11 Jun EcoBits June 11th – June 18th, 2015: Bag Ban, TxLege + the Environment, and Zero Waste

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The Texas legislative session is officially over, and now that the dust has settled, we asked AEN Intern Emma VanDelinder to figure out how it affected Austin and our local environment. After interviewing several local environmental experts, her conclusion was clear – this was a pretty bad session for the environment. 
Some of the worst bills include:
  • Denton Fracking Bill (HB40) – Overturned the Denton fracking ban and stripped cities across Texas of their ability to regulate oil and gas operations on the local level
  • Pollution Permits Bill (SB 709) – In an effort to speed up the issuing of environmental permits to industries, this bill restricts the ability of Texans to contest environmental permits that negatively affect them

For a full recap of the eco-implications of this year's legislative session, be sure to check out Emma's new blog>>

 

A new study on the city's plastic bag ban is out.

 

[Recycling/Zero Waste] For the first time since Austin's plastic bag ban went into effect in 2013, the city has some data on how it's working out. A new study reveals mixed results. 


First the good news – Austinites use nearly 200 million fewer plastic bags annually than they did before the ban. That's a 75 percent reduction in plastic bag usage.

Now the bad news – One major unintended consequence of the ban is that Austinites are throwing away a lot more reusable plastic bags, like the ones used at HEB grocery stores. These thicker plastic bags are designed to be reused up to 100 times, but the study finds that Austinites are using them more like single use bags, throwing them in their trash cans or recycling bins after just one use. That's a bad thing because the thicker bags use more plastic and must be used at least four times to offset their carbon footprint. 

So what's the solution? – The study's author suggests that reusable plastic bags be banned as well, or at least that consumers be better educated about how to properly use them. 
You can read the entire report here>>
 

Registration is now open for the Creating Value Through Zero Waste Workshop and Training Series.[Recycling/Zero Waste] The "Creating Value Through Zero Waste Workshop and Training Series," hosted by the City of Austin and the US Zero Waste Business Council is just around the corner. Here's the schedule:

  • June 17th – Zero Waste Business Associate Scorecard Training Course. This 6-hour course will provide students with an overview of the US Zero Waste Business Scorecard Certification System. 
  • June 18th – Zero Waste 101 Workshop. This introductory workshop is for businesses just starting their recycling program, or for those wanting to take it to the next level. Attendees will learn how to measure and reduce their waste.
  • June 19th – Austin Zero Waste Food Forum. The forum is for professionals, students, schools, organizations, and businesses who know that composting is good but recognize the need to do more. The Austin Forum will be a one-day event to focus on higher solutions to food waste for businesses, schools, and organizations.

Attendees can sign up to attend one, two, or all three days. More info>>
 

[Recycling/Zero Waste]Composting might be a hot topic right now, but it's actually a practice that's been around for thousands of years. The Compost Pedallers just published a stellar blog that dives into the rich history of compost, and it's definitely worth a read. Apparently George Washington was a big fan of compost. Who knew?!

 

Austin B-cycle just won a $50,000 grant.

 

[Transportation] Austin B-cycle has just won a $50,000 grant to help make its bike share program more equitable. Here's what they're planning to do with the money:

  • Expand Spanish language outreach efforts
  • Subsidize bike share memberships for low income Austinites
  • Implement cash payment options at bike rental kiosk stations

You can learn more about the grant program here>>
 

Austin's Environmental Board opposes SH 45SW.[Transportation/Water] Austin's Environmental Board is taking a strong stand against SH 45SW, the controversial road project that if built, could threaten the water quality of Barton Springs and the Edwards Aquifer. At their meeting last week, the board passed a motion recommending that city council ask the Texas Department of Transportation to revoke the project's approval and address concerns with its Environmental Impact Study before moving forward.


The Austin Monitor reports that the Environmental Board does not believe the impact study is scientifically sound, especially since crucial studies on the potential effects of SH 45SW on Barton Springs have not yet been completed. More info>>

 

The Texas State Climatologist warns against poor water planning.[Water] Now that a recent bout of flooding has effectively ended the statewide drought, many people are asking, what's next? In a recent opinion piece written for the Texas Tribune, State Climatologist John Nielsen-Gammon warns against any premature celebrating. While Texas is now experiencing some good times hydrologically, drought will undoubtedly return and we all need to plan accordingly, Nielsen-Gammon writes.


Greg Meszaros, the director of Austin Water, expressed a similar sentiment in a video announcement released earlier this month. Texas needs to break free of a planning cycle that is driven by panic during times of drought and apathy during periods of heavy rain, Meszaros said, adding that Austin needs to take on a "persistent drought perspective."Meszaros will be discussing his concerns about the future of water planning in the state at the next Imagine Austin Speaker Series event on June 24th>>

 

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