[Green Living] After a full year of living in a Texas Disposal Systems dumpster on the Huston-Tillotson University campus, Dr Jeff Wilson, (the man formerly known as Professor Dumpster) has moved out of his 36 square foot dumpster home. The experience taught Wilson so much about living better with less that he now wants to share that lesson with others. So, he has started the Dumpster Project Home School Program, which invites other teachers to spend a night in the dumpster, enabling them to inspire their classes to learn more about sustainable design. Last night the Principal of Blackshear Elementary stayed in the Dumpster with teachers from her school camped out around her for camaraderie and safety. If you have an adventurous teacher or principal at your school challenge them or encourage them to sign up! Watch this video for a glimpse into the life of Professor Dumpster>>

 

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[Food Forest] The founders of the Festival Beach Food Forest envision a world where the residents of East Austin can take a stroll through a public park, pick fruit from the trees, and eat it on the spot. This is the reality they are trying to create on the plot of land just next to the RBJ Residential Center, east of I-35. They got unanimous support from City Council last fall and their goal is to break ground on the project this spring. They've launched a $25,000 Indiegogo campaign to pay for the materials and experienced labor they need to build a full-fledged food forest here in Austin. Learn more about the project here>>
 

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[Park Food] The City of Austin is in the process of looking for a new vendor to operate the Zilker Cafe next to Barton Springs Pool and they want public input. You can suggest menu options, services, and other considerations you would like the City to make in choosing a vendor by filling out this survey>>

 

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[LED Discount] Check out this deal from Austin Energy!For a limited time, all AE customers can get a $3 discount on LED lightbulbs at select Home Depot stores in the city. LED lightbulbs use up to 90 percent less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last up to 25 times longer. The discount is being offered at the following Home Depot stores:  

• Mueller Airport, 1200 Barbara Jordan Blvd, Suite 100
• North Austin, 10515 N. MoPac Expressway
• Sunset Valley, 1200 Home Depot Blvd.
• Southeast Austin, 3600 S. Interstate Highway 35
• Slaughter Lane, 8801 S. Interstate Highway 35

 

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[Energy Week] February 16th to 20th is theUniversity of Texas Energy Week. Energy experts from the world of academics, industry, government, and non profits will gather at UT for a week of panels, discussions and special events. Featured speakers will includeTexas Railroad Commissioner Christi Craddick, Pecan Street CEO Brewster McCracken, and representatives from several major electric utilities.Check out the full lineup (including several free community events) here>>

 

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[Energy News] Austin's very own, Revolve Solar, is one of the top solar installers in the country!A recent article on BuildZoom.com found thatRevolve has installed enough solar systems to be amongst the top 25 solar contractors in the U.S. The list ranks them at #14 based on their CA installations, but if their Austin work had been included they would have been #10!Learn more>>

 

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[Climate Publications] TheLBJ School of Public Affairs has just published awonderful series of white papers on the challenges of mitigating greenhouse gas emissions in countries around the world. Written in plain English, the papers lay out the global obstacles that need to be overcome and prescribe a clear path forward. An excellent resource for policy-wonks and newbies alike!

 

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[Outdoors] There is abrand new website for all you camping enthusiastsout there. Hipcamp.comlaunched in Texas earlier this week, and is now a go-to source for information and inspiration about camping throughout the state. Simply type in your location and the website provides you with maps, campsites, tips, photos, and activity suggestions. As an added bonus, the site is designed beautifully, making it easier than ever for you to plan your next big weekend camping trip.

 

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[Earth Day] The Austin Earth Day Festival 2015 is coming to the historic “Browning Hangar” atMueller on Saturday, April 18th and is currentlybooking exhibitors.  Featuring fun, interactive attractions, hands-on demonstrations, kid’s activities galore, a diversity of exhibitors, outdoor activities and more, the festival brings together people from all parts of the Austin community for an engaging and inspiring day. Learn more about becoming an Earth Day exhibitor here>>

 

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[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 byMarch 1st. More info>>
 

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Politics

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[Austin City Hall] Last week, Austin's City 

Council approved a new plan to change up their committee structure. Originally, they had talked about nearly doubling the number of council committees, from 7 to 13. In the end, they pared that plan down a bit, combining Economic Development with Innovation & Creative Industries and Audit with Finance. They also downgraded the Intergovernmental Affairs committee to ad-hoc status.

There are now 10 city council committees. Each council member will chair one committee, serve as the vice chair on another, and sit on one or two additional committees. Committee assignments should be made public on Monday, according to the Austin Chronicle.
 

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[Austin City Hall] City Council started its 

deep dive policy workshop series this week. In an effort to get all of the new council members up to speed on city issues, the mayor's office has organized 24 of these deep dive sessions, covering topics ranging from public safety to healthcare. Although these are somewhat untraditional council meetings, they are still open to the public and will be streamed on ATXN. 

Below is a list of all of the eco-related deep dive sessions. They are a great opportunity for you to learn more about these topics as well.

• Monday, Feb. 9th – Transportation and Mobility, Water
• Thursday, Feb. 17th – Watershed Protection, Environment and Endangered Species, Parks and Open Space
• Monday, March 2nd – Resource Recovery, Austin Energy

 

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[Austin City Hall] Although city council tends to get the 

most attention, they aren't the only ones who influence public policy in the city. Citizen-run boards and commissions specialize in specific topic areas and then regularly advise and report back to council. These boards and commissions are a crucial part of city government and serve as an excellent opportunity for the public to get more involved in municipal affairs. There are currently several eco-related boards and commissions seats available:

• Environmental Board
• Mechanical, Plumbing, and Solar Board
• Parks and Recreation Board
• Resource Management Commission
• Austin/Travis County Sustainable Food Policy Board*
• Urban Transportation Commission
• Water and Wastewater Commission
• Zero Waste Advisory Commission

Apply to join any of these boards and commissions here>>