I'm helping to make Austin Net-Zero by helping my university go green!
Meet CarShandra Hollins, a student at Huston-Tillotson University. CarShandra contributes to Austin's Net-Zero goal in several ways, including advocating green initiatives and inspiring others to take action, both on and off campus. We spoke with CarShandra about her inspiration, successes, and the advice she has for others.
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Austin Energy joined BikeTexas last week to unveil the first program in the nation aimed at incentivizing the use of electric bicycles. BikeTexas’ fleet of 25 bikes will be the first to take the fleet rebate for a ride.
Mayor Steve Adler and City Council Members Leslie Pool and Sabino “Pio” Renteria spoke at the event, highlighting Austin Energy’s innovative new program. Immediately following, participants were invited to take BikeTexas’ new fleet for a spin on a 2-mile “electric-assisted” bike tour.
Robin Stallings, Executive Director of BikeTexas,…
I'm helping to make Austin Net-Zero by composting, upcycling, and reusing!
Meet Lisa Apfelberg, Director of Development for Goodwill Central Texas. Lisa contributes to Austin's Net-Zero goal in several ways, including her continuous efforts to find new ways to recycle, reuse, and upcycle. We spoke with Lisa on her successes, challenges, and what advice she has for others.
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In the summer, bugs become pests when they start to attack our plants. Unfortunately for our friendly bugs, it's common practice to indiscriminately kill all bugs, even when they're actually beneficial. Sorry pollinators, fireflies, and lady bugs! So when a bug does cause a problem, using the lowest impact way to try to manage it makes sense for our friendly bugs, the ecological health of our landscapes, and our water quality.
Prevention
- Plant a diversity of species marking it harder f…
I'm helping to make Austin Net-Zero by being a bus commuter!
Meet Melissa Rothrock, water planner at the Texas Water Development Board. She also organizes the Austin Zero Waste Lifestyle Meetup. Melissa contributes to Austin's Net-Zero goal in several ways, including opting to ride the bus instead of driving her car. We spoke with Melissa on the benefits and c…
Oak wilt is one of the most destructive tree diseases in the United States, and it is killing oak trees in central Texas at epidemic proportions. Whether you're new to Austin or just getting to know your trees it's important to know the basics, and to know when to call in the professionals to protect your trees.
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I'm helping to make Austin Net-Zero by walking more and driving less.
Meet Sharon Mays, owner and founder of Baby Greens. She also serves on the Austin/Travis County Food Policy Board. Sharon contributes to Austin's Net-Zero goal in several ways, including choosing to walk more and drive less. We spoke with Sharon on how she does it, the benefits and challenges, and w…
We are helping to make Austin Net-Zero by generating and conserving energy at home.
Meet Pat and Dale Bulla, retired educators and active environmentalists, who are maximizing energy efficiency in their home to help Austin achieve Net-Zero by 2050. From installing solar panels and rain barrels to using smaller, more efficient appliances, they are always fin…
Austin is known for its love of trees and tree protection policies, and those efforts were acknowledged in a report, Austin’s Urban Forest, released in February by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service. The Report, which is the first of its kind, is the product of the Urban Forest Inventory and Analysis Program (UFIA). UFIA is an urban forest monitoring program and produces estimates of the quantity, health, composition, and benefits of urban trees and forests. The Report is a summary and analysis of the field work and data…
What is ball moss?
Ball moss is a small epiphyte commonly found clinging to limbs of live oaks and other trees in southwest Texas. Ball moss is not a moss, but a true plant with flowers and seeds. It is a member of the bromeliad family, which also contains Spanish moss and pineapple. Epiphytes are plants that attach themselves to limbs, tree trunks, power lines, fences, and many other structures with pseudo-roots. Unlike true roots, they do not absorb water and minerals; they merely attach the plant…