The films presented by the Houston Green Film Series are free to public and funded by volunteer efforts, in-kind contributions and donations from the public. Free tickets on Eventbrite.

“There has to be a fuel revolution.”

-Donnie Tipton of Going Green Grease Recycling

Set in Houston, Texas in the shadow of the nation’s oil industry, Hot Grease tells the surprising story of how the biodiesel industry is turning an ostensibly worthless raw material, spent kitchen grease, into a renewable energy source capable of fueling cars, buses and fleets of trucks throughout the country.

The millions of gallons of cooking oil that our country’s restaurants use to fry up chicken, fries, and donuts used to end up as waste in landfills and pollutants in our waterways. But today, thanks to innovators, entrepreneurs, and politicians, it’s being turned into a functional fuel: biodiesel. Biodiesel reduces carbon emissions up to 85% compared to petroleum fuel, the equivalent of removing over 19 million cars from our highways. This film dives into the untapped market of biodiesel as it rapidly becomes a commodity and individuals dedicate their livelihood to making it an accessible fuel choice in Houston.

This month’s panelists & exhibitors:

Chris Powers, Houston Biodiesel

Jody Gibson, Energy Institute High School

Michael McClere, Dependable Cooking Oil

Alona Hernandez, Houston Public Works

Ted Driscoll, Galveston Bay Foundation

Free to the public, though donations are kindly appreciated. Rice Cinema is located at 2030 University Blvd, near Stockton and University.

• 6:30 PM Reception & Refreshments
• 7:00 PM Film Screening
• 8:00 PM Panel Discussion
• 9:00 PM The conversation continues at Valhalla, Rice University’s Graduate Student Pub

For questions about transportation/parking options for getting to and from the event go to https://park-trans.rice.edu/

In honor of Houston Audubon’s 50th anniversary, they’re hosting the first-ever Houston Bird Week! Equal parts fun, education, and celebration, experience firsthand the important role Houston plays in the journey of billions of migratory birds, and the everyday life of our urban-dwelling birds. Led by Houston Audubon’s Young Professionals Advisory Council in collaboration with local conservation partners, they have a flock of fun planned for all.

Don’t miss their kickoff party, where we’ll be unveiling the official Bird Beer in collaboration with Bakfish Brewing Co and announcing the Bird of Houston! From pop-up birding stations to park clean-ups and bioblitzes, your participation and excitement will help them continue to be a welcoming home for Houston’s birds. They’ll end the week with a Birthday Bash to celebrate Houston Audubon’s 50th anniversary and the conclusion of Bird Week, so mark your calendars for a week of fun!

Let’s get chirping on social media. Use #HoustonBirdWeek to share your excitement!

Celebrate Texas Arbor Day with a tree planting demonstration and receive a complimentary tree sapling while supplies last. Visit the outdoor library corner to find books on trees and how to care for them at Mercer’s West Side Arboretum. EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES, FACE PAINTING, HISTORICAL TREES, CHILDREN’S CRAFTS

The Houston Botanic Garden will mark the completion of the Susan Garver Family Discovery Garden – the first feature garden included in Phase I of the site master plan to be planted – with a free community celebration on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020, from 2-4 p.m., at 8205 N. Bayou Dr., Houston, 77017. The event marks the first opportunity for neighbors and others eagerly following the Garden’s progress to get a sneak peek at just a few of the unique new features destined to make it a must-see showcase of Houston’s biodiversity and an oasis of horticultural beauty when it opens in fall 2020.

Hawks, falcons, owls and more await you at Houston Audubon’s Raptor Photo Shoot. You will have the opportunity to photograph Houston Audubon’s education raptors in an intimate setting at Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary. Whether you use a simple point and shoot or serious photography equipment, you will enjoy meeting and learning about these awesome birds.

Raptor Shoots are typically from 8AM – 10AM but times will be confirmed by email for each session depending on sunrise. Light refreshments will be served on the deck for all to enjoy during the shoot. Space is limited to 15 participants. The fee is $40.

Landscape Photography Workshop 

Saturday, February 22
12:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Co-presented by Houston Center for Photography
16 years and older (adults and teens)
Class fee: $20

Explore the landscape of Houston Botanic Garden through the lens of a camera. Learn about basic composition guidelines, such as framing, perspective, leading lines, Rule of Thirds, and more and how you can incorporate these into your own photographs of the environment.

Landscape Photography Workshop 

Saturday, February 22
12:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Co-presented by Houston Center for Photography
16 years and older (adults and teens)
Class fee: $20

Explore the landscape of Houston Botanic Garden through the lens of a camera. Learn about basic composition guidelines, such as framing, perspective, leading lines, Rule of Thirds, and more and how you can incorporate these into your own photographs of the environment.

Landscape Photography Workshop 

Saturday, February 22
12:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Co-presented by Houston Center for Photography
16 years and older (adults and teens)
Class fee: $20

Explore the landscape of Houston Botanic Garden through the lens of a camera. Learn about basic composition guidelines, such as framing, perspective, leading lines, Rule of Thirds, and more and how you can incorporate these into your own photographs of the environment.