Community Notes 10-15-2012

1. Texas Native Plant Week. October 14 through October 20, 2012, is Texas Native Plant Week. This week emphasizes the role of native plants in conservation efforts. Native plants are a good choice whether you are planting a tree, shrub, flowers, vines or grasses because they are acclimated to your local conditions and soils, provide habitat for wildlife, typically require less water and maintenance once established, and do not rely on chemical fertilizers and pesticides to thrive. Learn more at http://txnativeplantweek.wordpress.com/.
2. English + Associates Architects Electronics Recycling Drive! Need to get rid of your outdated computer equipment, cell phones, or small kitchen appliances? Then join English + Associates for their first ever E-Cycling Event! The Recycling drive will be on October 18th from 11am-1pm in the E+A Parking Lot (1919 Decatur). Proceeds from your donation of waste to Easter Seals will ensure a sustainable jobs training and employment program for people living with disabilities in the electronic waste recycling industry at CompuCycle. Learn more at http://www.facebook.com/englisharchitects.
3. OHBA OktOHBAfest. The OHBA OktOHBAfest will take place on October 18, 2012, from 6-9pm at Karbach Brewing Company (2032 Karbach St). With live local music, great grub from Revival Market, and unlimited Karbach Brews- it’s sure to be an OktOHBA blast. The cost is $40 per person. Register online at http://oktohbafest.eventbrite.com/.
4. America’s Energy Future – U.S. Energy Revolution. As America faces its growing energy challenges, energy experts continue to focus on the country’s and the world’s short and long-term energy needs, including the talent needed to ensure advancement. Please join the Greater Houston Partnership to hear from leading experts – including EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson, Texas Railroad Commissioner Barry Smitherman and ExxonMobil President Rich Kruger. The event will be on October 19, 2012, from 8am-1:30pm at the Hilton University of Houston (4800 Calhoun Road). The cost is $100 for members and $125 for non-members. Learn more at http://events.houston.org/.
5. Houston Energy Day. An official City of Houston event, Energy Day is a free, family-friendly festival on Saturday, October 20, 2012, 11am-5pm, that celebrates and highlights the importance of energy in our daily lives. This day-long festival takes place at Hermann Square in front of City Hall in Downtown Houston, Texas. There will be energy exhibits, live music, food, contests and fun for all ages. Learn more at http://energydayfestival.org/.
6. 9th Annual ASES Houston Solar Tour. Saturday, October 20, 2012. The 2012 9th Annual Houston Solar Tour is a self-guided tour that offers visitors the opportunity to learn about solar energy systems, energy-efficiency and sustainable building technologies by visiting residences and businesses in the Houston area that use these technologies in real world applications. The Houston Solar Tour is a self-guided driving tour. Carpooling is encouraged. Tour sites are open from 9am-1pm. More at http://www.houstonsolartour.com/.
7. The Neches River Refuge Celebration. Texas Conservation Alliance, Friends of the Neches River, The Conservation Fund, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service invite you to celebrate the Neches River National Wildlife Refuge on October 20, 2012, at the Neches River Ranch near Jacksonville. Bring your friends and family for an afternoon and evening of live music, great food, tours of the refuge, and a canoe trip on the Neches River! Learn more at http://www.facebook.com/.
8. 15th Annual Texas Recycling and Sustainability Summit. The State of Texas Alliance for Recycling (STAR) is hosting its 15th Annual Texas Recycling and Sustainability Summit in the beautiful beach town of Corpus Christi, Texas from October 21-24, 2012. This year’s conference theme is “New and Emerging Trends and Technologies,” providing Summit sponsors, exhibitors, speakers and attendees the opportunity to network with and communicate to prospective clients, partners, stakeholders and policy makers in Texas what is upcoming on the recycling and sustainability horizon. For more information, visit http://recyclingstar.org/summit.html.
9. Free rides on METRORail. “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” and KHOU 11, Houston’s CBS affiliate, have teamed up to offer days of free rides on the Houston area’s METRORail. The effort hopes to encourage riders to take advantage of public transit as a fast, convenient and environmentally friendly transportation option. The last free ride will take place on October 28th, from 5:30am to 11:40pm. Read more at http://www.khou.com/.
10. Funding for Your Organization! There is a way to fund your organization with little effort and no cost! Recycling clothing can help you raise funds as you help further the recycling movement. Program benefits include:
    • A percentage of the proceeds is returned to your organization
    • Clothing Container supplied at no cost
    • Signage can feature your organization
    • Recycling container is regularly emptied and maintained
    • Your involvement helps to reduce landfill trash
    • Promotional flyers are provided

    For more information, call (281) 288-9714 or email info@imgreenrecycling.com. Learn more about IMGreen Recycling at http://imgreenrecycling.net/.

11. TV: Texas Parks & Wildlife. Broadcast on KUHT Channel 8 at 3:00 PM each Saturday and on cable channels in Baytown, Deer Park, Seabrook, and on HCC. More info on the TPWD website (* indicates a segment about the Houston area). This week’s broadcast will include:
    • Warden of the County – Jim Daniels
    • Colorado Bend Bike Trails
    • Guarding the Nest
    • A Fuentes Family Fourth
12. Air Quality Forecast. http://www.tceq.texas.gov/airquality/monops/forecast_today.html. Houston Clean Air Network and Realtime Ozone Mapping: http://houstoncleanairnetwork.com.
    • October 16: Yellow–Moderate–Ozone. Winds may be light enough and incoming background levels high enough for ozone to reach “Moderate” levels on the west and northwest side of the Houston area, with highest concentrations in the afternoon and early evening.
    • October 17: Green–Good. Moderate to strong winds and low incoming background levels should help to keep air quality in the “Good” range statewide.
    • October 18: Green–Good. Moderate winds, low incoming background levels, and/or sufficient cloud cover along and behind a cold front should help to keep air quality in the “Good” range statewide.