Live Green in Plano Volunteers, 
Plano is rolling out the first plastic bag reduction campaign in the Metroplex on March 6 and we'd like YOU to be part of it. Twelve local Kroger and Tom Thumb stores are partners in this effort to increase public awareness about the problems and alternatives to plastic bags. You'll see reminder messages at two kickoff store locations: "Got Your Bags?" painted on parking lot lanes, banners at the stores, give-aways and raffle tickets to win store gift cards for customers who take a survey and make a pledge. The two event stores will have eye-catching mannequins each covered in 550 plastic bags, the number the average person uses each year. All 12 stores will have reusable bags to exchange for plastic bags. Sign up now to help us make history! Don't forget to bring your own bags whenever you shop!
Check out the many ways to learn in the next few months: Do It Yourself Energy Toolkit Workshops, a fieldtrip to Republic Waste Services recycling facility, the Rain Water Harvesting Learn Green to Live Green program, and the Texas SmartScape Seminar (March 27).
Plano Community Garden is accepting applications for 2010. Read more about this important project below. If you are interested in adopting a plot, join the gardeners for a community meeting and dessert potlluck on Monday, Feb. 22 from 7 to 8 p.m. Contact Erin Hoffer for details.  This greenhouse was recently installed at the garden by volunteers Barrie Montgomery, Brenda Steib, Jan Eppard, Karen Mitchell, and Jinx Smith.
Come experience the Live Green Expo on Saturday, April 17.
Participate by helping with a four-hour volunteer shift, then relax and enjoy the exhibits, speakers, and entertainment during the rest of the day. More information can be found at Live Green Expo. Groups of volunteers are currently being recruited. If you know of an organization or business that might like to get involved, send your leads to Deb Bliss. Check our Web site for volunteer assignments. Invite your family, friends and neighbors to join you.  2010 is your chance to get involved and make a difference!
Deb Bliss
Sustainability Volunteer Coordinator
City of Plano | |
The Plastic Bag Dilemma: Ban? Tax? Recycle? Reduce?
by Anita Gupta, Director of Green Rules, a non-profit that is focused on environmental education through hands-on programs.
A historical look at the emergence of plastic bags reveals that plastic sandwich bags were first promoted in 1957. Soon after, bread began to be sold in plastic packaging. Then came garbage liners, and soon after, the plastic grocery bag. Since then, the United States has experienced a huge growth in single use grocery bags, plastic garbage liners and plastic packaging such as paper goods packaging, cereal box liners, dry cleaning bags, bread bags, potato bags, produce bags and more. Plastic bags, wraps and packaging are convenient. but we pay high production, transportation, disposal and litter costs for this convenience. Many cities and states are tackling the issue head-on by focusing on reducing the use of single-use plastic grocery bags. Also, there are several players involved in tackling this issue that include the local governments, department of environmental quality, local recycling associations, plastic bag manufacturers and grocery stores as well as the residents.
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Plano Community Garden
by Mimi Serrao Photo by Bill Stadelman 
Tucked away behind the Animal Shelter on Plano Parkway is a flourishing organic Community Garden. It's a fascinating discovery to come upon, this "Little Farm on the Prairie," after driving down the long entry road. Where five years ago there was just an empty piece of dry Texas clay, today you'll find 56 fertile, 18'x4' raised-bed garden plots, full of all types of vegetables and herbs. Filled with compost-rich soil, they are ready for planting by the community gardeners who volunteer each year to adopt a plot. The abundant harvest is shared with local food pantries and the gardeners themselves.
The City of Plano, in partnership with the Junior League of Plano (JLP) established the garden in 2005. The actual construction and first planting in the garden was in spring 2006.
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Energy Audit Provides Comfort and Savings
by Tanis Roelofs
There are countless numbers of "How to Books" i.e. yoga, computer and energy efficiency books. However, I seem to be one of those people who need human direction in order to wade through all of the information. I have taken numerous computer instruction and yoga classes with great instructors. Recently, I followed Sharon Goddard on a tour of my house in a valuable energy audit. She located and pointed out the many drafts allowing our "paid for" hot or cold air to escape the house. Immediately, she closed the chimney flu much to my embarrassment. (As mentioned earlier, human direction is most helpful!) On the energy audit tour, she pointed out which inside pipes needed foam around the entrance through the wall, what windows needed caulking, what areas required weather stripping, which doors should be replaced, and much more.
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Plano Provides Energy Inspiration for Faith Based Groups  Twelve area congregations participated in Plano's first Faith Based Green Team Workshop. The focus was on saving financial and natural resources through energy efficiency. The expert panelists agreed that getting leadership buy-in from both staff and board members on any proposed changes was essential. There was consensus on the importance of an energy audit, to know where to begin to direct your conservation efforts.
Ron Johnson, Facilities Director at Prestonwood Baptist Church, explained the success of their use of a "people-based program", training staff and congregation members in best practices for saving energy during building-use hours. Preventive maintenance, a dedicated staff position, and daily energy audits have been essential to success at this church. He described the process as a marathon rather than a sprint. Energy conservation requires an ongoing effort.
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Fieldtrip: Republic Waste Services
If you've ever wondered what happens to the items in your recycle bin once they leave your driveway,
don't miss this fascinating
opportunity!
When: Thursday, Feb. 25
noon to 1:00 p.m.
Where: Republic Waste Services, 4200 E. 14th St.
Plano, TX 75074
(972) 769-4343
Space is limited and will be assigned in the order reservations are received. |
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