It’s trick or treat season again! Just don’t get tricked into adding more trash to the landfill graveyards. Instead, consider having an…
Here are some simple tips to prevent trash and wasted energy, so you can treat yourself to a greener Halloween.
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Energy Vampires — Some electronic devices still draw power when they’re not turned on. Use power strips and turn off lights, fog machines,…, We hope you have a safe, responsible, and green Halloween! Share these tips with others and have a monster's ball celebrating this year.
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…
If you live in an apartment or dorm, you might not think there’s much you can do to save energy, reduce waste, and conserve water. However, there are…
Read on for tips on how to conserve while you rent.
, Appliances that are plugged into the wall still drain power, even when they’re not in use. Standby power, as this is commonly known, can account for…, Even apartment-dwellers can save money and electricity by using their blinds and shades. Blocking out the sun in the summertime will keep your place…, Lighting accounts for about 12 percent of your annual energy bill. An ENERGY STAR bulb will use about 70 to 90 percent less energy than a…, Maximize your washing machine’s efficiency and reduce water usage by only washing full loads of laundry. You’ll save up to 3,400 gallons of…, Composting can be done safely and cleanly in an indoor space. It keeps food scraps out of the landfill and provides you with nutrient-rich compost to…, Recycled-content products are easily spotted by reading the labels on the packaging. One ton of recycled paper saves 17 trees and uses 50 percent…, In the summer, keep your thermostat at 78 degrees or higher and use a fan to help keep cool. In the winter, reverse your ceiling fans to force…, More than 78 billion pieces of junk mail are distributed each year. Most of this unwanted junk mail ends up in our landfills. By visiting the …, A leaky faucet can waste up to 3,000 gallons of water per year–enough to take 180 showers. Read more about finding and fixing hidden leaks …
The State of Texas wants you to conserve water, energy, and utility bill costs by waiving sales tax on several water- and energy-saving appliances on…
During Memorial Day weekend, Texans can potentially save hundreds of dollars when purchasing, renting, or leasing qualifying appliances tax–free.
, If you’re in the market for new appliances, look for the ENERGY STAR logo first. ENERGY STAR is a program of the US Environmental Protection…, If you’re replacing an existing appliance, there’s a good chance that you have no use for the old one. If the appliance still works, you can sell it…, During the tax holiday, any product that displays a WaterSense label or logo can be purchased tax free. This includes items like toilets, showerheads…
'Tis the season to get together and celebrate, Texas-style, but that doesn't mean our impact on Texas landfills has to be as big as the parties and…
Instead of paper invitations, opt for digital options. Not only does this reduce paper, but it also saves money as you won't need envelopes or…,
Plan your shopping list ahead of time. Include the exact items you need and the appropriate quantities. Account for any food preferences or dietary…,
Use real plates, cups, napkins, and utensils instead of disposable options, if possible. While disposable partyware is appealing, as it cuts down on…,
Encourage your guests to bring reusable food containers to the party. That way, they can take any leftovers home with them. Or, if you have an…,
If your holiday celebration includes a gift exchange, be mindful of the wrapping. Let your guests know they can bring their gifts unwrapped or…, It's easy to make simple changes to our holiday celebrations that can make a big impact. Take the pledge for more holiday tips!
What exactly is Household Hazardous Waste? The Environmental Protection Agency considers HHW to be “leftover household products that can…
Products that may become HHW are often readily accessible and contain labels that read “DANGER”, “WARNING”, or “CAUTION.” Some examples of household…, Do NOT assume your garage or storage shed is the best place to store HHW. It is very important to carefully follow the suggested storage practices…, It is best to keep all hazardous products in their original containers. If you must transfer a product into another container, make sure the new…, The more hazardous products you own, the more may need to be disposed of as HHW. Source reduction is a practice that reduces waste before it has the…, It is important to understand that HHW disposal is a risk to human health and the environment. While some products, such as chlorine, may be…
Texas is home to some of the most unique wildlife, people, and places in the nation. A new partnership between Texas PBS stations and the Texas…
Texas PBS and TCEQ are teaming up to build more awareness of important ways we can all protect and conserve what's unique about Texas.
The…, The Texas Wildlife: Our Future film premieres on Texas PBS stations across the state on Jan. 31 at 9 pm CT.
From award-winning director, Ben…, Texas PBS stations and TCEQ are collaborating to build awareness of ways Texans can conserve our natural resources. Join us in keeping our air and…, Take Care of Texas has designed a collection of free lesson plans and student worksheets designed to spark activities, lessons, and discussions about…
Each spring, millions of migrating birds travel through Texas. Our state plays an important role in bird migration because of its key geographical…
Birds migrate during the following periods:
Spring Migration Dates*
• Full Spring Migration Period: March 1 – June 15• …, Many migrating birds travel at night, using the light of the moon and stars to travel. As they pass over cities, they can become disoriented by the…, Large windows or sliding doors can be hazardous for migrating birds, as birds can’t see glass. Place decals or other markers on windows to prevent…, Flying requires lots of energy, and providing high-quality food through feeders can help birds fuel up for their destination. If you can, try…, Creating shelter can be done in various ways. Plant native trees, shrubs, and flowers to provide natural shelter and nesting spots. Install…, Keep your backyard tidy. Implement waste management practices to prevent litter and pollution including proper disposal of garbage and recycling.…, Minimize the use of pesticides in your garden and yard to maintain a bird-friendly environment. Find more information on managing lawn problems…, Understand the migratory patterns and specific needs of the bird species in your region to tailor your backyard preparations accordingly. You can…, By implementing these measures, you can help make the journey easier for migrating bird populations. For more resources on how to support bird…
Have you ever encountered a used couch mysteriously discarded in a field, or had to roll away an old car tire that has become a mosquito haven? These…
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality defines illegal dumping as the disposal, transportation for disposal, or allowance of disposal of…,
TCEQ worked with stakeholders at a problematic tire disposal site to remove 1.4 million tires and recycle 24.6 tons of…, If you have an item that can’t easily be recycled or thrown in the trash, consider the following:
Contact your local waste…, TCEQ is available 24 hours a day to receive complaints under our authority. Texans can use our online complaint form, or call toll-free at 888-…
Considering going green for Valentine’s Day? Want to promote environmental conservation? Interested in helping Take Care of Texas with your Valentine…
Below you’ll find Texas- and environmental-themed Valentine’s Day cards from Take Care of Texas that you can share with your friends, family, or…, Note: You can save a full-sized image by right-clicking a card and opening the image in a new tab. If you are using a mobile device, you can save the…, We hope you enjoy these cards as much as we enjoyed making them. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Some insects bite, some may sting; many will annoy. Some are even considered destructive to homes, crops, and gardens. But the fact is, most insects…
Read on to find out which bugs are beneficial, what they do for us, and how to attract them.
, Pollinators
Pollination is the transfer of pollen from one flowering plant to another, resulting in fertile seeds. Pollinator insects include beetles…, Predators
Predators are insects that hunt for their food, catching, killing, and eating a wide variety of other insects. Some types of predators,…, Parasitoids
In nature, parasites usually only weaken or sicken their hosts; parasitoids, however, kill and consume their hosts.
Parasitic Wasps…, Decomposers/Recyclers
A decomposer’s job begins when the life of another organism ends. Decomposers break down the complicated compounds in dead…, Keep your garden healthy by providing appropriate moisture, drainage, and air circulation. Including flowering plants will help ensure that these…