SXSW officially starts tomorrow and that means more activities and events than you could ever even know what to do with. Luckily, we've boiled the two week long festival into a list of just the eco-highlights, so that you can get the most out of SXSW, with or without a badge.

If you don't have a badge: 

• Rainforest Partnership's Films for the Forest –Sunday, March 15th from 3:30pm to 5:30pm at the Marchesa Hall and Theatre
• SXSW Eco Light Garden – Sunday, March 15th through Saturday, March 21st from 7pm to 2am at Republic Square Park
• Poached SXSW Reception – Monday, March 16th from 4pm to 6pm
   

   at the Driskill Hotel

If you have a badge: 

• The Climate Crisis: Challenge & Opportunity (by Al Gore) – Friday, March 13th from 11am – noon at the Austin Convention Center Exhibit Hall 5
• Entrepreneurship, Food Systems, and the Circular Economy (with Compost Pedallers, Hopper Foods, and Ten Acre Organics) –Sunday, March 15th from 9:30am to 10:30amat the Driskill Hotel in the Driskill Ballroom
• Cleanweb: The New IT Frontier, Presented by SXSW Eco – Sunday, March 15th from 3:30pm to 4:30pm at the Hilton Downtown, Salon A
• SXSW Eco Startup Speed Pitches, Presented by Austin Energy – Sunday, March 15th from 5pm to 6pm at the Hilton Downtown, Salon A
• And if you're into transportation, be sure to check out RideScout's list of "10 Transportation Panels You Can't Miss."

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[SXSW Film] Even though SXSW Interactive tends to get the most attention, SXSW Filmhas a lot to offer, both for those with and without badges. Many of the film screenings do not fill up and SXSW allows those without a badge to purchase last minute $10 tickets 15 minutes before show time. Here are the guidelines for accessing films. Below is a list of some of the festival's environmentally-themed films:

 

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[SXSW/Transportation] SXSW not only comes with lots of fun events, but also lots of traffic. Luckily, RideScout is working hard to get you around town as quickly and easily as possible. They have made two videos to help you (and out of towners) get acquainted with Austin's alternative transportation options, including B-cycle and car2go. They are also offering discounts for both of these services during SXSW. You can use the promo code 012015 to get a B-cycle day pass for just $2,and you can use the promo code RideScout1530 to get a car2go membership for just $15, plus 30 free minutes of drive time.

 

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[SXSW/Transportation]Capital Metro is also working to increase transportation options during SXSW. They will be offering extended train and bus services throughout the festival, from March 13th – 22nd. That includes 801 and 803 MetroRapid service until 12:30 a.m. from March 13th – 19th and service until 2:30am on March 20th and 21st. MetroRail will also have extended hours throughout the festival. The full Capital Metro extended schedule is available here>>

Also, RideScout is now allowing users to buy Capital Metro passes directly from their app, so getting around on Austin's public transportation system should be easier than ever! Learn more>>

 

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[Transportation] Capital Metro has a new board chair.Wade Cooper, firmwide managing partner of the law firm Jackson Walker L.L.P, is replacing former board chair and Austin City Council member, Mike Martinez. Cooper has served on the board of Capital Metro since August of 2014.

“Wade’s experience as an accomplished attorney and civic leader makes him an excellent choice to lead the board,” said Capital Metro President/CEO Linda S. Watson in a press release. “In his time with Capital Metro, he has immersed himself into the transit world, providing thoughtful engagement and forward thinking. We’re fortunate to have him as part of our team.”
 

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[Transportation] Last week TXDOT published its Record of Decision, available here on the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority's SH45SW.com website. In their words, "TxDOT cleared the way for the SH 45SW project to proceed into final design and ultimately, construction." A coalition of local environmental organizations (including multiple AEN partners) have a website called Keep Mopac Local.  They argue against an "Outer Loop" for Mopac that outlines environmental problems with building SH45 SW.
The fact is that the City of Austin and Travis County are co-signatories on habitat conservation plan known as the BCCP and it is our responsibility to protect a variety of species that live there. The previous Austin City Council came out against SH 45. A variety of sources are not satisfied with the Final Environmental Impact Statement upon which the TxDOT decision relies. A letter from the US Fish and Wildlife Service is expected within the next 2 weeks that could shed more light.  More to come…
 

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[Outdoors] Austin has just been picked as the most wildlife-friendly city in America by the National Wildlife Federation! In a press release, the NWF explained why Austin was chosen for such a high honor:

"Austin is a clear-cut choice as America’s best city for wildlife, boasting the most Certified Wildlife Habitats(2,154), most Certified Wildlife Habitats per capita, and most Schoolyard Habitats (67). Famous for its Congress Avenue Bridge that’s home to 1.5 million bats, the city of Austin is certified as a Community Wildlife Habitat." Learn more>>