30 Jul EcoBits July 30th – August 6th, 2015: Adventures in Public Transportation, #VolunteerATX, Recycling Solutions
Taking these transportation "field trips" with friends and family is a great way to try out public transportation for the first time. It makes the entire experience more fun and way less uncomfortable. To hear how some of Austin's largest employers are trying out public transportation as well, be sure to check out the latest AEN podcast, "Yes, We Hate to Be Uncomfortable and Try New Things: The Story of Public Transportation in Austin."
[Transportation] Please welcome AEN's newest partner, Electric Avenue Scooters!
Electric Avenue Scooters provides a sales, service, and instructional solution to commuting in an eco-friendly way. They sell leading-edge electric scooters, electric bikes and accessories, as well as provide excellent quality service for scooters and motorcycles, electric scooters and motorcycles, electric bikes, and recreational products. They also have a scooter/motorcycle school for anyone wanting to learn how to ride safely and get their M class license. They're located in the Triangle development north of UT in Austin, and online at electricavenuescooters.com.
And, they're hiring! Electric Avenue Scooters is currently looking for a full-time Bike and Scooter Technical Assistant. Learn more and apply here>>
[Transportation] Did you know? Austin-Travis County EMS is
[Recycling/Zero Waste] The City of Austin needs your help. A recent study found that 44 percent of what we throw away is actually recyclable. That's a big problem, so now the city is asking you – what do youthink is causing this problem? And how can we fix it?
The city wants your opinions, ideas, thoughts, and insights on how to increase recycling in Austin. If you're interested in helping, you can fill out this survey, or text your thoughts to 512-580-7778.
Here are some of its key points:
- On the Texas coast, the sea level could rise by as much as two feet by 2050, forcing$30 billion in coastal property to go underwater.
- The number of days above 95 degrees could more than double, from 43 to 106 days a year by mid-century.
- 4,500 Texans could die a year by mid-century as a result of the increased heat. That's more people than die each year from traffic accidents in Texas.
- The increased heat could also affect labor productivity, costing the economy up to $12.5 billion annually by mid-century.
[Climate Change/Wildlife]Tackling a problem as large as climate change can be a bit overwhelming at times. The risks outlined in the EcoBit above are scary and the potential impacts are daunting. Often, it can feel as if there is nothing that any one person can do. Well here is your proof than even one person can make a difference. The documentary "Swim for the Reef," tells the story of Paul Ellis, an Austin grandfather who makes it his mission to endure a grueling open water swim to help raise awareness about the declining state of the world's coral reefs.
Beautiful in its sincerity and sense of hope, "Swim for the Reef," encourages its viewers to get involved with an environmental organization working to protect the world's coral reefs. The film itself still hasn't been released to the general public, but the filmmakers are hoping to raise enough money to take it to film festivals and audiences across the country. Visit Swim4thereef.org to donate or to find out how to get involved with coral reef preservation.
[Green Design] Austin Energy Green Building's popular Green by Design Workshop returns this August. The three-part series teaches attendees how to build, remodel, or buy green homes that improve energy and water efficiency, increase comfort, and reduce maintenance.
The three session topics are:
- August 4th – Planning and Designing a Green Home
- August 11th – Green Materials, Products, and Landscaping
- August 18th – Green Home Systems
All of the sessions will be held at the Norris Conference Center from 7pm to 9pm. Participants can choose to attend one, two, or all three sessions for only $25, but advance registration is required. More info>>
[SXSW Eco] The 2015 SXSW Eco schedule is now live! That means that by using SXSW Eco's online portal, you can begin to select your favorite sessions and start planning which sessions you want to attend. Also, Friday, July 31st is the last day to register for SXSW Eco at the current 40 percent off discount rate. More info>>
[Volunteer] Austin Mayor Steve Adler has a challenge for you. He wants all Austinites to volunteer for at least one hour during the month of August. To help with that, the mayor and the City of Austin have announced a partnership with the local civic good startup, GivePulse, making it easier than ever for Austinites to give back to their local community.
GivePulse's online platform is extremely easy to use. All you have to do is visit the site, type in your interests (like the environment), and click explore.GivePulse will then provide you with a list of volunteer opportunities from Austin's many amazing nonprofits. And after you volunteer, don't forget to share your experiences using #VolunteerATX. Check it out>>
[Volunteer] Speaking of volunteer opportunities, we have one for you right here! Keep Austin Beautiful's Lady Bird Lake cleanup is onAugust 8th from 9am to11am. Volunteers are needed to help pick up trash in and around Lady Bird Lake. There are plenty of cleanup sites to choose from, just be sure to register in advance and wear clothes that you don't mind getting a bit dirty. More info>>
Every Friday and Saturday night at 7:45pm from July 10th to August 1st Travis Audubon will be celebrating the arrival of these amazing birds with free Purple Martin parties at the shopping center. Anyone wishing to attend should bring a lawn chair and some excitement. Travis Audubon says that these parties are better than watching the Congress Avenue bats! More info>>
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