Post election hangover/euphoria? Channel your energy into something tangibly useful: help clean up bandit political yard signs. Reuse and recycling are both options.

Many of us save our signs in hopes that we can reuse them when our favorite political candidate runs again. The CEC uses binder clips to turn the signs into clipboards. One of the most impressive examples of sign reuse we have seen is by the City of Houston ReUse Warehouse, which created a holiday tree from the signs.

Speaking of reuse… The deadline to participate in the @recyclingSTAR Texas Reuse Contest is November 16, 2018, so get working! In 2017, Houston Artist Nestor Topchy won the National Reuse Contest. The photo above, by Dr. Steven Lesser, is of the winning project.

Did you know that many of the yard signs used for political campaigns can be recycled? Most signs are made of corrugated polystyrene plastic resin (labeled #5), which can often be recycled. Check with your recycling provider.

Scroll down to read notes from our member organizations and the community, or view the emailed version of the newsletter, which includes a green job listing.

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CEC NOTES

6:30 p.m. conversation, networking, and a light meal, followed by the screening at 7 p.m.. Free to the public, though donations are kindly appreciated. For more information, see the Facebook event.

Sign up for information about this event and other green film news at constantcontact.com.

And be sure to mark your calendar for January 30 & 31, 2019, when we’ll be hosting the Wild & Scenic Film Festival On Tour.

We have endeavored to confirm the events listed below. Please consider confirming directly with the hosts.

1. 2018 Prairies & Pollinators: A Regional Celebration
   Since September, the Coastal Prairie Partnership has sponsored “2018 Prairies & Pollinators: A Regional Celebration,” a set of events allowing attendees to learn about and help plant pollinating plants in prairies across the region. Visit prairiepartner.org for details on the final events:
   • 11/10/18: Putting Down Roots 2018 on the Katy Prairie
   • 11/10/18: Native Prairie Plant-A-Thon @ Sheldon Lake State Park & Environmental Learning Center
   • 11/10/18: Second Saturday Bird Hike @ Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
2. Documentary profiling Jim Blackburn now in production
   Bellaire-based production company The Documentary Alliance is producing Calming the Waters, a feature-length profile of attorney, environmental law professor, poet, author, and activist Jim Blackburn and his campaign to inject new and creative approaches to environmental protection along the Texas coast. Tax-deductible contributions to help complete the project are being sought. For more information about the film and to make a donation, visit calmingthewaters.com.
3. State of the Air High School Essay Contest
   Air Alliance Houston is holding an essay contest for high school students to describe their vision of clean air and a healthy environment in Houston. Selected students will receive scholarships, and the first-place winner will receive an invitation to speak at the 2019 State of the Air event. The deadline for entries is Nov. 16, 2018. For more information, visit airalliancehouston.org.
4. Oyster Creek public stakeholder meeting
   As part of the San Jacinto-Brazos Coastal Basin Bacteria Reduction Project focusing on Oyster Creek, the Houston-Galveston Area Council will host a public stakeholder meeting on Nov. 8. 2018, from 4-6 p.m., at the Brazoria County Library – Lake Jackson Branch. The meeting will consist of presentations, followed by an open house-style discussion period.  Participation of local leaders and residents is crucial for implementation of this project. For more information, visit tceq.texas.gov.
5. Transition to Renewables Panel Discussion
   On Nov. 8, 2018, from 6-8 p.m. the Houston Renewable Energy Group will host a panel discussion aimed at energy sector professionals interested in transitioning to the renewable energy space. The event will be held at the United Way of Greater Houston, 50 Waugh Drive. For more information, see the Facebook event.
6. Buffalo Bayou Partnership Gala: Color Outside the Lines
   On Nov. 8, 2018, from 6:30-10 p.m., the Buffalo Bayou Partnership will hold its 2018 Partnership Gala, themed “Color Outside the Lines,” under a tent at the historic Sabine Street Bridge. Proceeds will allow the Partnership to continue transforming, activating and maintaining Buffalo Bayou along the 10-mile stretch from Shepherd Drive to the Port of Houston Turning Basin. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit buffalobayou.org.
7. Fantastic Cranes and Where to Find Them
   On Nov. 8, 2018, beginning at 7 p.m, Houston Audubon will host a free event featuring photographer  Ray Bednar, who will discuss Sandhill and Whooping Cranes and where these beautiful birds are found in the United States. The event will be held at the United Way of Greater Houston, 50 Waugh Drive. For more information, visit houstonaudubon.org.
8. Sierra Club Houston Group presents TNC’s Urban Conservation Programs
   On Nov. 8, 2017, beginning at 7 p.m., the Sierra Club Houston Group will hold its monthly meeting featuring Jaime Gonzalez, Houston Urban Conservation Programs Manager for The Nature Conservancy of Texas, who will discuss the  Conservancy’s new urban conservation program which seeks to create healthier cities for both humans and wildlife. The meeting will be held at St. Stephen’s Pecore Hall, 1805 W. Alabama. For more information, visit sierraclub.org.
9. SPARK Week Plus
   SPARK Week Plus, a celebration of new parks in the regional SPARK School Park program, will kick off Nov. 9, 2018, at 9 a.m., at Meador Elementary School, 10701 Seaford, Pasadena. Eight additional celebrations will be held through December 7. 2019 SPARK Art calendars will be given out at each event. See the poster listing all of the events.
10. Guardian of the Bay Awards Celebration
    On Nov. 9, 2018, beginning at 11 a.m. the Galveston Bay Foundation will host its 2018 Guardian of the Bay Awards Celebration at the Marriott Marquis Houston. Marvin Odum, chief recovery officer for the City of Houston, will be the featured speaker. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit galvbay.org.
11. HPC’s 15th Annual Run in the Park
    On Nov. 10, 2018, beginning at 8 a.m., the Hermann Park Conservancy will hold the 15th Annual Run in the Park, a timed, 5K run or walk, a 3K walk and a 1K Kids’ Run below the Park’s historic live oak canopy. The run will begin and end at Molly Ann Smith Plaza near the Jones Reflection Pool where family and friends cheer on participants, and ends with a Post-Race Party that will feature food, drinks, music and more. Team discounts available. Online registration will close on Nov. 8. Visit hermannpark.org for more information and to register.
12. Artist Boat ‘Float the Boat” Gala
    On Nov. 10, 2018, from 6-9 p.m., Artist Boat will celebrate its 15th anniversary at the Annual “Float the Boat” Fundraiser and Gala, held at The Trolley Station, 2021 Strand St., Galveston. Artist Boat was founded on a groundbreaking concept: to merge art and science to inspire people to appreciate and protect our fragile coastal environment. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit artistboat.org.
13. Bayou Land Conservancy’s Land Lover Annual Gala
    On Nov. 10, 2018, from 6-10 p.m., the Bayou Land Conservancy will host its 2018 Land Lover Annual Gala at the headquarters of Southwestern Energy, 10000 Energy Drive. The featured speaker will be Dr. Sam Brody, professor at Texas A&M University-Galveston and director of the Center for Texas Beaches and Shores. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit bayoulandconservancy.org.
14. Mayor’s Proud Partners Awards
    On Nov. 13, 2018, from 8:15-11 a.m., Houston Beautiful will host the 34th Annual Mayor’s Proud Partners Breakfast, honoring businesses, groups and individuals who work to make Houston and environs a more beautiful place. The event will be held at the Hilton of the Americas, 1600 Lamar St. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit houstonbeautiful.org.
15. UH Energy Symposium: “Carbon Management: Panacea or Hype?”
    On Nov. 13, 2018, from 6-8:30 p.m., UH Energy will host a symposium titled “Carbon Management: Panacea or Hype?” at the University of Houston Hilton Hotel. The panel discussion will examine whether carbon-capture-and-storage (CCS), negative emissions technologies (NET) and related approaches and help achieve a reduction in atmospheric carbon targets. For more information and to register, visit eventbrite.com.
16. Transition Houston presents “ReUse, ReDuce, ReCycle”
    On Nov. 13, 2018, Transition Houston’s monthly meeting will feature Caroline Kostak, owner of the RePurpose Depot, and Keith Koski, manager of the City of Houston’s ReUse Warehouse, who will discuss the emerging market for used building materials and household products. The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m., at Haven’s Center, 1827 W Alabama St. For more information, visit transitionhouston.org.
17. Power Tools for Nonprofits Conference
    On Nov. 14, 2018, CenterPoint Energy will host the the 25th Annual Power Tools Conference to help nonprofit professionals sharpen their skills, discover new ways of looking at common issues, expand their network and be better prepared for challenges and opportunities they may encounter. This year’s conference will be held at NRG Center, One NRG Park. For more information and to register, visit centerpointenergy.com.
18. Houston Reimagined: Building a Resilient City and Best Practices from Asia
    On Nov. 14, 2018, from 6:15-7:45 p.m., Asia Society Texas Center will host “Houston Reimagined: Building a Resilient City and Best Practices from Asia.” a conversation on using best practices from Asia for urban planning, development, and transportation to help Houston move forward as a city with a sustainable future. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit asiasociety.org.
19. “The Quest for Environmental Justice” with Dr. Robert Bullard
    On Nov. 14, 2018, beginning at 7:30 p.m., Emerson Unitarian-Universalist Church, 1900 Bering Drive, will present Texas Southern University sociology professor Dr. Robert Bullard in a talk titled “The Quest for Environmental Justice.” The presentation is free of charge. For more information, visit emersonhouston.org.
20. Bayou Preservation Association 2018 Gala
    On Nov. 14, 2018, the Bayou Preservation Association will hold its 2018 Gala, themed “Bon Temps on the Bayou.” Funds raised will support the Association’s CPR mission: to celebrate, protect and restore the natural richness of all our bayous and streams. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit bayoupreservation.org.
21. Regional Recycling Roundtable
    On Nov. 15, 2018, from 10 a.m.-noon, the Houston-Galveston Area Council will host a Regional Recycling Roundtable at its offices, 3555 Timmons Lane. The topic will be composting as a recycling strategy. Presentations will include: trends and status in commercial composting, a municipality case study, and a master composter overview. For more information and to register, visit h-gac.com.
22. Center for Houston’s Future Dinner and Conversation
    On Nov. 15, 2018, the Center for Houston’s Future will host a special Dinner an Conversation with award-winning Texas authors Lawrence Wright and Mimi Swartz, who will discuss the joys and frustrations, challenges, and thrills of covering the Lone Star State. The event will be held at The Briar Club, 2603 Timmons Lane. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit centerforhoustonsfuturedev.org.
23. Keep Pearland Beautiful Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner
    On Nov. 15, 2018, from 6:30-8:30 p.m., Keep Pearland Beautiful will celebrate another year of providing quality environmental programs in Pearland. The guest speaker will be Shanna Lopez of  Waste Management, who will speak on the State of Recycling. The event will be held at the Pearland Lions Club, 3350 S Main St. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit keeppearlandbeautiful.org.
24. Our Great Region Awards applications open through November 16
    The Houston-Galveston Area Council’s Our Great Region Awards recognize outstanding projects in the region that advance the goals and strategies identified in the Our Great Region 2040 plan. The application period is open through Nov. 16, 2018. Any plans, programs, projects or policies that have implemented a strategy of the Our Great Region 2040 plan within the 13-county region in the past four years are eligible. For more information, visit ograwards.org.
25. Kingwood B.O.P.A. and Electronics Collection event
    On Nov. 17, 2018, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., the City of Houston’s Solid Waste Management Department will collect batteries, oil, paint (latex only) and antifreeze (B.O.P.A.), large appliances, electronics, scrap metal, and motor oil at the Metro Park & Ride, 3210 W. Lake Houston Parkway. For full details, visit houstontx.gov.
26. Rice Design Alliance Gala Honoring Harris County Judge Ed Emmett
    On Nov. 17, 2018, from 7 p.m.-midnight, the Rice Design Alliance will hold its 2018 Gala recognizing Harris County Judge Ed Emmett with the Award for Design Excellence as an exceptional leader of our region. The event will be held at the Hilton Americas. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit ricedesignalliance.org.
27. TV: Texas Parks & Wildlife
    Broadcast on KUHT Channel 8 at 3 p.m. each Saturday and on municipal access cable channels in Baytown, Deer Park, Houston, Texas City, Galveston, Nassau Bay, Pasadena, Seabrook, Sugar Land, and on HCC TV. More info on the TPWD website (* indicates a segment about the Houston area). For a preview, visit TPWD’s YouTube Page.
    • Restoring the land at a Hill Country ranch
    • Making hunting accessible to people with disabilities
    • Enjoy the sights and sounds of the East Texas woods
28. Additional Upcoming Events
    • 11/13-15: Clean Gulf Conference (New Orleans)
    • 11/17/18: Volunteer at Martin Bailey Garden Project at Wisdom High School
    • 11/18/18: Interfaith Environmental Stewardship Event at Japhet Creek Park
    • 11/20/18: Memorial Park 101: Soil 101
    • 11/20/18: HREG Solar Workshop
    • 11/25/18: “Science of Science Fiction: How to Tell the Difference” (webinar)
    • 11/27/18: Giving Tuesday & Big Give Houston
    • 11/28/18: Clean Waters Initiative Workshop
    • 11/29/18: “Spring Creek and the San Jacinto River-How’s the Water?”
    • 11/29/18:  Rothko Chapel presents Elizabeth Yeampierre
    • 12/6-7/18: Texas Children in Nature Summit and Champions Luncheon (Corpus  Christi)
    • 12/5-8/18: EPA 2019 Brownfields Competition workshop (Addison, Texas)
    • 12/8/18: AIA Houston’s Gingerbread Build-Off
    • 12/8-9/18: Holiday with the Cranes
    • 12/8-13/18 Restore America’s Estuaries Conference (Long Beach, CA)
    • 12/10/18: Houston Green Roof & Wall Symposium
    • 12/10/18: Texas RESTORE Council Public Meeting (Galveston)
    • 12/11/18: Coastal Barrier Project public meeting (Winnie)
    • 12/12/18: Coastal Barrier Project public meeting (Galveston)
    • 12/14/18 (Deadline): Take Care of Texas Video Contest
    • 12/15/18: (Deadline) Call for Abstracts for CNREP 2019 
    • 12/18/18: Coastal Barrier Project public meeting (Seabrook)
    • 1/15/18: (Deadline) Gulf of Mexico Climate and Resilience Community of Practice grant LOI