Sustainability is important business, but that doesn’t mean we can’t get a little weird about it! Saving the planet isn’t just about carrying…
Got a fresh haircut? Hair is rich in nitrogen, making it a great addition to compost piles—and it can help plants grow too! Instead of sweeping those…, Start a trend by repurposing old fabric scraps or torn clothes into funky accessories like patchwork bags, headbands, or jewelry. Sustainability has…, Use a bucket in your shower to collect water as you wait for it to warm up. Then use this “greywater” to flush your toilet. It’s a low-tech, budget-…, Create a playlist of short, upbeat songs (around 3-5 minutes each) and aim to finish your shower by the time your playlist ends. This subconsciously…, Sure, a pet dog or cat is great, but what about a squirmy army of worms? Vermicomposting (worm composting) lets you turn food scraps into nutrient-…, Using vinegar, baking soda, or even banana peels to shine shoes or polish silver, can significantly reduce your household’s chemical footprint. Find…, Ever heard of regrowing your kitchen scraps? Instead of tossing out vegetable ends or seeds, you can regrow certain produce like green onions, celery…, On a wilder note, some people swear by “plogging,” a Swedish trend that combines jogging with picking up litter. It’s an eco-friendly workout that…, Another odd but impactful practice is creating “bee hotels.” These aren’t luxurious resorts, but small, handmade structures filled with hollow tubes…, If you’re looking to go the extra mile, consider swapping out traditional burial methods for eco-burials or even composting your remains after death…
We all love our pets and want the best for them, but did you know that what’s better for our pets is also better for our planet? Just like humans,…
Choose eco-friendly toysWhen looking for new toys for your furry family members, choose ones that are made from natural fibers or recycled content.…, Buy food in bulkLarger bags of food use less packaging than multiple smaller bags. You can also look for pet food that comes in plastic-free…, Always pick up your pup's pooPet waste is listed as a nonpoint source pollutant by the Environmental Protection Agency as it can contaminate…, Ditch clay litterTraditional litter is made from clay, a nonbiodegradable material that is extracted through strip mining. Strip mining destroys…,
Use 100% recycled paper or shredded newspaper for bedding for hamsters, rabbits, guinea pigs, and other pets.
For pets in tanks or enclosures, use…
As teachers, we all have the power to instill a sense of environmental responsibility and stewardship in our students, starting from the early…
For lower grade levels, anchor charts should be interactive, but most of the information should either be provided or used as a review for the…, Teach students about the 3 Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle) with this interactive anchor chart. First, have students discuss what they know about the 3 Rs…, The next anchor chart is a great way to conclude the study of conserving Earth’s resources by having the students pledge to take care of the planet.…, For upper grade levels, anchor charts should be built by the students with the teacher guiding thoughts and ideas. These anchor charts can be used to…, When learning about ecosystems, create anchor charts that can be hung around the classroom to initiate movement within the classroom. One anchor…, In the upper grades, students are asked to collaborate and work together to think outside the box for solutions to real world problems. Have students…, When discussing new topics at any grade level, teachers can create an anchor chart called a K-W-L chart. The K-W-L chart looks at three aspects of…, Not only can anchor charts help students think more rigorously about their own green habits, but they can also allow students to share their thinking…
Knowing what to do with waste items can be confusing. Luckily, Take Care of Texas has your back! We’ve compiled a list of items that are commonly…
Diapers
Believe it or not, diapers are one of the most common sources of contamination in the recycling stream. Most diapers are made of a mix…, Garden Hoses
Garden hoses are another common contaminant in the recycling stream. Similar to diapers, garden hoses are also made of plastic,…, E-Toothbrushes
Most electric toothbrushes have a rechargeable lithium battery which is not recyclable in curbside recycling programs and…, Foam (Styrofoam)
Most curbside collection programs do not accept foam, such as Styrofoam, as it is difficult to recycle and breaks apart…, It can be hard to know exactly what to do with your waste items. Earth911 and Recycle Nation are database-type websites where you can look-up if your…
Welcome to the Earth Day Hub, a collection of all things Earth Day. Peruse our materials to find the perfect resource to celebrate this great…
Paper waste is a common issue in many households and workplaces, but reducing it can help save resources and minimize environmental impact. By making…
Go DigitalAn easy way to start is switching to paperless billing and online banking statements. Not only does it reduce unwanted clutter and paper…, Unsubscribe from JunkReduce unwanted paper mail by opting out of catalogs and promotional flyers. Cutting clutter from your mailbox gives you control…, Reducing paper use is a simple yet effective way to be more eco-friendly. By making these small changes, we can help conserve resources and create a…
Congratulations to the winners of the Take Care of Texas Video Contest!They worked hard and produced wonderful, creative videos that help their…
Everything’s bigger in Texas, including its bat populations. The Lone Star State has more bat species than any other state and is home to the largest…
Bats may be small, but they play a vital role in conservation.
Bats keep crop pests in check, eating up to two-thirds of their body weight in…, Planting native plants is a great way to attract bats and other pollinators to your yard. Native plants are already adapted to Texas’ climate and can…, Bat boxes are like birdhouses, just for bats! Also known as bat houses, they come in all shapes and sizes ranging from high-end premade models to do-…, Synthetic herbicides and insecticides typically contain harmful chemicals that prevent weeds and pests. However, these chemicals can negatively…,
Turn off the lights (light pollution from artificial lighting can disrupt bats’ natural behavior and habits).
Keep cats inside (cat attacks are a…
Let’s be honest, sustainability can sometimes feel overwhelming. But the good news? You don’t need to change everything overnight to make a…
Swap out plastic water bottles, straws, and grocery bags for reusable options. A cute tote bag or a stylish water bottle? Yes, please! You can also…, You don’t have to go full vegan, but adding more plant-based meals to your week is great for the planet. Try Meatless Monday or swap in beans for…, Thrift stores, online marketplaces, and clothing swaps are treasure troves of stylish, affordable finds. Bonus: vintage always comes back in style!…, Leaving chargers, TVs, and lights on when not in use? That’s wasted energy! Unplugging devices and switching off lights can help lower your bill and…, Before buying new, check what you already own. Whether it’s clothes, household items, or food, making the most of what you have reduces waste and…, Store leftovers properly, plan your meals, and get creative with near-expiring ingredients. Freeze extra portions for future meals, make homemade…, From shampoo bars to refillable cleaning products, there are tons of cool, sustainable swaps out there. You might also try refillable deodorants,…, If you can swap even one car ride a week for walking, biking, or carpooling, you’re cutting down on emissions and getting a little extra movement in…, Opt for digital receipts, e-tickets, and online statements instead of printed versions. It saves paper and reduces clutter—plus, no more losing…, You can save water by fixing leaks, shortening showers, turning off the tap while brushing teeth or washing dishes, and running dishwashers only when…, Sustainability isn’t about being perfect—it’s about making better choices when you can. Even small changes add up, so start where you’re comfortable…
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality invites Texas students enrolled in grades 6–12 to participate in the Take Care of Texas Video Contest.…
Participating students must upload their entry before 5:00 p.m. CST Friday, Dec. 6, 2024, CST, with the required documents. TCEQ is not…,
Video must portray positive ways Texans can protect the environment, including keeping the air clean, keeping the water clean, conserving water,…, All Texas middle- and high-school students—whether from public, charter, or private schools or homeschooled—are eligible to participate. Applicants…, The entries will be divided into two age groups, middle school and high school. TCEQ staff, the public, TCEQ executive staff and commissioners, and…, There will be six big winners and WMTX will provide the prizes.
Winners will be announced in February. Specific date to be announced.
Prizes for…
Congratulations to the 2025 K-5 Art Contest Winners!
The 2025 Take Care of Texas Kids Art Contest has officially ended—thank you to all the…
The best way to Take Care of Texas is by learning about how we affect the natural environment of our state on a personal and community level. By…
Here you’ll find a wide variety of educational resources for teachers, parents, and students of all ages. Through using our resources as a program of…
Turn off lights when you don't need them. Lighting accounts for over 10% of the annual household utility bill. Save more energy by upgrading your…