No Mow May is a fun, low-effort movement that invites people to hit the pause button on the lawn mowing for a few weeks and let nature take the lead.…
At its core, No Mow May is about giving bees and other insects a fighting chance as they emerge in early spring. During this time, natural food…, When lawns are allowed to grow, even for a short period, the number of available nectar sources increases dramatically. Pollinators like bees,…, Of course, letting the lawn go untouched for a full month isn’t always easy or practical. In some regions, grass can shoot up over a foot tall,…, If a full month of no mowing doesn’t fit your climate, neighborhood rules, or personal preferences, there are plenty of alternatives.
One…, Getting involved in No Mow May doesn’t have to be complicated or all-or-nothing. With just a few small adjustments, you can support pollinators while…, No Mow May is more than a lawn-care trend, it’s a chance to rethink how our everyday spaces can support the natural world. By giving your grass a…
So, you want a garden. Not just any garden, but a thriving, eco-friendly, pollinator-loving, water-saving, herb-growing oasis that doesn’t require…
If your plants need constant pep talks, therapy, and a strict watering schedule, they might not belong there. Native plants are the MVPs of eco…, If your garden isn’t buzzing, fluttering, or occasionally dive bombed by a curious bee, you’re missing out. Pollinators are essential for growing…, Watering your garden shouldn’t feel like you’re personally funding the local water supply. Here’s how to keep things hydrated without waste:• …, Let’s be honest. No one needs 47 zucchinis. Start with easy, versatile herbs that make you feel like a kitchen wizard:
• Basil…, Not all plants are friendly neighbors. Some are straight-up bullies. Invasive plants spread aggressively, crowd out native species, and basically…, Want to level up your eco-garden? Start composting. It turns your kitchen scraps into nutrient rich soil and keeps waste out of landfills. It’s a win…, An eco-friendly garden doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be intentional. Start small. Swap one plant for a native. Add a pollinator flower.…
Since 1986, Don’t mess with Texas has been synonymous with anti-littering and has become one of the most successful litter reduction campaigns in the…
Litter often starts with everyday activities when waste is not properly secured or disposed of.
Household Trash Loose lids or damaged bins can…, Littering and illegal dumping in Texas carry strict penalties that escalate based on the weight of the waste and the frequency of the offense. While…, Small actions can make a big difference in keeping Texas clean.
Secure household trash with bins that have tight-fitting lids and replace damaged…, If you’re unsure if an item can be picked up in curbside collection, first check online. Some items cannot be easily recycled or placed in household…
Opting out of unwanted catalogs and mailers saves trees, cuts waste, and declutters your home. The FTC and Direct Marketing Association offer free…
Let’s be honest, expiration dates have main character energy. One glance at a carton of milk or a dusty lipstick, and suddenly we’re questioning…
Here’s the big secret: most food date labels are about quality, not safety.
Sell ByThis one is for the store, not you. It tells retailers how long to…, Now let’s talk about what really shouldn’t be pushed past its prime: makeup and skincare products. Unlike food, expired cosmetics can cause eye…, Sunscreen deserves its own mention because this one’s serious. Expired sunscreen loses effectiveness and may not protect against UV rays, increasing…, When we toss food too early or throw away half-used products, it adds up fast. Not only does it send more waste to landfills, but it also means more…
Teachers are natural resource-stretchers. They squeeze every minute out of the day, every dollar out of a budget, and, let’s be honest, every last…
Those once-vibrant borders lose their shine after a few years, but they still have plenty of life left. Upcycling paper products reduces demand for…, When the walls are full and the storage is overflowing, those old anchor charts can feel like clutter, but they’re actually gold! Reusing chart paper…, Last year’s calendar pieces don’t have to sit in a drawer forever. Repurposing laminated materials keeps plastics out of the waste stream and shows…, Even posters that have seen better days can still serve a purpose. Upcycling reduces the need to purchase new decor and highlights the idea that…, When the tabs are bent and the edges are soft, file folders can still be classroom heroes. Reusing folders reduces paper waste and demonstrates how…, Maybe woodland animals or superheroes aren’t uplifting spirits anymore; they can still shine! Extending the life of laminated decor reduces plastic…, When students watch how materials are reused, they learn that stewardship isn’t abstract, but a daily practice. Upcycling:
Reduces classroom waste…
With the sound of waves, the warmth of the sun, and miles of coastline waiting to be explored, there’s nothing quite like a Texas beach in the summer…
A great trip starts before you even leave the house.
Pack light: Less weight means better fuel efficiency whether you’re driving or flying.
Bring…, Small actions on the beach add up in a big way.
Follow local rules: Check guidelines before you go, so you know what’s allowed.
Leave no trace: Pack…, Your spending choices shape coastal communities.
Eat local Texas seafood: Support local fishers and reduce transportation impacts.
Shop farmers…, A sustainable trip doesn’t end when you leave the beach.
Share what you’ve learned: Encourage others to travel responsibly.
Take the pledge: Commit…
While it’s a relief to have life-saving technology at our fingertips, it’s hard to ignore the nagging guilt of watching life-sustaining tools like…
Many modern medical devices are designated as electronic waste because they contain circuit boards and other electric components. If your medical…, Digital Thermometers Thermometers in good working condition can be donated to charities, free clinics, nursing homes, and other nonprofits.…, Glucose Meters Local charities may accept donations of new, unopened glucose meters, however, specialized organizations, like Insulin for Life…, CPAP Machines CPAP machines are also eligible for reuse or recycling through these organizations: Wellness, Sleep and Circadian Network…, Project MEND is an organization based in San Antonio that accepts, sanitizes, and refurbishes medical equipment for low-income individuals with…
Now that summer has started and the memory of the classroom is behind you, it’s time to take the summer break and relax. Except you are a teacher and…
With the classroom behind you, don’t forget to keep it back there, at least until the next school year starts. But how can you do that? Well, first,…, Just as you teach students the importance of self-care, it’s important to follow your own teachings. Sleep, and enough of it, is crucial to making…, Summer break can be all about vacations and trips, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Consider staycations, where you find somewhere close to…, With some more time on your hands, it’s ideal to reconnect to friendships and relationships. Schedule long lunches, picnics (try these summer recipes…, Summer break for a teacher sometimes means professional development, growing as a teacher, and expanding our teaching strategies to bring the best we…
Summer in Texas brings soaring temperatures and strict drought limits. Water conservation affects more than just the environment, it affects your…
The kitchen accounts for 20-40% of indoor water use. Changing how you clean your dishes and prep food can drastically cut down your monthly utility…, The bathroom accounts for nearly 30% of all indoor water use. A few easy changes can help you save hundreds of gallons a day.
Toilet: Drop…, Outdoor water usage makes up about 30-50% of household water use. Whether it’s your lawn, car, or pet, there are plenty of ways to maintain quality…, Maximizing local perks and timing your purchases carefully can keep extra cash in your wallet all summer long.
Tax-Free: Buy new water-efficient…
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Artwork must depict ways Texans can reduce waste.
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Texas students in grades K-12 are invited to participate in the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality’s Take Care of Texas Student Art Contest.…
Artwork must depict ways Texans can reduce waste.
Artwork must include the phrase “Take Care of Texas” spelled…,
Applicants must be enrolled in grades K-12 as of December 2026, and can be from public, charter, or private schools, or can be homeschooled…,
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/* Table…, If you have questions, contact us at [email protected]., All winning designs will be showcased on the Take Care of Texas website, on social media, and in media announcements.
TCEQ owns all submitted…
Take shorter showers and turn off the tap while brushing your teeth. These simple changes can save 200 gallons per month.
Five decades ago, the environmental movement introduced a simple solution to cut down on waste: reduce, reuse, recycle. This slogan, also known as…
Rethink Shifting your mindset is the first step toward changing your habits and how you see waste. Before buying anything, pause and ask…, Repair There is a deep tradition of independence in the Lone Star State. Channel that spirit by mending what breaks instead of immediately…, The 1970s gave us a simple eco-mantra: reduce, reuse, recycle. It urged consumers to buy less and manage waste better. Yet 50 years later, our waste…