Five decades ago, the environmental movement introduced a simple solution to cut down on waste: reduce, reuse, recycle. This slogan, also known as the 3 Rs, empowered people to rethink what they bought and what they threw away. Today, our modern waste stream is significantly more complicated, flooded with new technologies and materials that challenge the 3 Rs framework. 
 

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, even on summer break, you are already thinking, working, or collaborating on how to improve for next year. However, just as we say to our students, progress starts with you, and the better you are mentally and physically, the better you are for yourself and your students. Let’s explore some sustainable ways teachers can intentionally take breaks this summer to ensure you come back next school year strong in every way. 

With 367 miles of coastline, Texas is no stranger to hurricanes. Preparing your family for severe weather is essential. While it’s most important to follow local, state, and national guidance for evacuation and safety, including having a complete disaster kit, there are a few ways to make your hurricane preparation more sustainable.

If time and resources allow, you can use these tips to enhance your provisions.

It’s summertime in Texas, again. The days are long and hot but your dinner prep doesn’t have to be! This summer, skip the oven and keep cool with these tips. 

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 everything. Is this still safe? Is this a suggestion or a hard rule? Am I about to get sick or am I just being dramatic?
 

Have you ever stood at the sink, scrubbing baked-on lasagna from a glass dish, and wondered if there’s a better way? Well, it turns out that you are probably wasting a good amount of water by doing your dishes by hand. When you look at water use per dish, a dishwasher almost always wins on efficiency, especially when it’s run full. 

Dear Diary, my plants are thriving, and it’s not because I’ve been buying more things for them! I’ve simply been repurposing things I have around the house, from cinnamon and eggshells to empty candle jars. These plants are living their best lives and promoting sustainability. Here are some of my best tips. 

Texas is known for its vast landscapes, great barbecue, and unique cowboy culture. But what many don’t know is that the Lone Star State and the traditional Texan way of life are rooted in stewarding the land, caring for animals, and conserving natural resources for future generations. 

The term farmers market covers a wide range of locally sourced food options, but their benefits reach far beyond fresh produce. These spaces promote community connection, environmental awareness, and local economic growth. With accessible options like SNAP benefits and Double Up Food Bucks, and locations both on-farm and within neighborhoods, more Texans than ever can experience the benefits of fresh, local agriculture. 

During any special holiday, roses and flowers are a go-to gift that can lift the spirits and the aroma of any person or place. But is there more to a rose than the aroma? Well, yes, yes there is, in fact, there are several ways to extend the life of roses or any flowers. When repurposing flowers, it's important to think about the different parts of the plant. From petals to stems, there’s at least one way to reuse each part of the flower.