trymahjong

Embracing an Eco-Friendly Back to School: Sustainable Solutions for a Greener Future by Samantha Page CEC Newsletter Editor As students and parents gear up for another school year, it's essential to consider the impact our choices have on the environment. Embracing an eco-friendly approach to back-to-school not only benefits the planet but also cultivates responsible habits in the next generation. In this article, we will explore various strategies to make the back-to-school experience more sustainable. Eco-Friendly Food Preparation and Storage When packing lunches or snacks for school, choosing eco-friendly food preparation methods can significantly reduce waste. Plan meals ahead of time and shop accordingly. Avoid buying items such as precut fruit and vegetables as they add additional plastic waste. Spend some time over the weekend prepping lunch box fillers to make your morning routine more efficient. Get creative making your child's favorite snack from scratch to reduce the plastic waste from individually wrapped snacks. Left overs always make for a great lunch the next day and reduces food waste. Choosing the right food storage solutions can make a difference in minimizing food waste and reducing single-use plastics. Replace disposable sandwich bags with reusable silicone or beeswax wraps. These eco-friendly alternatives are washable and can be used for months, reducing the need for constant repurchasing. For drinks, opt for stainless steel water bottles instead of plastic bottles. Choose reusable containers made from stainless steel, glass, or non-toxic plastic instead of disposable bags or cling wraps. Additionally, consider using a bento box-style lunch container that helps control portion sizes and reduces the need for excessive packaging. Sustainable Supplies Traditional back-to-school shopping often involves purchasing numerous plastic-based supplies that contribute to pollution and landfill waste. Embrace more sustainable alternatives by seeking products made from recycled materials, biodegradable resources, or eco-friendly fabrics. Look for pens and pencils made from sustainably sourced wood or recycled materials. Notebooks and paper products certified by organizations like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) ensure responsible forestry practices. For backpacks and binders, opt for durable and eco-conscious materials like organic cotton, hemp, or recycled polyester. Carpooling, Walking, and Biking One of the most significant contributors to carbon emissions during the school year is the daily commute. Encourage carpooling with other families in your neighborhood, reducing the number of vehicles on the road. For students living closer to school, walking or biking can be excellent alternatives to driving. This not only reduces environmental impact but also promotes physical activity and healthier habits. Creating a walking or biking school chain where groups of students walk or bike together, under adult supervision, can enhance safety and build a sense of community. Reusing Old Supplies Before heading to the store for brand new school supplies, take an inventory of what can be reused from previous years. Backpacks, lunch boxes, binders, and certain art materials can often be repurposed, saving money and reducing consumption. If some items are still in good condition but no longer needed, consider donating them to local schools or charitable organizations. Don't forget to check out your local second hand shops for items you still need to buy. The back-to-school frenzy can be overwhelming but by implementing these sustainable practices, we can make a positive impact on the environment, instilling values of responsibility and conscious consumption in the next generation. Together, we can ensure that education not only enriches young minds but also nurtures the planet that sustains us all.

https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/transportation/2023/06/29/455597/metro-bus-shelters-turn-into-easy-bake-ovens-in-heatwave-as-houson-riders-search-for-shade/ We should at least consider what other metro systems are trying https://www.thefirstnews.com/article/eco-bus-stops-to-bring-cool-relief-in-fight-against-urban-heat-island-problem-6330 n

I was wondering if you had stood under the current Metro cover when it's 100 degrees plus? Look closely at the shade it provides.....planting a 3" diameter pin oak for shade would be a positive addition but........what type of shade would it actually provide? Plus the cost of removing that concrete to allow planting would be $$$. IMO a "new normal" situation of 100 degrees for weeks and weeks would justify the maintenance costs if it helped improve the situation for riders. Slowly, these climate change impacts will affect how we view everything. Our mindset will change--- it won't be the same old same old- how could it be?

With all the forward thinking ideas Metro is giving us for Houston-- why not address ameliorating Extreme Heat experience of people waiting for a bus during over heated Houston summer? of course more shaded bus stops would be great but maybe...... Metro needs ideas......Here's a few

Guess the renovations continue

We’re excited to announce the return of Underground Sounds in the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern beginning in September! Last year, these popular subterranean performances reverberated across Houston with their unique musical and sound arrangements that highlighted the remarkable natural acoustics of the space. This year’s line-up: September 14 - 17: Nameless Sound October 5 - 8: DACAMERA October 26 - 29: Vocalist Alexandra Smither and bassist Austin Lewellen November 9 - 12: Musiqa Mark your calendar! Tickets for the Nameless Sound performances will be available next Friday, August 11 at 9am. Tickets will sell out quickly! Find the full schedule and ticket release dates on line Please note: Performances have limited capacity. For all sold-out performances, we will be taking an in-person waiting list on a first-come-first-served basis beginning exactly 30 minutes prior to each performance time.

Bayou Preservation Association's 2023 Coastal Watershed Symposium Balancing Growth, Preservation, and Conservation Discover the future of our bayous and waterways at Bayou Preservation Association's 2023 Coastal Watershed Symposium, themed Balancing Growth, Preservation, and Restoration. Join us for two engaging days on Zoom, Wednesday, September 20thand Thursday, 21st, from 8 AM to 12 PM each day. Learn about resilience, sustainability, and water resource preservation amidst ongoing growth. Explore successful strategies and strengthen collective efforts to overcome challenges and protect our precious watersheds. Don't miss this highly anticipated event! SECURE YOUR TICKETS TODAY   We are excited to announce that this year's Symposium will include a special field tour led by Houston Parks and Recreation Department (HPARD), where participants will witness the results of a six-year-old reforestation project along Sims Bayou. Covering a six-acre area, this project is HPARD's first site within their Riparian Restoration Initiative, aimed at revitalizing riparian forests in City of Houston parks near waterways. Guided by HPARD's Natural Resources staff, Kelli Ondracek and Cassidy Kempf, the tour will provide valuable insights into the lessons learned and the evolving restoration methods over time. Join us at Milby Park to explore Sims Bayou, engage in meaningful discussions, and deepen your connection with nature firsthand. Don't miss this opportunity to enrich your educational experience outside the virtual setting. Secure your spot now! Charles H. Milby Park Tuesday, September 19th, 9:30 AM 2001 Central St, Houston, TX 77017 Field tour guided by HPARD’s Natural Resources staff members, Kelli Ondracek and Cassidy Kempf. *We have a limited capacity of 30 attendees, be sure to secure your spot early! Mark your calendars for this year's networking mixer on Thursday, September 21st, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at the charming Riverhouse Houston. Join us for a delightful Happy Hour to recap and discuss the highlights of this year's symposium. Riverhouse Houston Thursday, September 21st, 4 PM - 7 PM 65 Hirsch Rd Suite 100, Houston, TX 77020 Organizing partners this year are AECOM, City of Houston, EHRA Engineering, Harris County Engineering Dept., Houston-Galveston Area Council, and Talley Landscape Architects.

I attended the Central 1&2 division HPD/PIP I want to share some of the information we were given:

Todays chronicle........guess the need for awnings is gaining in popularity....

As long as they don't get Carrie's away

I might be leaning toward this type of variety?

I drove by.... I saw the house renovation but now wonder what is planned for median

There are plenty in small parking lots outside Columbias Football Stadium in northern Manhattan.

There are these contraptions.......

Residents speaking at Neartown mentioned "heat islands" "saving large canopy trees" developers have plans for "lots of greenery"......maybe installing bigger than usual new trees at corners of property. Also there isn't a plan for one parking garage- cars will be individually double stacked 0n surface lot. The Collective has 100+- parking places dedicated towards .....well...the public- located 2 blocks away.

North Montrose Civic was host COH/PWE was there Downtown TIRZ did some of the sewage repairs- there were three there district C council women there Other people, who had a little experience in civic community advocacy were invited honestly that's all I know

SCI yesterday, hosted a "meet and greet Q&A" with local residents concerning their move to former KHOU location. Guess the sewage problem is a bone of contention, even though SCI did so some repairs.

Not the way you would expect.......there were only a very limited residents that lived very close by. The potential of deliveries, over lighting, and deliveries. These questions seemed adequately answered. Seemed like folks were very pragmatic........" the devil you know" kind of thing. But "setting a precedent "..... 7 story hotel next door to cottages and bungalows is a scary thing in older neighborhoods. for myself.....I want a best case scenario => this developer wants to be part of Montrose....the reality and the myth, Iguess. But being listened to is HUGE for neighbors, having a few concessions made? Neighbors are charmed!

Just a few things I heard at Neartown meeting: Still 57 rooms ($200-$800 a night)- still seven stories but one side of building is taller than other. Developers won't go for LEED certification. might offer " neighborhood memberships" for discounts on hotel rooms or access to swimming pool etc The trucks that replenish food and drinks will be able to pull in completely off street no huge lighting poles they will willingly abide by noise ordinances cars will be individually stacked in parking lot no huge meeting room nor restaurant, instead smaller venues inside and outside areas will be offered.

World Nature Conservation Day Every year on July 28th, people around the world come together to observe World Conservation Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of preserving and protecting our natural resources and ecosystems. This day serves as a reminder of the critical role each individual plays in safeguarding the environment for future generations to come. World Nature Conservation Day is an excellent opportunity to celebrate and contribute to the preservation of our natural world. Here are some meaningful ways to celebrate:  Plant a Tree: Trees play a crucial role in combating climate change and providing habitat for wildlife. Organize or participate in a tree-planting event in your community or plant a tree in your garden to mark the occasion. Clean Up the Environment: Organize or participate in a beach cleanup, river clean-up, or neighborhood cleanup. Removing litter from natural areas helps protect wildlife and prevents pollution. Educate and Advocate: Use the day to raise awareness about environmental issues. Share information on social media, participate in community discussions, or organize an educational event to inform others about the importance of conservation. Support Conservation Organizations: Contribute to conservation efforts by donating to reputable organizations that focus on protecting wildlife, forests, oceans, or other critical habitats. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Embrace the three Rs of environmental conservation in your daily life. Reduce your waste, reuse items whenever possible, and recycle materials appropriately. Conserve Water: Be mindful of your water usage. Fix leaky faucets, take shorter showers, and collect rainwater for outdoor plants. Remember, every effort, no matter how small, contributes to the greater cause of nature conservation. By celebrating World Nature Conservation Day, you are not only appreciating the beauty of our planet but also taking steps to ensure a healthier and more sustainable future for all living beings.

Perhaps a conscious was developed of the diesel pollution......?

The bike light crossing finally unveiled

CitizensNet Newsletter: NEIGHBORHOODS | 07-17-2023 COMPLETE COMMUNITIES UNIVERSITY FALL 2023 LEADERSHIP TRAINING CALL FOR APPLICATIONS Application Deadline - August 18, 2023 The Department of Neighborhoods (DON) invites aspiring leaders to apply for enrollment in the Complete Communities University (CCU) Fall 2023 leadership training course. The 8-week course is designed for emerging leaders committed to making a positive impact in their communities. The course will run September 20 to November 8, 2023, with classes to be held virtually and in person on Wednesday evenings from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. Virtual classes will be conducted via Microsoft Teams, and in-person classes will be held at the City Hall Annex, 900 Bagby Street. The CCU curriculum focuses on strategies for promoting civic engagement to empower residents and vitalize neighborhoods. The course explores methods and techniques for engaging residents in civic activities, volunteer service, and government affairs as constituents and voters. Topics of discussion include how city and county government function and relate to neighborhoods and how to effectively access City services and community resources. The classes are led by DON staff with extensive knowledge of Houston communities and feature presentations by City department and community-based subject experts. CCU participants will be selected through a competitive application review process. Selection criteria will include commitment to promoting civic engagement, leadership skills, experience, and potential. Diversity and representation of all City Council districts will also be considered. Apply today! Applications will be accepted July 17 to August 18, 2023. For application guidelines and forms, go to www.houstontx.gov/neighborhoods/ccu.html. For questions, call 832-393-1061 or email CCUniversity@houstontx.gov.