TAKE CARE OF TEXAS

Take Care of Texas is a statewide campaign from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality that provides helpful information on Texas’ successes in environmental protection and encourages all Texans to help keep our air and water clean, conserve water and energy, reduce

waste, and save a

2021 ART CONTEST WINNERS Certificate of Participation: Thanks to all the students and teachers that participated in our K-5 Art Contest. Teachers and parents can download our Art Contest Certificate of Participation PDF to hand out to participating students.. Click on the Art Contest Certificate of Participation PDF link. Depending on your browser the PDF will either automatically download to your computer's hard THE STATE OF RECYCLING IN TEXAS The State of Texas will lead America in domestic recycling, taking advantage of our technology, workforce, and logistic sectors to enable material circulation that supports cities and businesses’ programs and operations. Recycling in Texas is strong and will not only survive this market downturn but will become a national example and leader. EASY WAYS TO REDUCE WASTE IN YOUR SCHOOL Check out our Texas School Recycling Guide for information about setting up a recycling program. Play First, Eat Later - Scheduling recess before lunch can reduce plate waste, the amount of food discarded by students, by as much as 30%. Furthermore, if lunch can be extended from 20 to 30 minutes, it can reduce plate waste by nearly

one-third.

2020 K-5 ART CONTEST WINNERS 2020 K-5 Art Contest Winners. Region 12. GRAND PRIZE WINNER. Aaria Arora, 2nd Grade. Walker Station Elementary, Sugar Land. Region 1.

Emma Arredondo, 4th

THE TAKE CARE OF TEXAS VIDEO CONTEST The Take Care of Texas Video Contest. The Take Care of Texas Video Contest is a fun way for young people to learn about protecting the environment and come up with creative ways to share this knowledge with others! Students film a 30-second video that shows positive ways to Take Care of Texas. The students that submit the best videos can

win

K-5 ART CONTEST

The Take Care of Texas Kids Art Contest is a fun way for K-5 students to learn about protecting the environment and come up with creative ways to share this knowledge with others! Students submit their artwork of how they, along with their friends and family, help keep the air and water clean, conserve water and energy, and reduce waste. A “TAKE CARE OF TEXAS” GUIDE by-3-foot box or four 10-gallon contain-ers are big enough to compost the food scraps from a medium-sized fam-ily. Punch a few 1/8-inch

holes in the

HOW TO KEEP PESKY MOSQUITOES OUT OF YOUR RAIN BARREL Keep Mosquitoes at Bay. Prevent your rain barrel from serving as a mosquito breeding ground. These pests can get through any openings larger than those in a window screen. So, a well-sealed screen will help prevent mosquitoes from entering the barrel and laying eggs. Be sure all openings, including the overflow, are covered with a screen. IT’S HERE, YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO XERISCAPE™ LANDSCAPING Mulch is one of the best landscape substances for growing healthy plants and conserving water. It aids root development, prevents erosion, suppresses weeds, moderates soil temperature, adds nutrients, reduces moisture loss through evaporation, and can enhance your landscape design. There are both organic and inorganic mulches.

TAKE CARE OF TEXAS

Take Care of Texas is a statewide campaign from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality that provides helpful information on Texas’ successes in environmental protection and encourages all Texans to help keep our air and water clean, conserve water and energy, reduce

waste, and save a

2021 ART CONTEST WINNERS Certificate of Participation: Thanks to all the students and teachers that participated in our K-5 Art Contest. Teachers and parents can download our Art Contest Certificate of Participation PDF to hand out to participating students.. Click on the Art Contest Certificate of Participation PDF link. Depending on your browser the PDF will either automatically download to your computer's hard THE STATE OF RECYCLING IN TEXAS The State of Texas will lead America in domestic recycling, taking advantage of our technology, workforce, and logistic sectors to enable material circulation that supports cities and businesses’ programs and operations. Recycling in Texas is strong and will not only survive this market downturn but will become a national example and leader. EASY WAYS TO REDUCE WASTE IN YOUR SCHOOL Check out our Texas School Recycling Guide for information about setting up a recycling program. Play First, Eat Later - Scheduling recess before lunch can reduce plate waste, the amount of food discarded by students, by as much as 30%. Furthermore, if lunch can be extended from 20 to 30 minutes, it can reduce plate waste by nearly

one-third.

2020 K-5 ART CONTEST WINNERS 2020 K-5 Art Contest Winners. Region 12. GRAND PRIZE WINNER. Aaria Arora, 2nd Grade. Walker Station Elementary, Sugar Land. Region 1.

Emma Arredondo, 4th

THE TAKE CARE OF TEXAS VIDEO CONTEST The Take Care of Texas Video Contest. The Take Care of Texas Video Contest is a fun way for young people to learn about protecting the environment and come up with creative ways to share this knowledge with others! Students film a 30-second video that shows positive ways to Take Care of Texas. The students that submit the best videos can

win

K-5 ART CONTEST

The Take Care of Texas Kids Art Contest is a fun way for K-5 students to learn about protecting the environment and come up with creative ways to share this knowledge with others! Students submit their artwork of how they, along with their friends and family, help keep the air and water clean, conserve water and energy, and reduce waste. A “TAKE CARE OF TEXAS” GUIDE by-3-foot box or four 10-gallon contain-ers are big enough to compost the food scraps from a medium-sized fam-ily. Punch a few 1/8-inch

holes in the

HOW TO KEEP PESKY MOSQUITOES OUT OF YOUR RAIN BARREL Keep Mosquitoes at Bay. Prevent your rain barrel from serving as a mosquito breeding ground. These pests can get through any openings larger than those in a window screen. So, a well-sealed screen will help prevent mosquitoes from entering the barrel and laying eggs. Be sure all openings, including the overflow, are covered with a screen. IT’S HERE, YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO XERISCAPE™ LANDSCAPING Mulch is one of the best landscape substances for growing healthy plants and conserving water. It aids root development, prevents erosion, suppresses weeds, moderates soil temperature, adds nutrients, reduces moisture loss through evaporation, and can enhance your landscape design. There are both organic and inorganic mulches. LESSON PLANS FOR EDUCATORS Welcome teachers and educators! Download free lesson plans and handouts from the TCEQ's publications for educators. You can also project them on your classroom whiteboard. These plans are for use by instructors with students of all ages. Individual student handouts and lesson plans (with TEKS references) provided below in pdf.

LICENSE PLATE

Take Care of Texas License Plate Put a Take Care of Texas license plate on your vehicle, motorcycle or trailer and show everyone on the road that you Take Care of Texas. $22 of the $30 plate fee goes to support the Take Care of Texas program. TEXAS SYMBOLS COLORING PAGES Texas Symbols Coloring Pages. Thu, Mar 04, 2021. Author. Alison. Show your Texas pride with these Take Care of Texas coloring pages! These coloring pages highlight four different Texas state symbols and demonstrate ways you can personally help take care of Texas in your daily life! Little steps, like using less plastic at the grocery store

and

HOW TO KEEP PESKY MOSQUITOES OUT OF YOUR RAIN BARREL Keep Mosquitoes at Bay. Prevent your rain barrel from serving as a mosquito breeding ground. These pests can get through any openings larger than those in a window screen. So, a well-sealed screen will help prevent mosquitoes from entering the barrel and laying eggs. Be sure all openings, including the overflow, are covered with a screen. A “TAKE CARE OF TEXAS” GUIDE by-3-foot box or four 10-gallon contain-ers are big enough to compost the food scraps from a medium-sized fam-ily. Punch a few 1/8-inch

holes in the

IT’S HERE, YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO XERISCAPE™ LANDSCAPING Mulch is one of the best landscape substances for growing healthy plants and conserving water. It aids root development, prevents erosion, suppresses weeds, moderates soil temperature, adds nutrients, reduces moisture loss through evaporation, and can enhance your landscape design. There are both organic and inorganic mulches. IS IT ILLEGAL TO PICK BLUEBONNETS? There is actually no law that prohibits picking bluebonnets in Texas, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. However, in certain areas it may be illegal or dangerous. Also, it’s important to be courteous and take care of the flowers so that all Texans can enjoy them. Keep reading to learn the dos and don’ts of picking

bluebonnets.

WHAT DO I DO WITH USED BATTERIES? Single-use batteries are used in a variety of electronics and include alkaline, carbon zinc, mercuric-oxide, silver-oxide, zinc-air, and lithium batteries. These are 9-volt, D, C, AA, AAA batteries, as well as coin and button batteries. These are found in remote controls, car keyless entry remotes, watches, hearing aids, flash lights, and other DEBUNKING GREEN MARKETING CLAIMS First issued in 1992, the FTC’s Green Guides have since been revised in 1996, 1998, and 2012. The most recent revisions include direction on marketers’ use of product certifications and seals of approval, claims about materials and “renewable” energy sources, and “carbon offset” claims. Overall, the guidance they provide

includes

SAVE WATER AND MONEY WITH THESE MOWING TIPS Take Care of Texas News You Can Use is a monthly e-newsletter with helpful information to keep our air and water clean, conserve energy and water, and reduce waste.

TAKE CARE OF TEXAS

Take Care of Texas is a statewide campaign from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality that provides helpful information on Texas’ successes in environmental protection and encourages all Texans to help keep our air and water clean, conserve water and energy, reduce

waste, and save a

DOWNLOADS - TAKE CARE OF TEXAS Take Care of Texas Publication Activities / Student Handouts. Download a PDF or order these Take Care of Texas Publications and more on the publications page. You can also project them on your classroom whiteboard. GI-026 Field Guide to Water Education Student Handouts PDF. GI-403 Water Recycles: The Complete Story Poster Activities PDF.

REDUCE YOUR WASTE

2 Repair, resell, donate, or recycle your old electronics. 3 Recycle rechargeable batteries. 4 Reuse or recycle items such as paper, cardboard, bottles, and cans. 5 Start a compost pile at home. 6 Use mulch. 7 Cut back on the amount of junk mail you receive. 8 Reduce your household hazardous waste. THE STATE OF RECYCLING IN TEXAS The State of Texas will lead America in domestic recycling, taking advantage of our technology, workforce, and logistic sectors to enable material circulation that supports cities and businesses’ programs and operations. Recycling in Texas is strong and will not only survive this market downturn but will become a national example and leader. EASY WAYS TO REDUCE WASTE IN YOUR SCHOOL Check out our Texas School Recycling Guide for information about setting up a recycling program. Play First, Eat Later - Scheduling recess before lunch can reduce plate waste, the amount of food discarded by students, by as much as 30%. Furthermore, if lunch can be extended from 20 to 30 minutes, it can reduce plate waste by nearly

one-third.

A “TAKE CARE OF TEXAS” GUIDE by-3-foot box or four 10-gallon contain-ers are big enough to compost the food scraps from a medium-sized fam-ily. Punch a few 1/8-inch

holes in the

K-5 ART CONTEST

The Take Care of Texas Kids Art Contest is a fun way for K-5 students to learn about protecting the environment and come up with creative ways to share this knowledge with others! Students submit their artwork of how they, along with their friends and family, help keep the air and water clean, conserve water and energy, and reduce waste. 2019 K-5 ART CONTEST WINNERS Certificate of Participation: Thanks to all the students and teachers that participated in our K-5 Art Contest. Teachers and parents can download our Art Contest Certificate of Participation PDF to hand out to participating students.. Click on the Art Contest Certificate of Participation PDF link. Depending on your browser the PDF will either automatically download to your computer's hard WHAT DO I DO WITH USED BATTERIES? HOW TO KEEP PESKY MOSQUITOES OUT OF YOUR RAIN BARRELTAKE CARE OF TEXAS AWARDTAKE CARE OF TEXAS WINNERSTCEQ TAKE CARE OF TEXAS Keep Mosquitoes at Bay. Prevent your rain barrel from serving as a mosquito breeding ground. These pests can get through any openings larger than those in a window screen. So, a well-sealed screen will help prevent mosquitoes from entering the barrel and laying eggs. Be sure all openings, including the overflow, are covered with a screen.

TAKE CARE OF TEXAS

Take Care of Texas is a statewide campaign from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality that provides helpful information on Texas’ successes in environmental protection and encourages all Texans to help keep our air and water clean, conserve water and energy, reduce

waste, and save a

DOWNLOADS - TAKE CARE OF TEXAS Take Care of Texas Publication Activities / Student Handouts. Download a PDF or order these Take Care of Texas Publications and more on the publications page. You can also project them on your classroom whiteboard. GI-026 Field Guide to Water Education Student Handouts PDF. GI-403 Water Recycles: The Complete Story Poster Activities PDF.

REDUCE YOUR WASTE

2 Repair, resell, donate, or recycle your old electronics. 3 Recycle rechargeable batteries. 4 Reuse or recycle items such as paper, cardboard, bottles, and cans. 5 Start a compost pile at home. 6 Use mulch. 7 Cut back on the amount of junk mail you receive. 8 Reduce your household hazardous waste. THE STATE OF RECYCLING IN TEXAS The State of Texas will lead America in domestic recycling, taking advantage of our technology, workforce, and logistic sectors to enable material circulation that supports cities and businesses’ programs and operations. Recycling in Texas is strong and will not only survive this market downturn but will become a national example and leader. EASY WAYS TO REDUCE WASTE IN YOUR SCHOOL Check out our Texas School Recycling Guide for information about setting up a recycling program. Play First, Eat Later - Scheduling recess before lunch can reduce plate waste, the amount of food discarded by students, by as much as 30%. Furthermore, if lunch can be extended from 20 to 30 minutes, it can reduce plate waste by nearly

one-third.

A “TAKE CARE OF TEXAS” GUIDE by-3-foot box or four 10-gallon contain-ers are big enough to compost the food scraps from a medium-sized fam-ily. Punch a few 1/8-inch

holes in the

K-5 ART CONTEST

The Take Care of Texas Kids Art Contest is a fun way for K-5 students to learn about protecting the environment and come up with creative ways to share this knowledge with others! Students submit their artwork of how they, along with their friends and family, help keep the air and water clean, conserve water and energy, and reduce waste. 2019 K-5 ART CONTEST WINNERS Certificate of Participation: Thanks to all the students and teachers that participated in our K-5 Art Contest. Teachers and parents can download our Art Contest Certificate of Participation PDF to hand out to participating students.. Click on the Art Contest Certificate of Participation PDF link. Depending on your browser the PDF will either automatically download to your computer's hard WHAT DO I DO WITH USED BATTERIES? HOW TO KEEP PESKY MOSQUITOES OUT OF YOUR RAIN BARRELTAKE CARE OF TEXAS AWARDTAKE CARE OF TEXAS WINNERSTCEQ TAKE CARE OF TEXAS Keep Mosquitoes at Bay. Prevent your rain barrel from serving as a mosquito breeding ground. These pests can get through any openings larger than those in a window screen. So, a well-sealed screen will help prevent mosquitoes from entering the barrel and laying eggs. Be sure all openings, including the overflow, are covered with a screen. KIDS - TAKE CARE OF TEXAS Thanks for stopping by. We’re glad you’re interested in helping Take Care of Texas! Hopefully you’ll find some fun and interesting ways to learn about the environment and how to help protect it. From the links below, you can play animated games, watch videos, explore interactive posters, and get ideas on ways to help out. Don’t forget to tell us about the great things you and your HOW TO DISPOSE OF HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE mercury. paints (oil-based or some anti-mildew latex) pesticides. pool chlorine and acid. wood stains or varnishes. If generated by a household, residents often seek to dispose of their HHW in a more protective manner. However, if your area does not offer a HHW program, these materials are not required to be handled as hazardous waste and

can

LICENSE PLATE

Take Care of Texas License Plate Put a Take Care of Texas license plate on your vehicle, motorcycle or trailer and show everyone on the road that you Take Care of Texas. $22 of the $30 plate fee goes to support the Take Care of Texas program. BOY SCOUTS - TAKE CARE OF TEXAS Patch The Take Care of Texas Award recognizes Scouts who are doing their part to conserve water and energy, keep our air and water clean, and reduce waste. The Award shows a commitment to both learning and educating others on how we can keep our state great. THE TAKE CARE OF TEXAS VIDEO CONTEST The Take Care of Texas Video Contest. The Take Care of Texas Video Contest is a fun way for young people to learn about protecting the environment and come up with creative ways to share this knowledge with others! Students film a 30-second video that shows positive ways to Take Care of Texas. The students that submit the best videos can

win

HOW TO GET THE BEST LAWN ON THE BLOCK If your grass is growing quickly, mow more often but never remove more than 30 percent of the blade. Keep your mower’s blades clean and sharp for clean cuts and better performance. Lawns cut with dull blades lose moisture faster and are more prone to disease. Mow when the grass is dry. Leave grass clippings on the lawn after mowing. WHAT DO I DO WITH USED BATTERIES? Single-use batteries are used in a variety of electronics and include alkaline, carbon zinc, mercuric-oxide, silver-oxide, zinc-air, and lithium batteries. These are 9-volt, D, C, AA, AAA batteries, as well as coin and button batteries. These are found in remote controls, car keyless entry remotes, watches, hearing aids, flash lights, and other HOW TO KEEP PESKY MOSQUITOES OUT OF YOUR RAIN BARREL Keep Mosquitoes at Bay. Prevent your rain barrel from serving as a mosquito breeding ground. These pests can get through any openings larger than those in a window screen. So, a well-sealed screen will help prevent mosquitoes from entering the barrel and laying eggs. Be sure all openings, including the overflow, are covered with a screen. IS IT ILLEGAL TO PICK BLUEBONNETS? There is actually no law that prohibits picking bluebonnets in Texas, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. However, in certain areas it may be illegal or dangerous. Also, it’s important to be courteous and take care of the flowers so that all Texans can enjoy them. Keep reading to learn the dos and don’ts of picking

bluebonnets.

DEBUNKING GREEN MARKETING CLAIMS First issued in 1992, the FTC’s Green Guides have since been revised in 1996, 1998, and 2012. The most recent revisions include direction on marketers’ use of product certifications and seals of approval, claims about materials and “renewable” energy sources, and “carbon offset” claims. Overall, the guidance they provide

includes

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ALL TEXANS HAVE A PART TO PLAY IN PRESERVING OUR EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY

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Take Care of Texas is a statewide campaign from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality that provides helpful information on Texas’ successes in environmental protection and encourages all Texans to help keep our air and water clean, conserve water and energy, reduce waste, and save a little money in the process! Thank you for doing your part to Take Care of Texas. And, remember—Texas has clean air, rivers, lakes, and bays, so get outdoors and enjoy them!

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NATIONAL MOSQUITO CONTROL AWARENESS WEEK National Mosquito Control Awareness Week... ECO-COUPONS AS ECO-FRIENDLY GIFTS Do you remember those DIY coupons with redeemable activities or chores you made as gifts?... TEND TO YOUR HEART WHILE TENDING YOUR YARD Gardening can soothe the soul. We have a yardcare guidebook to ensure

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AWESOME OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES IN TEXAS Readers of this blog are dedicated to taking care of Texas, but don’t forget to get out and enjoy our state, too. ... EL RIO BRAVO DEL NORTE - THE FIERCE RIVER OF THE NORTH The Rio Grande is a river with a history as deep as the canyons it cuts. Texas is proud of the Rio Grande River and its story is one to

be shared....

AND THE WINNER IS... Read about our 2021 Kids Art Contest Winner ... BAT BOXES: HELP TEXAS BATS BOUNCE BACK While Take Care of Texas focuses on how humans can take action to protect our state, native wildlife also play an essential role in

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THE TEXAS 20

Earth Day, observed on Thursday, April 22 this year, is the annual celebration of our planet and a yearly reminder of our collective

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SIMPLE WAYS TO TAKE CARE OF TEXAS Take Care of Texas PSA with Randy Rogers and

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HOW TEXANS ARE DOING THEIR PART I use a rain barrel to collect rainwater for watering my outdoor plants; its better for the plants and easier on my water bill. Sometimes I even use the rainwater to wash my dog! - CYNTHIA R. RICHARDSON

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