by Lauren Strait
There are hundreds of websites out there that offer fun activities on ways to Go Green in your home. I thought it would be fun to not only share some of those but to also do so by getting involved in local community efforts.
After doing some research, I found so many incredible ways we can help local organizations and our communities. Here were five of my favorites.
Action for Apes Cell Phone Recycling Challenge
The Action for Apes challenge is a yearly contest hosted by the Houston Zoo to see which school or community organization can recycle the most cell phones by the end of APE-ril. By recycling used cell phones with the Houston Zoo, you help protect animals like chimpanzees and gorillas that live in areas where cell phone materials are mined. You are always welcome to bring any used cell phone to recycle – we have a drop off bin conveniently located just outside our main entrance gate next to the Guest Services office. Register today!
Grow Green with a Sustainable Hydroponic Garden
Hydroponic gardening is a sustainable way to grow produce without using soil and instead using mineral nutrient solutions in water to grow plants 30-50 faster than traditional gardening. This type of gardening benefits the environment in so many ways. It uses 90% less water than a traditional garden. You no longer need to use pesticides and herbicides because you are growing your garden indoors. You can lower your carbon footprint by not having to travel to purchase your produce and require much less fuel and energy to grow. You can also support local by purchasing hydroponic and indoor gardening equipment from several of the local Houston supply stores. Many of them also offer classes to learn the basic of hydroponic and aquaponics gardening. Our favorites include:
Galveston Beach Spring Clean Up – April 22, 2017
Keep Galveston Beautiful is an all volunteer organization that manages the Adopt-A-Beach cleanup program. In honor of Earth Day, the organization offers a larger effort and invites anyone who would like to volunteer to come out for a day and help keep our Galveston beaches clean. The cleanup is from 9 a.m. until noon. Volunteers will be given data cards, gloves, pencils and trash bags. We typically have patches and stickers for fun too. All volunteers are advised to dress comfortably, wear closed-toed shoes, and bring sunscreen, hats and bug repellant. Drinking water and a small snack will be provided (no lunch). The Texas General Land Office Adopt-A-Beach Cleanups are held rain or shine! You can register to volunteer online or just show up to Menard Park at 27th and Seawall at 8:45 to register and pick up clean up supplies.
Shop at Your Local Farmer’s Market
Grocery shopping and products you purchase all use energy. Shopping at your local farmer’s market can reduce your carbon footprint, give you access to farm fresh and organic varieties as well as put money back into your local economy. In addition, bringing your own recyclable grocery bags can eliminate more waste rather than using plastic. We liked the Houston Chronicle’s list of Farmer’s Markets to attend.
Trees for Houston
Tree plantings provide an opportunity for community involvement and empowerment that improves the quality of life in our neighborhoods. Founded in 1983, Trees For Houston initially focused its early efforts on planting street trees in the heart of Houston. Now celebrating its 30th anniversary, with nearly half a million trees planted, the organization has evolved into one that grows, plants and maintains thousands of trees across the greater Houston region. They need volunteers like you to help plant trees, work community outreach events and educate the community about trees. If you are interested in planning a tree planting in your community, email katherine@treesforhouston.org.
