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…
Gardening enthusiasts often find themselves contending with the presence of snails in their gardens. While some see these shelled creatures as a…
Although snails get a bad reputation, snails could be helpful for your garden. Snails are low in the food chain which means larger predators such as…, But let’s be real, snails may be beneficial in some ways, but they also destroy things that require a lot of energy and time. So, despite their…
Planning a getaway this summer? Don’t let your sustainable habits slip! We’ve compiled a list of ways to maintain a sustainable lifestyle while…
Travel lightly Don’t overpack! Traveling with only your necessities minimizes waste, saves space, and uses less fuel than traveling with an…, Practice the same habits you have at home! Turning off the faucet when brushing your teeth and taking shorter showers are easy water-saving…, Take a direct flight You can minimize your carbon footprint by taking the most direct flight possible. Direct flights mean fewer miles traveled…, Be intentional with purchases Avoid overconsumption by being intentional with what you buy. You may want to pick up a little trinket to…, Don’t leave sustainability behind while you’re on vacation, bring your eco-friendly habits along with you! Whether it’s as simple as bringing your…
Now that the weather allows us to venture outside, how can we Take Care of Texas while picnicking?
There’s not much better than a bright Texas day…
The quickest way to reduce picnic waste is to ditch the disposables. Instead of paper plates, plastic utensils, and single-use cups, opt for:
•…, Design your menu with waste reduction in mind. Choose snacks and meals that don’t need a lot of packaging, and try these tips:
• …, Plastic wrap, chip bags, and sandwich baggies are common picnic items—but they’re also some of the most wasteful. Instead, try:
• …, Even with the best planning, some trash might sneak in. Make sure you’re ready to deal with it responsibly.
• Bring a small…, Many Texas parks and green spaces are doing their part to protect the environment. Support their efforts by:
• Respecting park…, Picnics are all about enjoyment—and with a few sustainable swaps, you can enjoy your time outside and Take Care of Texas. By reducing waste, planning…
In a world overflowing with fashion choices and fast-changing trends, getting dressed can feel more overwhelming than inspiring. Enter the capsule…
One of the foundational principles of a capsule wardrobe is versatility. Each item should be able to mix and match seamlessly with the rest, allowing…, Fast fashion thrives on the allure of the latest trend, but capsule wardrobes take a different path—one grounded in timelessness. Instead of chasing…, Investing in quality is key to making a capsule wardrobe work. When you reduce how much clothing you own, each piece needs to hold its own in both…, At the heart of the capsule wardrobe philosophy is minimalism. This doesn’t mean your wardrobe has to be boring or limited—it means being intentional…, Capsule wardrobes naturally promote conscious consumption. Rather than buying clothing impulsively or just because it's on sale, you’ll start…, A capsule wardrobe offers far more than just a tidy closet—it can genuinely enhance your daily life. First, it saves money by reducing the need for…, 1. Declutter: Start by evaluating your current wardrobe. Remove any clothes that no longer fit, don’t suit your style, or haven’t been worn in over a…, A capsule wardrobe is more than just a fashion choice—it's a lifestyle shift toward simplicity, intention, and sustainability. By focusing on…
Drought conditions are an increasing concern in many parts of Texas, and homeowners are feeling the pressure to maintain healthy lawns while also…
Shallow, frequent watering might seem helpful, but it encourages shallow roots that dry out quickly. Instead, opt for deep, infrequent watering. This…, Raising your mower blade helps keep grass blades longer, which in turn shades the soil and reduces evaporation. This simple shift can make a big…, If your lawn continually struggles under drought conditions, it might be time to rethink your landscaping choices. Drought-tolerant grass like…, Scalping—cutting your lawn too short—can shock your grass, leaving it vulnerable to drought, pests, and diseases. A stressed lawn is far less likely…, Fertilization is important, but timing and moderation are key, especially during a drought. Applying fertilizer during high-heat periods can burn…, Traditional sprinklers often lead to water waste through overspray and evaporation. More efficient irrigation methods like drip irrigation or low-…, Soil compaction can prevent water from penetrating to the root zone, which is critical during a drought. Aerating your lawn—especially in the spring…, Weeds not only look unsightly, but they also compete with your grass for water and nutrients. Managing weeds through regular mowing, mulching, and…, Rainwater harvesting is an excellent way to supplement your irrigation needs without relying on the municipal water supply. Installing a rain barrel…