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Was Whitmire ever a lobbyist for Fire Departments in Texas?

Fron CEC newsletter Getting to Zero Waste by Susie Hairston Zero Waste is a term that we all hear bandied about these days, but what does it really mean? Why is it important? What is a Zero Waste event? What can we do to reduce waste in our homes and communities? The Zero Waste International Alliance defines zero waste as “The conservation of resources by means of responsible production, consumption, reuse, and recovery of products, packaging, and materials without burning, and with no discharges to land, water, or air that threaten the environment or human health.” In other words Zero Waste is not just about how we handle waste on the back-end, but how we design, produce and distribute things before they ever make it to the waste station. Why do we need to concern ourselves with trying to attain Zero Waste? Houstonians produce about 10 pounds of trash per person per day. That is over twice the national average. “As of the last EPA report in 2018, the total generation of municipal solid waste (MSW) was 292.4 million tons, with only 94 million tons recycled and composted. Today, figures from the 2022 Global Waste Index point to the fact that the US leads the world in waste generation, suggesting that these statistics are already well out of date. “ https://www.zerowaste.com/blog/what-is-zero-waste-a-guide-to-resource-recovery-and-conservation/ According to Earth Overshoot, World Counts and others, we live in a country where every year we consume 5 Earth’s worth of resources. What this means is that we are using up the Earth 5 times faster than it can restore itself — cutting down the trees, polluting/using up the water, etc. It’s like continuing to withdraw pieces of the initial chunk of money that you invested rather than living off the interest and dividends — eventually, your investment is completely depleted and there is nothing left with which to generate more money to live on. Zero Waste Events Zero waste events are becoming more common, though not common enough. More and more people are starting to expect that public events manage their waste more responsibly and are pressuring cities, private companies, and institutions to do better. Discovery Green’s 2024 Earth Day Event was certified Zero Waste. The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival was a Zero Waste event for several years. The City of West U’s 2024 Centennial Celebration was a Zero Waste event. These institutions and municipalities are leaders and should be applauded for setting an example. Are these events really producing Zero Waste? No. Zero waste events are defined as events that send 10% or less material to the landfill. This means 90% or more of the leftovers from the event are reusable, recyclable or compostable. Unless everything purchased/donated/made on the front end of the event is something that can be reused, composted, or recycled, it is impossible to achieve an event where there is no waste that goes to the landfill. Impacts of choices made before people get to the waste station: You can see if all of the serving items at an event are styrofoam or mixed material items that are not recyclable, that it would be hard for an event to achieve a zero waste goal. The more disposable vinyl tablecloths and plastic promotional materials used, the harder it is to send nothing to the landfill. You can only compost what is compostable, you can only reuse what is designed to be reused, and you can only recycle that which is designed to be recyclable. Zero Waste involves minimizing production and consumption For example, though single-use plastic water bottles can be recycled and kept out of the landfill, it is preferable to not sell bottled water at an event and instead encourage attendees to bring their own reusable water bottles and provide a large reusable water dispenser or two. The production, distribution and use of plastic water bottles is fraught with waste and toxins that are harmful to humans and the environment, and plastics persist in the environment releasing toxins for 100s of years, never biodegrading. The key question and the way forward If you are starting to ask — “why aren’t all things designed to be either reusable, recyclable or compostable” and “why are we making things that are toxic and persist in our environment for hundreds of years?” you are asking the right questions. The solution to our waste problem does not lie so much in how we manage it on the back-end, though that is part of it. The solution lies in redesigning what we create and the materials and processes that we use to create things. What can you do to help us all get to Zero Waste: Events If you are part of organizing an event or even an attendee, encourage the organizers to set a Zero Waste goal for the event. At the minimum, make sure the event is sorting waste into donations, recyclables, compostables, and landfill items and using composting and recycling services and donating leftover items. But you should also encourage minimizing procurement and ensuring that all the items used at the event, from what the food is served on, to the decorations, to the promotional gifts, are either reusable, recyclable or compostable. For example, use reusable plates and utensils or compostable ones rather than toxic and unrecyclable styrofoam ones. Encourage sponsors to give away edible promotional materials such as cookies rather than plastic toys that end up in the trash almost immediately. At home In everyday life, aspiring to Zero Waste involves asking questions such as: Do I need this? Can I borrow or rent it instead? If I do need this, is this the highest quality, most long-lasting version of the item I need? Was it made with the least impact on the earth? Is there a version with minimal or no packaging? Is it made of things that can be recycled or composted when it reaches the end of its useful life? Aspiring to Zero Waste at home also involves recycling and composting as much of the waste your household produces as you can. Food waste alone makes up 24% of landfilled municipal solid waste. Composting that instead of landfilling it is a big step on the way to zero waste. Being a thoughtful consumer and recycling and composting help lower your individual waste footprint, and your example can help others decrease their waste, but in order to help get our society as a whole to Zero Waste, we need to do more. Long-term System Change -- A call to Action: Advocate for all events in your community to be Zero Waste Events Vote with your wallet — don’t buy products that are toxic or not designed to be recyclable or compostable at the end of their useful lives, or have excessive packaging Start or participate in campaigns putting pressure on manufacturers of products that are toxic, overly packaged, made to break and not be repairable, and/or are not recyclable/compostable at the end of life Advocate for the passage of EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) Laws, like the one Maineh has, which make the manufacturers of products responsible for properly disposing of them when they are discarded. When manufacturers, rather than consumers, have to deal with and pay for the proper disposal of the waste left over from their poorly designed products, they are motivated to redesign them to be more sustainable, less toxic, and easily recyclable or compostable at the end of their useful lives.

Please combine sorry

Hmmmmmmm I think I must have missed something- I was unaware.

I received this -- and decided to attend-- Kim Ogg spoke-- interesting presentation by partners: October 2, 2024 You Are Invited to the Unveiling of the Harris County District Attorney’s Office Data Transparency Dashboard How many criminal cases are filed in Harris County each year? How many defendants have been sentenced to prison or probation? On any given day, how many criminal cases are pending in our justice system and how does that number compare to a decade ago? These are just some of the countless questions that the public will now be able to explore with their keyboard. The Harris County District Attorney’s Office, in partnership with the Hewlett Packard Enterprise Data Science Institute at the University of Houston, invites you to the introduction of its Data Transparency Dashboard. This innovative tool, which draws from nearly 1 million criminal cases from 2015 to present, is designed to provide the public, academic researchers and others with valuable, objective, and transparent data about our local justice system. The dashboard feature troves of information regarding the number and type of criminal cases pending in Harris County, broken down by type and court, as well as information on sentencings, trials, dismissals and other aspects of the justice system. In keeping with HARRIS COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY KIM OGG the principles of transparent government, we aim to foster a sense of openness and draw informed public participation in the years to come. Time: 1:30-2:30 p.m. Date: Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024 Place: 14th Court of Appeals Third Floor -- Historic 1910 Courthouse 301 Fannin St. in downtown Houston A Commitment to Transparency Now more than ever, the public needs true transparency from its government. For too long, public leaders have been afraid to pull back the curtain, believing that the uncertain narratives that can arise from data transparency outweigh the public good that comes from an informed citizenry. Since the federal government launched Data.Gov 15 years ago, it is estimated that its commitment to open data contributed $3 trillion to the United States economy. Although the District Attorney’s Data Transparency Dashboard will not create untold wealth, we believe it may save untold lives. Our commitment is reflected in the Data Transparency Dashboard, which consolidates data commonly used within our local justice system, while maintaining privacy for victims and the accused, allowing a clear and comprehensive understanding of the workings of the justice system in Harris County. Partnership with The Hewlett Packard Enterprise Data Science Institute In addition to launching the Data Transparency Dashboard, we are excited to announce the beginning stages of a partnership with The Hewlett Packard Enterprise Data Science Institute at the University of Houston. By actively promoting community, industry, and institutional partnerships, the institute positions UH researchers to tackle important global challenges. Allowing a free and fair analytical examination will undoubtedly lead to progress beyond partisan politics. A second phase of the data transparency project will see expanded underlying data access given to academic researchers. This data will not only be used to train the next generation of data scientists from our universities but will also unlock the keys to public safety hidden within the data.

From CEC Repair Cafes are putting the Fun in Functional: Keeping Things out of Landfills and Building Community by Susie Hairston The John Neighbor’s Activity room at the West U Community Center was abuzz with activity on a recent Saturday. Tools, tape, twine, wiring, and brightly colored fabrics were everywhere. Some people were holding lamp stands while others were working on the connections for the wires; sewing machines were running; a huge automated toy crane was being reassembled; and everyone was happily chatting. It had the feeling of a barn raising or a quilting bee — people in the community coming together, sharing their expertise, helping each other, and having fun. The West U branch of Harris County Public Library (HCPL), in conjunction with the Harris County Office of Sustainability, was hosting a repair cafe in partnership with the City of West U, organized by HCPL’s Laura Smith and West U Library Branch Manager John Harbaugh. Repair cafes are meetings between people who want to fix things and keep them out of the landfill. The fixers volunteer their time and expertise, and while they are fixing items, they teach the individuals who brought things in for repair how to fix things for themselves. Holding repair cafes is an international grassroots movement that is about reducing waste, overconsumption, and planned obsolescence (when companies purposefully make things in such a way that they will break in a few years so you will buy a new one). The movement wants to re-inspire us to believe we can do things for ourselves in, with, and for our communities. Individuals are drawn to repair cafes for the sense of fun and community they offer in addition to their sustainable practice of fixing things rather than throwing them in a landfill. Martine Postma organized the first ever repair cafe in Amsterdam in 2009. It was such a success that she formed the non-profit Repair Cafe Foundation. Now, repair cafes span the globe, and approximately 44,000 items are repaired at them each month. Repair cafes were started in the Houston area in 2014 when Transition Houston and the City of Houston Green Building Resource Center (GBRC) partnered on the project. CEC board president Steve Stelzer, who, at the time, was the Program Director of the GBRC and a member of Transition Houston, got the ball rolling. Repair cafes were held once a year at the TXRX maker space because, as Stelzer said, “we thought since people who are using the TXRX space are fixers, it was the ideal place to hold a repair cafe and recruit volunteers.” And indeed, some of the makers at TXRX did volunteer for the repair cafes, but Stelzer said they also recruited people from connections they had through the GBRC, City of Houston, and Transition Houston. Stelzer, who retired from the GBRC this year, wanted to ensure that repair cafes continued even though he would no longer be in his role with the city. He also wanted to make repair cafes accessible to people all across the wider metro area, so he reached out to Harris County Director of Sustainability Lisa Lin and asked if the county would partner on it. Fortuitously, Lin told him she had libraries asking to join the Sustainable Libraries Initiative and become certified as a sustainable library system. Doing repair cafes at the libraries would help HCPL achieve that goal. The first repair cafe was held by Harris County Public Library in November 2023 at the Freeman branch near NASA. A lot of NASA engineers volunteered as fixers for that event and some of those have continued to volunteer at repair cafes at other library branches. Interested in volunteering or getting something fixed at a repair cafe? Check out events at your local Harris County Public Library. The next HCPL Repair Cafe is on Saturday, November 16th from 11- 3 at the Maud Smith Marks Branch Library. The Repair Cafe Foundation website also helps you find upcoming repair cafes and has video tutorials on how to fix specific items so you can repair things yourself or train yourself to volunteer at an upcoming repair cafe in your community. It also has a toolkit on how to start your own repair cafe. https://www.repaircafe.org/en/ At the West U library event 46 people brought 71 items: 59 were repaired, 5 were partially repaired, and 7 could not be fixed. Among the things repaired were toasters, lamps, pants, a beloved stuffed animal, an automated toy crane, a sewing machine, sweaters, pajamas, chair upholstery, and a bird cage with a mechanical bird that was no longer tweeting. Those who brought items for repair learned about how to fix things for themselves and had a lot of fun. As each person left with their now functional item, Lisa Lin took photos of them with their item and the people who fixed it — a lovely commemoration of a fun and productive day making things useful again and preventing waste.

Walked by today. Most of trash on site has been picked up- Most of property has been gone over by landscaping service, big brick planters cleaned up and newly planted but dead lime trees removed. Maybe just maybe finishing the job might be close.

We walked by outside patio at 11 am— lots of Shady tables- temperatures today seemed perfect. I’m puzzled why this restaurant elected not to open at lunch. I went to soft opening Oct 1— all food was great! As I walked by for brunch bunch here, I could hear the Spanish guitar going on inside.

I thought perhaps the new library might deserve its own thread. i was walking by and spotted the phantom Elevator that Mayor Whitmire was afraid didn’t exist.

Stepping Off the Gas: Can Houston Embrace a Car-Free Day?  Could you Go a Day Without Using a Car? Living in a city like Houston makes it challenging to avoid cars entirely. Public transportation is not as robust as in some other major cities, and the sheer size of the metro area means that many people are reliant on cars for even basic errands. Personally, going a full day without using a car would require careful planning—using a bike for short trips, carpooling with friends, or relying on the METRO system. On average, I would say my family uses a car daily, whether it’s for commuting to work, shopping, or outdoor activities. While going entirely car-free isn’t easy in Houston, the idea behind World Car-Free Day is to consider reducing car usage where possible, which is both feasible and impactful. Houston, being a sprawling metropolitan area and a hub for the oil and gas industry, faces high levels of air pollution, particularly from vehicle emissions. The American Lung Association has ranked Houston among the top cities with the highest ozone pollution. The city's reliance on automobiles contributes significantly to these emissions, which exacerbates air quality problems and impacts residents' health. Reducing vehicle emissions is essential for improving air quality, especially in an area where cars are such a dominant mode of transport. Houston’s large layout makes it difficult to go completely car-free, especially in the suburbs and Greater Houston area. Public transportation options, like METRO buses and light rail, exist but often don’t cover the vast regions where people live. However, there are some ways to reduce reliance on cars in Houston: Cycling or Walking: For shorter trips or within certain neighborhoods, biking and walking are viable options. Houston has been expanding its network of bike lanes and trails, particularly within the city center. Public Transit: METRO services, including buses and the METRORail, can provide a reliable option for those living along its routes. It’s not perfect for every commute but could be part of a car-free day plan. Carpooling: Sharing rides with co-workers or friends can reduce the number of cars on the road, cutting emissions and making traffic lighter. Telecommuting: In today’s digital age, remote work is a sustainable way to limit driving altogether. Many companies, including those in Houston, now offer flexible work-from-home options that reduce the need for commuting. Reducing your personal carbon footprint is essential for protecting the environment. Even if you can’t go completely car-free, here are some ways to cut down on emissions: Use Fuel-Efficient or Electric Cars: If you need to drive, consider a more eco-friendly vehicle. Electric cars and hybrids significantly reduce emissions compared to traditional gas-powered cars. Plan Errands Efficiently: Combine trips to reduce the number of times you drive in a day, which cuts down on fuel consumption. Adopt Alternative Transportation: As mentioned, biking, walking, or using public transit for shorter trips can have a substantial impact. Carpool: Sharing rides with others lowers the number of vehicles on the road, reducing both emissions and traffic congestion. Support Local and Sustainable Policies: Advocate for more robust public transportation systems and infrastructure that supports cycling and walking. Supporting clean air policies is crucial in places like Houston, where emissions are a major environmental concern. World Car-Free Day reminds us that while living entirely car-free in Houston may not be easy, it is possible to take small steps toward a more sustainable lifestyle. With rising pollution levels, cutting back on car use, even for a day, can make a positive difference for the environment and public health. By exploring alternative transportation and adopting eco-friendly habits, each of us can contribute to reducing Houston’s emissions and building a greener future.

From Buffalo Bayou Preservation newsletter. Indigenous Peoples' Day: A Celebration for All Nations MONDAY, OCTOBER 14 | 5PM - 8:30PM BBP is thrilled to collaborate with Xochipilli Collective to host their community festival dedicated to honoring the rich histories, cultures, and enduring presence of Indigenous Peoples in our area and beyond. Friends from all walks of like are welcome to join this group for cultural performances, vendors, food, and music on The Water Works Lawn.

I was driving by

Everything is Bigger in Texas; Including the Emissions Zero Emissions Day is an international event aimed at raising awareness about the impact of carbon emissions on the environment and encouraging individuals, businesses, and governments to take a break from emitting harmful pollutants. It focuses on reducing air pollution and greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change, which in turn affects global temperatures, weather patterns, and public health. Houston is one of the few cities where transportation contributes the largest portion of the city's emissions. Emissions refer to the release of pollutants, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2), methane, and other gases, into the atmosphere. These pollutants come from various sources, including transportation, industry, and energy production. They trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to global warming and environmental degradation. Caring about emissions is important because the quality of air we breathe, the stability of our climate, and the health of ecosystems depend on minimizing pollution. In Houston and the Greater Houston area, where industries and heavy traffic contribute to high emission levels, individuals can take steps to help reduce their carbon footprint. Simple actions include using public transportation, carpooling, or driving fuel-efficient vehicles; supporting local businesses and farmers to reduce the environmental costs of transportation; reducing energy consumption at home by using energy-efficient appliances and switching to renewable energy sources; and planting trees or supporting urban green spaces that help absorb CO2. In a city such as Houston, with it's high transportation emissions, it is crucial that individuals, organizations and local government do their part. Evolve Houston is a public-private partnership that focuses on accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in the Houston area to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality. Launched in 2019 as part of the city’s Climate Action Plan, Evolve Houston brings together key stakeholders, including the City of Houston, energy companies, utilities, and nonprofits, to promote sustainable transportation solutions. Reducing emissions is not just about one day—it's about adopting sustainable practices that protect our planet for future generations.

Uhmmmmmm what usually gets labeled emergency habitability? What do they mean my emergency?

I was wondering about the details of these three permits on Emergency Habitability on Alabama