15 Jan EcoBits Jan. 15 – Jan. 22, 2014: Eco-Comedy, KAB Awards, Recycling Data
Greetings EcoReaders! After the holiday lull we are back to another packed edition of the EcoNews brimming with volunteer opportunities, educational workshops, local news and more.
We also have more content than usual focused on state and even federal policyand have done an experiment by creating a separate section between EcoBits and Calendar Highlights called Politics.
This helped us capture the activity brought about by the confluence of a brand new Austin City Council, the start of the Texas Legislature and the new Congress swinging into action. Amy Stansbury has written and compiled the most user-friendly, filtered info about how City Council is proposing to work, how our state lege currently works, even key federal environmental issues.
We know it's "extra" stuff to pay attention to but since "the lege" is only in action 140 days biennially, it's important that we pay attention and stay focused while the action is happening!
Austin EcoNetwork is committed to civic education and engagement that advances sustainability and we will let you know when there are key votes oropportunities for you to speak up.
We may keep Politics as a separate section or weave it in EcoBits when it's less "bulky". Let us know what you think. We aim to please!
[Development/
Leadership]
After a 7-month nationwide search, the Waller Creek Conservancy has chosen its first CEO. One of the chief architects of New York City's High Line project,Peter Mullan, has been tapped to run this $2.5 million nonprofit.
The Waller Creek Conservancy is currently working with the City of Austin to revitalize Waller Creek(which runs through downtown Austin) and turn it into a useable, public green space that connects the city. Learn more>>
[Film making] It's time for the 2015 Eco-Comedy Video Competition!Sponsored by the Center for Environmental Film Making and the Nature Conservancy, the contest offers a$2,000 prize to anyone worldwide who has a flare for producing videos with something to say about conservation. This year's theme is "Clean Water, Clean Air" and all videos must be submitted by March 1st. More info>>
[Water/Transportation]The controversial SH 45SW project hit new roadblocks this week when the Travis County Commissioners Courtvoted Tuesday to ask the Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District to delay an important votein moving the project forward. The commissioners cited a fear that the new road project would damage the sensitive Edwards Aquifer Recharge zone and that a promise by TxDOT to uphold the highest environmental standards during the project would not be upheld. The Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District meets tonight. For more information about the latest developments in the SH 45SW saga, check out this article from the Austin American-Statesman>>
[Environmental Awards]The 29th Annual Keep Austin Beautiful Awards Brunch will be Wednesday, Feb. 4th at the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center (aka the M.A.C.C.). JoinKeep Austin Beautiful in honoring the outstanding achievements of businesses, individuals, and communities who clean, beautify, and protect Austin's environment. See who's a finalist, learn more about this free brunch and RSVP by February 1st here>>
[Recycling] For the first time ever, Texas will know how much its residents recycle. That's thanks to theTexas Recycling Data Initiative (TRDI), an effort led by the State of Texas Alliance for Recycling(STAR) and the Solid Waste Association of America (TxSWANA).
The recycling rate will be unveiled, along with a larger report on recycling in Texas, on February 4that the Palmer Events Center.
The report is intended to give Texas policy makersthe information they need to examine the economic, environmental, and policy issues of interest to Texas businesses, citizens, and governmental agencies.Learn more about TRDI and RSVP to attend this important event here>>
[Food/Promotion] Now is the time to try Farmhouse Delivery, Austin's own fresh produce delivery service. For a limited time, they have aGroupon for 51 percent off membership and a large bushel of fruits and veggies. Check it out>>
[Zero Waste/Food]Sustainable America has just published an amazingresource on food waste and prevention that is a definite must see. The website is calledIValueFood.com and it features stunning infographics, inspirational videos, and jaw-dropping statistics about how much food America wastes. Visit the website and share it with everyone you know>>
[Zero Waste/Education]Mark your calendar for Compost Now, a special workshop from the US Composting Council designed to teach restaurants, hotels, and grocery stores how to implement an organics diversion program. The workshop will be held on Jan. 23rd from 8:30am to 12:30pm at theRenaissance Hotel. Reserve your seat today!
[Poultry/Volunteer] Get involved in the 2015 Funky Chicken Coop Tour. Show off your coop or volunteer to help the tour. Specific details about the tour can be found on the tour website at:AustinCoopTour.org
Tour organizers are now accepting Coop Host applications for the 2015 Tour on April 4, 2015. They welcome funky, and functional coops, as well as other poultry housing in compliance with Austin's fowl ordinances, summarized here. Please share this information with your "fowl friends" and let folks know the deadline for host applications is January 25th.
Even if you don't have a coop on the tour you can volunteer to help prior to the tour, on the tour day itself, and after the tour is over. Volunteers are needed for the following: Tour Day Help at Headquarters and Coop Stops, Photography, Videography, Flyer & Card Distribution, Material assembly (prior to Tour Date), Tour Material Distribution & Collection, Miscellaneous duties as needed.
Sign up to Volunteer!
[Permaculture/Education]
Join the Austin Permaculture Guild for the Spring 2015 Permaculture Design Certificate Course. Taught over 10 Saturdays from February to May, the class will teach students how to conserve and protect natural resources, design and live in sustainable human settlements, and use nature as the grand designer. The course is also a good jumping off point for students to begin teaching permaculture modules, create a portfolio of permaculture designs, and establish a permaculture consulting practice.Sign up here>>
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