[Transportation] Meet Amber, Melissa, Laura, and Chad. They’re part of an elite team here in Austin, a carpooling team. And they couldn’t be happier doing it. They're also the subject of AEN Editor Amy Stansbury's latest mini podcast,"Team Carpool." In this story, Amy explores the many benefits of carpooling, from cost savings to reduced emissions. You can listen to the podcast here>>
 

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[Transportation] In the wake of public outcry over a proposal to build a double-decker bridge over Lady Bird Lake, the Central Texas Mobility Authority (CTRMA) is now considering alternatives to the project. As the Austin Monitor reports, CTRMA is developing a final schematic and analysis of an alternative proposal to present to the public in early fall. At that time, they'll be holding an open house to solicit public feedback. More info>>

 

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[Kid-Friendly] Please welcome AEN's newest partner, the Butterfly Garden Forest Kindergarten!

The Butterfly Garden Forest Kindergarten is a nature and play-based preschool for children ages 3 to 6 years old. Located in Round Rock on a spaciously wooded campus, the school focuses on creativity and imagination, and is held exclusively outdoors — rain or shine! Degreed teachers and low ratios (1:7) allow them to give your child the individual attention they deserve. Experience the wonder of nature at The Butterfly Garden!

Plus, they have an open house coming up, on Saturday, August 22nd from 9am to noon. More info>>
 

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[Energy] This has been a week for the record books in Texas. Energy usage has been at an all-time high and the state electric grid is feeling the strain. Grid operators are now asking people to reduce their energy use during the peak demand hours of 3pm to 7pm. Here's what they suggest:

• Avoid using dishwashers, hair dryers, coffee makers, and laundry machines during peak hours
• Turn off all unnecessary lights, appliances and electronic equipment
• Close all blinds and drapes to block out the sun and keep your home cooler
• When away from home, give your air conditioner a break by setting your thermostat to a higher temperature

Austin Energy also set a new record for energy demand during peak hours this week, breaking its old record by just over 20 MW. However, the utility's strong commitment to energy efficiency has kept these energy demand increases relatively low. Austin Energy already has a goal for itself to achieve 800 MW of peak demand savings through energy efficiency and demand side management by 2020. These efforts can save the utility from paying for new energy generation, protecting both the environment and our pocket books.
 

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[Energy] The Sustainable Food Center is now solar-powered! With a ribbon cutting ceremony with Mayor Steve Adler this weekend, SFC revealed their new 14 kW solar power system to the public. The solar system was donated by Freedom Solar and Sun Power and will allow SFC to offset about 25 percent of their electrical usage and reduce their electricity costs by 40 percent or more. 

"This will allow us to use those savings to enhance programs that the community has come to rely on for access to healthy and affordable food,” said SFC Executive Director Ronda Rutledge in a press release.More info>>
 

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[Water] One of the outcomes of this past legislative session was 

a bill that placed unregulated groundwater areas in Hays County under the jurisdiction of the Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District. The district is now working to implement regulations called for in the law, including the registration and permitting of Trinity aquifer wells in the formerly unregulated area.

To educate the public about these new rules, there will be a series of public meetings in the Austin area this month. Two are happening this week:

• Monday, August 17th from 6pm to 8pm at the Wimberley Community Center
• Wednesday, August 19th from 11am to 1pmat the First Christian Church in San Marcos

 

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[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 you think 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. 
 

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[Recycling/Zero Waste]Are you a recycling STAR? Then you might want to apply for an Environmental Leadership Award from the State of Texas Alliance for Recycling (STAR). The awards recognize individuals, communities, organizations, and businesses developing and maintaining programs involving recycling, composting, sustainable materials management, public education, and special event recycling. If you or your organization fits that bill, now is the time to apply because the deadline for submissions is August 28th. More info>>
 

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[Green Design] Mark your calendar for the SITES Soiree next 

Monday, August 24th from 4pm to 9pm. Hosted by the US Green Building Council's Central Texas – Balcones Chapter and the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, the event is the official launch of the SITESv2 Rating System.

The SITESv2 Rating System is a comprehensive program and toolkit for developing sustainable landscapes. Launch party attendees will be able to tour the Wildflower Center's SITES certified Family Garden and meet with national and local sustainability leaders. More info>>
 

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[Green Design] Austin Energy Green Building's popular Green by Design Workshop is back and there is only one class left. The series teaches attendees how to build, remodel, or buy green homes that improveenergy and water efficiency, increase comfort, and reduce maintenance.

The remaining session topic is:

All of the sessions will be held at the Norris Conference Center from 7pm to 9pm. Tickets are $25 and advance registration is required. More info>>
 

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[SXSW Eco] SXSW Eco's first two keynote speakers have been announced! Dirk Ahlborn, of Hyperloop Transportation Technologies, will be speaking about the future of transportation. Chris Lewicki, of Planetary Resources, will be speaking about asteroid mining and sustainable space technologies. 
 

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[Outdoors] There's a new trail in town! The first six miles of the Violet Crown Trail open tomorrow, starting near Barton Springs Pool. The first five miles of the trail actually lie along the existing Barton Creek Greenbelt trail, but the Hill Country Conservancy (who is spearheading the effort) has reconstructed some damaged areas and added mile markers with maps and wayfinding sign posts.

The one new mile of trail connects the Barton Creek Greenbelt trail to the new Violet Crown trailhead at Highway 290 and Brodie Lane, and then runs along Gaines Creek, south of Bar­ton Creek. 

But that's not it for the Violet Crown Trail. Once completed, it will extend 30 miles from Zilker Park to Hays County. The Hill Country Conservancy's goal is to complete the next seven miles of trail, which will run all the way up to the Veloway park on La Crosse Avenue, by the end of 2016. More info>>
 

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[Outdoors] Due to current drought conditions, the City of Austin has issued a burn ban in all city-owned parks. In a memo to the mayor and city council, the director of Austin's Parks and Recreation Department said that there is a serious potential risk of wildfires and issued a ban on all open fires and grilling (except for propane grills and stoves) until further notice. Fines for violating the ban will range from $300 to $500.