering grass clippings with other organic materials like cardboard, leaves, and kitchen scraps. This method…, Do you have houseplants or herbs but hate the hassle of watering them? Well, grass clippings may be the perfect solution because they can help retain…, “Grasscycling,” leaving grass clippings where they fall, can benefit your lawn by returning valuable nutrients like phosphorus, nitrogen, and…
Composting is a fantastic way to reduce waste and give back to the environment. While most people are aware of composting food scraps and yard waste…
Believe it or not, hair and nail clippings are compostable! They consist of keratin, a protein that can break down over time and provide valuable…, Did you know those small grey particles collected and dusted off furniture are dead skin cells? Dead skin is one of the main ingredients for dust,…, Did you know that the lint collected from your tumble dryer can be composted? This fluffy material, usually composed of fibers from fabrics, can…, If you’ve got printer paper, napkins, or paper towels that are free from chemicals or excessive inks, they can be torn into small pieces and…, Algae removed from fish tanks can be valuable for composting due to its high nitrogen content. Rinse and remove excess water from the algae before…, If you have rabbits, hamsters, or other small pets, their droppings and the straw or bedding you use for their cages can be composted. Ensure the…, Old wine corks can be put in the compost, as they add another layer of brown matter which enriches the pile. However, you will want to grind the…, Coffee grounds and filters can also be added because they attract beneficial microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, which help to break down…, Herbs and spices, including those that are fresh, dried, and even spicy, are compostable. Avoid including excessive amounts, as this may deter…
Escape the classroom and explore Texas with these videos that include accompanying handouts and activities. Visit our YouTube playlist to view our…
Explore the unique ecosystems of estuaries with TCEQ scientist, Robby, as he explains how different environmental changes can affect these habitats.…,
Learn about how the TCEQ protects drinking water and ensures that it’s safe for all Texans. Follow Crystal, a scientist at the TCEQ, as she explains…,
Learn about the biodiversity of Texas rivers from Jill and Brittany, scientists at the TCEQ. They work to monitor the water quality and overall…,
Learn about what makes the climate of Texas so special from Weslee, a TCEQ Meteorologist. At his job, Weslee uses data from all across the state of…,
Determine the proper ways to recycle your electronics in Texas, while learning helpful tips about how to reduce electronic waste overall. Jackie, a…,
Explore the natural sources of water in Texas and why conserving water is so important! In this video, we’ll learn about the three forms that water…
Summer in Texas almost inevitably means severe drought. As summer progresses, the dry days between rain tick higher and higher until we throw our…
10,000 gallon water tank image courtesy of Pioneer Water Tanks America
Leaks can waste more water than you might think. Did you know that an…,
Embrace xeriscaping, landscaping using native, drought-tolerant plants. Traditional turf grasses drink a lot of water, especially the…,
Watering your lawn during the heat of the day can cause you to lose up to 60% of your water to evaporation. That’s a huge amount of water that…,
When we are blessed with rain, Hallelujah! Make the most of those rare occasions and harvest the water that runs off your roof by installing a…, Droughts test our resolve while robbing us of our most precious shared resource. But there’s no challenge that Texans can’t overcome. With a little…
As the warm embrace of summer calls, so does the allure of adventure in the great outdoors. The lush landscapes of our state parks stand as pristine…
“Leave No Trace” is a set of 7 Principles aimed at promoting outdoor ethics and minimizing human impact on natural environments. These principles…, Planning and preparing is crucial. When outdoor visitors prepare ahead of time it helps make the experience enjoyable while simultaneously minimizing…, The goal of travel outdoors is to make your way through the natural areas while avoiding damage to the land, vegetation, or waterways. Travel damage…, The waste humans create while enjoying outdoor spaces can have a major impact if not disposed of correctly. It’s important to predict the types of…, No matter how big or small, items we find in nature have a role to play. Many natural objects, such as fallen logs or rocks, provide essential…, Minimizing campfire impact while camping is essential to protect natural environments and ensure a sustainable experience for future campers. Be sure…, Respecting animals minimizes the risk of dangerous encounters. Many wild animals can become aggressive if they feel threatened or if their territory…, When we share the outdoors, our actions can enhance or diminish the experience of others. Respecting others’ needs for peace helps ensure that…, The 7 Principles of Leave No Trace support a balanced relationship between humans and nature, ensuring that natural environments remain viable for…
Plastic Free July is an initiative of the Plastic Free Foundation that strives to create a future free of plastic waste. Participants are encouraged…
The Environmental Protection Agency estimated that only 13.6% of plastic containers and packaging were recycled in 2018. Initiatives like Plastic…, Shop in bulk. Check local grocery stores for bulk bins that carry nuts, seeds, grains, and other dry foods. Whole Foods, Natural Grocers, and Sprouts…, Avoid buying new clothing with plastic fibers. Polyester, nylon, and acrylic are the most popular synthetic fabrics that make it into our clothing.…, Bring a reusable utensil set with you to work. Carrying a utensil set with you means you’ll never need to use those flimsy plastic forks from the…, Swap out your plastic toothbrush with a bamboo alternative. Bamboo is a fast-growing renewable and biodegradable resource, making it a much more…, Plastic Free July isn’t about achieving a 100% plastic-free lifestyle, it’s about adopting new habits that help reduce plastic pollution and keep our…
As students and teachers gear up for a new school year, there’s an opportunity to embrace sustainability and creativity by repurposing recyclable…
Transform an empty tin can into a stylish pencil holder by decorating it with colorful paper, fabric scraps, or washi tape. Not only does this…, Use a cardboard paper towel tube to create a hand ruler organizer. Simply flatten one side of the tube, decorate it with paper or paint, and use…, Give an old milk jug new life as a storage container for art supplies or small items like erasers and paper clips. Cut off the top of the jug,…, Repurpose cardboard cereal boxes or packaging material to create a reusable banner of book covers. Cut them to size and have students decorate them…, Reuse spare buttons from old clothes to make charming bookmarks. Thread a colorful ribbon or string through the buttonholes and attach it to a paper…, Turn outgrown or worn-out jeans into a stylish apron for art projects or science experiments. Cut the jeans along the seams to create the apron shape…, Repurpose old fabrics and sheets and use them as covers for your bulletin boards. Make sure to wash the fabric before using so you won’t need to take…, Craft magazine holders from cereal boxes or sturdy cardboard by cutting them to size and decorating them with wrapping paper, contact paper, or…
If you’ve tried growing an edible garden but couldn’t make it thrive through the Texas heat, consider growing it indoors! Hydroponics is a method of…
There are two options for growing plants hydroponically. The first option is to grow plants in a container filled with a soil-free medium like clay…, You can also build a more advanced system where the plant’s roots are continuously submerged in nutrient-rich water in a hydroponic tank. Plant…, If you plan to grow plants inside, make sure you have indoor grow lights to act as artificial sunlight. To make your system as eco-friendly as…, Simple systems, such as plant cuttings placed in a jar of water, require very little maintenance. Simply fill the jar with water as the water level…,
Saves water.
Produces higher yields.
Plants grow faster.
Protects Earth’s soil.
Saves space.
Uses fewer chemicals.
No weeds.
Fruits,…, If you've always wanted an herb or veggie garden but struggled to maintain one through hot Texas summers, consider bringing them inside! Hydroponics…
Many gardeners and everyday people appreciate the multiple benefits of composting. Composting, the process of recycling organic waste into nutrient-…
Worm composting, also known as vermiculture, is the process of using worms to decompose waste into nutrient-rich compost. These industrious worms…, Proper BeddingNo need for a Sleep Number bed, just use a mix of shredded newspaper, cardboard, grass clippings, or even coconut coir. Ensure bedding…, Aeration Ensure proper airflow by gently stirring the bedding occasionally and keeping the bin well ventilated. This prevents anaerobic…, Regularly check the health of your worms and adjust their environment as needed to keep them thriving. Overall, compost worms are vital for efficient…
Alli Ramsey All levels, Garner Preparatory Academy, Garner ISD
Amanda Adair High School, All Saints Episcopal School Tyler, Private…
Planting trees provides us with so many environmental benefits: soil health, erosion control, animal habitats, free oxygen, and not the least of…
Planting trees that require less water is very beneficial. Drought-tolerant trees reduce the demand on local water resources, conserving water for…, Water Needs: Burr oaks are relatively drought-tolerant once established, needing moderate watering during dry spells. Initially, they require regular…,
Water Needs: Texas redbuds are drought-tolerant once established. During dry periods, occasional deep watering helps maintain their health.…,
Water Needs: Cedar elms are highly drought-tolerant, requiring minimal watering once established. They do well with natural rainfall in most…, Water Needs: Texas ash need moderate watering, especially during their first few years. Once established, they are quite drought-tolerant but benefit…,
Water Needs: Red oaks need moderate watering, particularly during dry spells. They are relatively drought-tolerant once established.
Benefits:…,
Water Needs: Texas mountain laurels are highly drought-tolerant once established. They require minimal watering, making them ideal for…,
Water Needs: Desert willows are extremely drought-tolerant and require minimal watering once established. They thrive on rainfall alone in many…, Whether you're drawn to the majestic burr oak, the vibrant flowers of the Texas Mountain Laurel, or the drought-loving desert willow, each tree…
Maintaining a clean and hygienic environment is essential for the well-being of everyone in our community. While cleanliness is crucial, it is…
For a non-toxic alternative to the traditional window spray, mix in a large container: 3 tablespoons cornstarch, 1 cup of white vinegar, and 1 gallon…, Even the cleanest person finds themselves with a clogged drain sometimes. A simple solution for clearing a clogged drain involves pouring one cup of…, Create an effective all-purpose cleaner for any area by mixing equal parts water and castile soap in a spray bottle. Castile soap, derived from plant…, This next recipe is perfect for any room with carpets, rugs, or other fabrics. In a shaker, combine baking soda with a few drops of essential oil,…, A mix of equal parts water and hydrogen peroxide can effectively remove stains on upholstery and carpets. This solution is gentle and safe for…, Mix equal parts olive oil and white vinegar in a spray bottle and add a few drops of essential oil for fragrance, such as lemon or orange oil. This…, For cleaning and deodorizing sinks, sprinkle baking soda directly onto the surface, then scrub with a damp sponge or cloth. Baking soda's gentle…, To effectively trap and remove dust, lightly mist a microfiber cloth with water and gently wipe surfaces. The damp cloth effectively captures and…
Autumn has arrived and so have the pumpkin spice lattes and changing of the leaves. The weather may be unpredictable, but one thing you can always…
Pumpkins are a great seasonal staple with endless ways to use them for food and decoration. Unfortunately, pumpkins become a common household waste…, Apple picking is another favorite fall activity to do with family and friends. Did you know some apple varieties are naturalized in Texas?…, Composting can be a fun way to add sustainability into your life and, in turn, add life to your garden. Your apple cores, pumpkin guts, and fallen…, Seasonal, local fruits and veggies have many benefits over store-bought, out-of-season produce, including a smaller environmental impact, higher…, Fall is a great time to get outside, enjoy the cooler weather, and watch the leaves change. The National Park Service offers free entrance days to…, Fall is the perfect time to start planting new seeds and saplings in Texas. The cooler weather and additional autumn rains help these plants…, There are so many delicious fruits and vegetables that are in season during fall, so it's the perfect time of year to learn how to preserve them for…, Bird-watching in the fall is especially enjoyable because it’s peak migration season for many bird species. As temperatures cool, a wide variety of…, If you participate in the spooky celebration, choose to thrift your Halloween costume! The United States generates thousands of tons of costume waste…, Whether it’s taking family photos at the pumpkin patch or capturing the sunset on your hike, you’ll want to remember these moments. There’s no better…